Vehicle Description
Sure, this one has everything you like from the '50s - a real
woodie, rounded fenders, and plenty of chrome. But the reason why
this 1950 Buick Super Estate wagon is a true collector's car is the
fact that it's a real craftsman body with a terrific story to
tell.
Driving a Buick in the '50s was about being the quietly interesting
and wealthy gentleman in town, and this Super wagon fits that
perfectly. We have a magazine feature telling the history of how it
was purchased new by C. Markland Kelly, a Baltimore Buick dealer
and local politician. So this has the right look of being
established in society without being too flashy. After all, the
factory-correct Royal Maroon has a boldness similar to red, but the
deeper tone gives it added sophistication. The wagon was restored
in the mid-1980s, and so the finish has a good gloss from proper
respect. But it has also aged just right so that this looks like a
true classic. And so this one is impressive just as much for the
straightness for the body as it is for the exceptionally low
mileage for a 70+ year-old classic. And of course, there's the real
wood upper frame. This is a mixture of white ash and mahogany that
has a terrific look of originality, right down to the joints. And
the varnish on the lumber looks good against the gloss of the
paint. It's an amazing craftsman style that many people likely
wanted but few took home. These were crafted by the wagon masters
at Iona Manufacturing instead of Fisher Body, and so these were
expensive. That means a mass manufacturer like General Motors only
produced 2,480 Super Estate woodies in 1950. With that kind of
premium and rarity in mind, it's great to have such a clean and
complete car. Buicks were known for their toothy grille, massive
bumpers, and trim that provides a sweeping down the body. Not only
is all of that complete on this rare wagon, but the details are
right, too, like the bombsight hood ornament, three porthole side,
and the smooth hubcaps. It even has the best accessories, like the
period-correct windshield sunshade, whitewall tires, and a full
roof rack.
The handsome interior has a beautiful maroon style to coordinate
with the exterior. The plush carpeting, leather upholstery, and
wraparound dash all look great. Sit in the driver's seat, and you
are treated to an art deco masterpiece. The steering wheel is
purely built for style with a full chrome trim ring and special
crest in the center. The round gauges with stainless faces feel
more like timepieces. This has a terrific vintage atmosphere with
details like the working clock, traffic light viewer, rear vent
windows, and working dome light. Even Buick's classic AM radio is
still in place and playing the old-time tunes. The only addition
you're likely to spot is an air conditioning system (it will need
servicing to blow cold again.) Part of this car's story documents
how this was added at a great expense to add comfort without being
intrusive on the vintage setup. It helps to highlight just how well
this one has been respected over the decades.
The piano-style hinge of the hood is always something that draws
attention at car shows. Once the crowds start to gather, they'll
marvel at the motor's original condition, right down to the correct
carb and generator. The "KBS" on the firewall is even believed to
be for Kelley Buick Service. At the center is Buick's famous
Fireball 8 under the hood. The 263 cubic-inch straight-eight is
known for being smooth, and that feeling is heightened by the
Dynaflow automatic transmission.
The sale comes complete with the owner's manual and the Woodie
Times feature history on this car. This is truly a special wagon,
and so if you know what kind of rare opportunity this is, then you
know you need to act quickly. Call today!!!
