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Buick Special Estate Wagon

Category:

Description

The Buick Special Estate Wagon was a stylish and practical entry in Buick’s postwar lineup, offering a combination of utility, comfort, and signature Buick flair. As part of the Special series—Buick’s most accessible and affordable model line—the Estate Wagon brought family-friendly versatility to the brand’s trademark smooth performance and elegant design.

During the late 1940s and early 1950s, the Estate Wagon stood out with its distinctive bodywork. Early models featured genuine wood paneling along the sides and tailgate, echoing the “woody” style popular at the time. This wood was often crafted with rich, warm tones and carefully joined sections, giving the car a handcrafted look. As manufacturing evolved, later versions shifted to all-steel construction with simulated woodgrain trim, maintaining the classic appearance with less maintenance.

Under the hood, the Special Estate Wagon was typically powered by Buick’s 248 cubic inch inline-eight engine, an overhead-valve design known for its smoothness and durability. Paired with either a manual transmission or the optional Dynaflow automatic, the wagon delivered reliable, relaxed performance—ideal for long trips or daily errands.

Inside, the Estate Wagon provided a spacious, comfortable cabin with bench seating and generous cargo capacity. Materials varied depending on the model year but often included durable cloth or leatherette upholstery, with bright metal trim and a functional dashboard layout. The rear seats could be folded down to expand cargo space, making it a practical choice for families, travelers, or those needing light utility capability.

Despite its utility, the Special Estate Wagon didn’t compromise on style. Chrome bumpers, whitewall tires, and Buick’s signature VentiPorts gave it the same visual identity as the sedans and coupes in the lineup. It was a car that looked just as at home parked at the country club as it did at the local market.

Today, the Buick Special Estate Wagon is appreciated by collectors for its blend of classic station wagon charm, postwar American styling, and solid Buick engineering. Surviving wood-bodied versions are especially prized, representing a unique chapter in the evolution of the American family car.

Additional information

Manufacturer

Buick

Country

USA

Production Started

1958

Production Stopped

1958

Vehicle Type

Bodystyle

Combi, Wagon, STW

Number of Doors

5

Number of Seats

6

Top Speed

109 mph (175 kph)

0-60 mph (0-100 kph)

13 s

Power

187 / 254 / 251 @ 4400 rpm

Torque

515 / 380 @ 2400 rpm

Engine Manufacturer

Buick

Engine

V8

Engine Location

Front

Engine Displacement

5957 cc (361.8 cu in)

Valvetrain

OHV

Valves per Cylinder

2

Bore / Stroke

104.8 x 86.4 mm (4.126 x 3.402 in)

Compression Ratio

9.5:1

Cooling System

Water

Charging System

Fuel Type

Petrol

Fuel System

Carburator, 1 x Carter

Aspiration

Normal

Fuel Capacity

Drive

Rear

Transmission

A2

Steering

Front Brakes

Rear Brakes

Front Suspension

Rear Suspension

Tyre Dimensions

Chassis

Weight

1995 kg (4398 lb)

Length

5380 mm (211.8 in)

Width

1984 mm (78.1 in)

Height

1458 mm (57.4 in)

Wheelbase

3099 mm (122 in)