It’s a shame America fell out of love with the station wagon (thanks, Clark Griswold). Yet it has undoubtedly become a figure of Americana, specifically in postwar culture. A textbook definition of this foregone love affair is ready to cross the auction block at Mecum Kissimmee in a few weeks.
This 1953 Buick Super Estate Wagon sits as pretty as apple pie, awaiting a new buyer to take it home. Previously, the vehicle was part of a private collection, where it was exercised sparingly. The design of the Buick Estate Wagon comes from Harley Earl, who brought the vehicle to life as a centerpiece for Buick’s fiftieth anniversary. The Buick was outfitted with the company’s very first V8 engine and 12-volt electrical system. It also came to be one of the last “woody” American wagons, sitting rightfully as the last wood bodied production car in the United States. This particular ’53 is only one of 1,830 series 59 editions built, branded with number 1,266.
The wagon wears a deep Victoria Maroon Metallic paint hue, while Ash wood makes up the main body sections, allowing Mahogany body panels to show through. Inside, tan leather contrasts the exterior color.
In the performance realm, it features Buick’s 322 Nailhead V8, good for 164-horsepower. The car also employs a Dynaflow automatic transmission. Rounding out the specifications are modern power steering, power brakes, AM-radio and Skylark chromed wheels with white-walls.
The award-winning Buick is expected to fetch between $120,000 and $140,000. The price seems to be a small price to pay for this chapter in American automotive history.
Comments
Beautiful car.