For Sale: 1949 Buick Super in Chicago, Illinois

RARE AS 1 OF 1,847 PRODUCEDHIGHLY ORIGINAL VEHICLE WITH 1 QUALITY REPAINTOWNED SINCE 1989 BY A RESPECTED LOCAL COLLECTOROHV BUICK STRAIGHT-8/DYNAFLOW AUTOMATIC WELL-PRESERVED AND HIGHLY ORIGINAL INTERIOR EQUIPPED WITH DESIRABLE PERIOD ACCESSORIESOUTSTANDING MECHANICAL CONDITION AND DRIVABILITYREBUILT ORIGINAL RADIO SPEAKERSFRESHLY DETAILED AND READY TO SHOW AND ENJOY! Following the pent-up public demand of the postwar automotive buyers market, Harley Earls famed GM styling studios ushered in a succession of fresh new designs with the 1948 Cadillac line, followed for 1949 with exciting new bodies for the other GM divisions. Buick models for 49 now featured aircraft-inspired ventiports across the board along the front fenders, including the Special line, which included the updated Estate Wagon. While wooden body content was reduced to the window surrounds and tailgate, it was still structural in nature and conferred an elegant and upscale character to these stylish family haulers. Pricing was from $3,178 and just 1,847 were produced for 1949.This 1949 Buick Super Estate Wagon is a rare and highly original example, with a repaint performed prior to its purchase in 1989 by Frank Opalka, of Evanston, Illinois. In addition to being an accomplished racing driver, Mr. Opalka is well-known for his foreign-car business on Davis Street, specializing in luxury and sports cars in partnership with Rolls-Royce expert Larry Courtney. Among his many exploits, Mr. Opalka was a stunt driver of a police cruiser in the massive chase sequences near the end of the hit 1980 comedy movie, The Blues Brothers. This 1949 Buick Super was a cherished possession of Mr. Opalka, a true enthusiast who drove the car numerous times on his annual pilgrimage to the world-famous AACA Eastern Region Fall Meet at Hershey, Pennsylvania.A recent review and test drive of the car at The Last Detail confirms the Super Estate Wagons excellent, tour-ready mechanical condition, including tight and responsive steering action, superb brakes, and uncanny smoothness while cruising the highway with its robust 8-cylinder OHV Buick engine and Dynaflow automatic transmission. The high-quality exterior paint finish was recently polished and continues to shine nicely. The interior and upholstery appear original, as do the wooden roof bows. The original radio was recently rebuilt and operates like new. While the carpets are worn somewhat and could be replaced, and some small dings are present in areas of the bright exterior trim, this rare postwar classic clearly benefits from the loving care given to it by Mr. Opalka during his many years of stewardship and enjoyment. Other features include front bumper guards, a steel windshield visor, and accessory chrome exhaust tip, plus steel wheels mounting full hub caps, trim rings, and period style whitewall tires. A very nice example of a true postwar American icon, this rare and very attractive 1949 Buick Super Estate Wagon is a high-quality classic vehicle with well-known, long-term prior ownership and care. Sound mechanicals and drivability make it a compelling choice for enjoyable touring. Contact us today to see it for yourself and get ready to enjoy it in the beautiful fall colors with friends and family!