Buick Roadmaster - An Iconic Legend

The Buick Roadmaster was probably the longest lasting model of anyone who produced auto's. First production was in 1936 and the name lived on and off until 1996. The earlier models were renamed after Buick revamped the line up and made engineering changes. Available in any configuration you wanted, there was a Roadmaster to fit all.

The 1950's Roadmaster was when Buick pulled out all the stops. Legendary designer Harley Earl was on board for that unique touch. 1953 was also the year that the last Roadmaster station wagon was built with real wood. As with most car designs of the 1950's, the auto was inspired and built from ideas from the aviation community. Sleek body lines, gun turret hood ornaments, and the famed portholes on the fenders. Plenty of chrome in all the right places finished out the package on an already attractive car. The rounded body shape was also an idea that came from aircraft fuselages.

The powerplant most associated with the Buick's of that era was the Dynaflow over head valve straight 8. Producing a respectable 170 horse power, the car was no speed demon, but a reliable cruiser with class. Matched to an automatic transmission, driving was effortless. In the 50's, cruising, listening to the radio, and seeing all your favorite friends was what it was all about.

"Valve-In-Head Ahead In Value" was the selling phrase for these mass produced luxury cars. America was looking for a quality, affordable auto, and Buick delivered with the Roadmaster.

Mercury Turnpike Cruiser

As we move through the decade known as the fifties, postings will start a lateral movement into the decade. Showcasing some of the retro models and land breaking autos of the decade. One of these is the Mercury Turnpike Cruiser. Following the style of bigger is better, Mercury pulled out all the stops on this rare automobile. Produced for only model years of 1957 and 1958, the car was adorned with features well ahead of it's time.

Standard engine and trnsmission combo was the 368 cubic inch engine and an automatic. Not a powerhouse, this car's main focus was style and comfort. For instance, the rear window lowered for better ventilation throughout the car, and first for the industry was a "seat-o-matic" automatic adjusting front seat. The was further equipped with the first generation cruise control. Twin jet air intakes on the upper corners of the windshield was a direct reflection of the new jet age being ushered in. Most auto's of this decade had aviation inspired body lines. Swooping tail fins, full fender skirting, and a continental tire kit on the trunk. Accenting the fins was a gold anodized trim strip. A striking package combo that was luxurious, yet not too tacky.

The Convertible Cruiser was introduced in 1958 to be the official pace car of the Indianopolis 500. This was the only convertible offered for the line, and the Cruiser was dropped from production after a short two years. Needless to say, the car instantly went into collector status shortly thereafter.

Rolling American iron. This is what defined the decade of the fifties. Stay tuned for more featured auto's.