For Sale: 1950 Buick Estate Wagon in Mesa, Arizona

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!!!