Master of the Road: 63k-Mile 1995 Buick Roadmaster Limited Estate Wagon

During the early- to mid-1990s, GM decided to send their big platform cars out with a bang in the form of the Cadillac Brougham, Buick Roadmaster, Oldsmobile 98, and Chevrolet Caprice Classic/Impala. Other engines were used in the 1991-1996 GM biggies, but by 1994, a modified 350ci LT1 V8 engine and 4-speed automatic transmission became the standard of the family. The Roadmaster was Buick’s top-of-the-line luxury liner, so aside from all the leather, there’s also a forest of wood trim, power accessories and amenities, a trick center console, full instrumentation, air conditioning, and a whole lot more. Selling in the low- to mid-$30k range when new, it was a pricey ride indeed. They’re unapologetically huge with long, tall, wide and even bulbous styling. They weren’t for everyone, but they spoke volumes to a few who appreciated the truly full size, rear drive cars this country was built on.

Today, finding one in decent shape is a little bit of a challenge, but this one seems pretty sharp, albeit packing a few personalized touches. That said, we think the touches are well executed and add to the allure of the car. The vehicle in question, of course, is a 1995 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon. Finished in white with the requisite wood applique side panels, the windows have been tinted, 18” 5-spoke polished aluminum Torq Thrust wheels with low-profile tires have been installed, and the chassis has been lowered 2”, giving the ‘Roadie’ a remarkably muscular look. Acres of tan leather swath the interior, which is largely factory issue, except for a tightly installed subwoofer linked to an Alpine stereo with Sirius Satellite Radio. Under the hood, the engine has been treated to a K&N Filtercharger and Flowmaster exhaust, giving it a little more power and a throatier sound. The paint, body, and wood applique on this one look to be impeccable, which sustains through the interior and under the hood. With just over 60k miles, the car likely has a lot of life left in it and a cool factor that edges out a lot of alternatives. Plus, it’s got seating for up to eight people, or plenty of room for just about anything – like a stack of plywood. And they’re getting harder and harder to find in good condition.