BUICK ROADMASTER

The Buick Roadster was built from 1936-1958. They were built on Buick's longest non-limousine wheelbase, sharing their basic structure with the entry level Cadillac.  It weighed in at 4,098 pounds, 88 pounds heavier than Cadillac's Series 60. 

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The 1936 Buick adopted an all steel turret top and hydraulic brakes. Coil springs were in the front.

Important changes were made to both engine and chassis in 1938, featuring a longer hood extending to a now nearly vertical grill, taller bumper guards and redesigned hubcaps. Rear leaf springs were replaced with coil springs, supported by double-acting shock absorbers that were some four times the size of any others on the market. 

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By 1942, new automobiles were available only to those in occupations deemed essential to the war effort. Cars had no exterior chrome trim except for the bumpers.

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Post-war models had a stamped grille and the Roadmaster name appeared in red-filled script on a chrome button within the bumper guard crossbars, front and rear.

 

All new was an Estate wagon body style. It sold 300 units and instantly became the top of the line in the station wagon market. 

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1958 Roadmasters were the first full size Buick that had 12" 45-fin aluminum drums with cast iron liner, in 1958 thru 1965 all Buicks came with 12" 45-fin aluminum drums, which proved to be the best in the industry.