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1950 Buick Roadmaster Wrecker Defines ‘Americarnage’

The 1950s were indeed a simpler time. World War II had come to a close, and America was boarding the prosperity wagon. Innovation ran deep, too, evident in this example of post-WWII engineering.

This is a 1950 Buick Roadmaster wrecker. During the Great Depression, former luxury cars were often converted into wreckers, per Hemmings. However, the trend mostly died off as America went to war. But, this 1950 Buick is evidence some trends remained into the 1950s.

The vehicle is for sale, with the seller noting the mechanics of the car are remarkable, stating, “I believe this wrecker was custom built in the mid 1950’s by a Buick dealership near or in Oakland, California. The workmanship is superb. The boom actually retracts into the floor of the bed.”

The seller discovered the 1950 Buick wrecker in a collection years ago in California. Since the purchase, it has been stored until these most recent photos were taken of it. It’s also stated the car runs fine, stops and is ready for wrecking duty should it come to that.

With a price tag of $45,000, it’s sure to find a home. Alas, a PipBoy is not included.

Former GM Authority staff writer.

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Comments

  1. Love the fallout ref.

    Reply
  2. Roof is from Corvette hardtop.

    Could have also been a funeral flower car.

    Reply
  3. Too many portholes for my taste…

    Reply
  4. Does anybody know where this car/wrecker is?

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  5. this buick was built in susanville, Ca by the owner of a Buick dealership, two wrecked buicks it took to make this, I grew up in Susanville and remember thie wrecker well…………………….JUST THE FACTS

    Reply
  6. Hi Mr. Chuck … Just for fun, I’d like to find this truck … A) is it for sale? or B) can its owner contact me so I can write an article in American Towman Magazine?

    Reply
  7. Hi Mr. Chuck, I am interested in this Buick truck to have it or 50’s any GM car-pickup welcome.

    Reply
  8. I seen one I was interested in nice shape he did alot work on it and a tree fell on it and broke
    The back window and the rear of trunk so I was looking at buying it and turn it into a truck
    Yes you got it a Roadmaster truck hotrod

    Reply
  9. Where is the the Big tow now?

    Reply

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