Vehicle Description
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!
