Buick Roadmaster.
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GM just showed the all-new Buick Electra GS concept a couple of days ago. A large EV sedan for the Chinese market. However, no actual production plans have been released so far. But you know something like this is coming, at least in China, where sedans are still very popular.
And how about a wagon as well? Buick did show the Electra LT wagon concept last year. Again, targeted to the Chinese market. Where wagons are also popular. The last Buick Roadmaster Wagon was produced back in 1996. And I think it’s time to revive the name for a new model.
The Roadmaster was one of Buick‘s most famous models and started life in 1936. It wasn’t produced all the way to 1996 without any interruptions. As there was no Roadmaster produced in 1944 and 1945. And especially, the name was discontinued after 1958. Production started again for one last generation from 1991 to 1996.
After 33 years, the Buick Roadmaster returned in 1991 and shared its B-body platform with the Chevrolet Caprice sedan and wagon. As well as the Oldsmobile custom cruiser. The Cadillac version of these cars used a slightly different D-body platform.
Sales were pretty impressive in 1992, with over 70,000 sold. However, by 1996, that number had gone down to 21,500. GM discontinued the whole thing. By then, large sedans weren’t a thing anymore. and huge wagons like the Roadmaster were already being replaced by large SUVs.
Still, it seems that after almost 30 years, more people are getting tired of SUVs. A large wagon would be quite refreshing these days. These last-generation Buick Roadmaster wagons are actually pretty popular in the used car market these days.
GM has a very versatile Ultium platform already used on many vehicles of different sizes. An Ultium-based large Buick wagon wouldn’t seem to be an impossible thing to do.
I also think Buick could offer something sleeker and better-looking than the new Enclave. Which seems to me like a step back from the previous generation.
A large “wagon-type” luxurious vehicle could be a way for Buick to offer something a bit different…
Vince, love the idea and love the name! C’mon, Buick!