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Between 1936 and 1958, and then between 1991 and 1996, the Buick Roadmaster was one of Buick's flagship vehicles. It was certainly their largest.
Proudly borne when the big machine was the car you wanted to be seen in, the Roadmaster was beloved for its oversized engine, insufficient trunk and massive seats. Everything considered counter-productive in today’s more sheepish, eco-conscious market. The Buick Roadster is one of the most masculine vehicles to ever come off an assembly line and the kind of guy that drove it would probably giggle at some of these responsible cars on the road now. They’d probably wonder if they could bench press them.
Mind you, the Buick Roadster still has plenty of admirers, especially among the iterations designed in the 1990s. That period started with a station wagon, replacing Buick’s Estate Wagon. A year later, in 1992, Buick released a sedan that more resembled other full sized GM models, even sharing many parts. Between 1994 and 1996, the Buick Roadmaster transmission went from the old analog tech to an electronic version.
That final year would see the second official discontinuation of this classic car (the first being in 1958). Many saw it as an inevitable conclusion as the smaller, more luxurious vehicles with their fuel efficiency began populating the roads. Buick did take a stab in that direction with the LeSabre, an obvious Roadmaster.
Others have said the SUV killed the Buick Roadmaster. The SUV has, in general, been held responsible for the end of the big car, especially the family station wagon. SUVs were large, energy efficient vehicles with stunning trims and designs, and offered a lot more room compared to the old fashioned, almost clunky Roadmaster. It was pretty much the end of the American full sized car.
This didn't ring the death knell for the vehicle though. Even after Buick shut down its manufacturing, an armored Buick Roadmaster was utilized by Canada’s prime minister during his ten year term in office. He was not alone. Even today many are keeping their Buick Roadster in pristine condition, or trying to return one to its original state. Popular Mechanic called it one of the best vehicles to have when the world ends. They believe its powerful engine will come in handy for quick escapes and, with a body built to last, be good for running down zombies.
Let’s see one of those newer, fuel efficient puny cars get on that list.
Proudly borne when the big machine was the car you wanted to be seen in, the Roadmaster was beloved for its oversized engine, insufficient trunk and massive seats. Everything considered counter-productive in today’s more sheepish, eco-conscious market. The Buick Roadster is one of the most masculine vehicles to ever come off an assembly line and the kind of guy that drove it would probably giggle at some of these responsible cars on the road now. They’d probably wonder if they could bench press them.
Mind you, the Buick Roadster still has plenty of admirers, especially among the iterations designed in the 1990s. That period started with a station wagon, replacing Buick’s Estate Wagon. A year later, in 1992, Buick released a sedan that more resembled other full sized GM models, even sharing many parts. Between 1994 and 1996, the Buick Roadmaster transmission went from the old analog tech to an electronic version.
That final year would see the second official discontinuation of this classic car (the first being in 1958). Many saw it as an inevitable conclusion as the smaller, more luxurious vehicles with their fuel efficiency began populating the roads. Buick did take a stab in that direction with the LeSabre, an obvious Roadmaster.
Others have said the SUV killed the Buick Roadmaster. The SUV has, in general, been held responsible for the end of the big car, especially the family station wagon. SUVs were large, energy efficient vehicles with stunning trims and designs, and offered a lot more room compared to the old fashioned, almost clunky Roadmaster. It was pretty much the end of the American full sized car.
This didn't ring the death knell for the vehicle though. Even after Buick shut down its manufacturing, an armored Buick Roadmaster was utilized by Canada’s prime minister during his ten year term in office. He was not alone. Even today many are keeping their Buick Roadster in pristine condition, or trying to return one to its original state. Popular Mechanic called it one of the best vehicles to have when the world ends. They believe its powerful engine will come in handy for quick escapes and, with a body built to last, be good for running down zombies.
Let’s see one of those newer, fuel efficient puny cars get on that list.
