Basic information and history

Postwar America had a taste for extravagance, style, and confidence – and few cars capture that spirit better than the 1949 Buick Roadmaster Eight.

This car represents Buick’s flagship for the model year, with its wide, commanding front end, elegant lines, and the now-iconic ventiports on the front fenders. Under the hood sits the legendary Fireball Straight Eight engine, displacing 5.2 liters and paired with an automatic transmission, delivering a smooth and effortless driving experience that perfectly matches the comfortable interior.

The Roadmaster was renowned for its whisper-quiet ride and soft, floating comfort, but also for its presence – a car that didn’t just take you from point A to point B, but did so with style and authority. It was the very best Buick had to offer and quickly became a favorite among businessmen, movie stars, and anyone who wanted to make an impression.

This example is a piece of rolling American postwar history, ready to continue its journey with the next enthusiast who appreciates chrome, class, and that special character that only a Buick Roadmaster can deliver.The car was imported from Charlotte, North Carolina, USA and came to Sweden through a passionate search – the seller found it on Craigslist and managed to get it purchased with the help of a friend. Not much is known about previous owners, but the last American owner was Rune Rolfsten, of Norwegian background, whose documentation comes with the car. With the odometer reading of 107,200 km , this is an unusually well-preserved Roadmaster, and the condition of both the body and interior makes the car stand out from the crowd.

Fun fact The seller searched for this particular model for a long time and bought the car as soon as it appeared in the USA – an enthusiast purchase from the very beginning!

Equipment and options

1. Added AC (hoses to the interior not routed)
2. Upgraded to 12 volt AC power
3. Electric cooling fan, controls under dashboard
4. Electric fuel pump, switched on via button under dashboard (to prime carburetor)
5. Double assembly with carburetor (not original)
6. Modern gas shock absorbers instead of original hydraulic shock absorbers
7. Wide white Coker tires (almost new, about 150 miles used)

Several improvements have been made for better reliability and drivability: The car has been converted to a 12V system, an electric fan and fuel pump have been added, and the original shock absorbers have been replaced with modern gas shock absorbers. It has also been equipped with a dual carburetor assembly and an additional AC (hoses to the interior still need to be installed). The fenders, hood and chrome strips have been replaced with fine original parts.

Condition

Body and paint: Renovated body with nice used fenders and hood, the paint is very nice but has minor repairs. The undercarriage is bare, and the luggage floor has a hole (approx. 25x60 mm) at the rear. The chrome and moldings are mostly in good condition, the taillights and rear handle to the boot show some "pitting". Make sure to study the pictures closely as they're part of the vehicle description.

Glass and headlight lenses: Original windshield with some delamination at the edges, other windows tinted and in good condition.

Interior: Very nice interior, almost in new condition, including original headliner. Steering wheel, controls and buttons in very good condition, however there are two cracks in the steering wheel, one of which has a gap of about 1.5–2 mm.

Tires and rims: New Coker tires with wide white sidewall, only about 1500 kilometers used.

Mechanics and function: The engine is in very nice and renovated condition, the brakes are good but without servo assistance. The gearbox and driveline are in good working order, however there is some leakage at the output shaft of the gearbox. All modified and improved systems work as described.

Service history

Service and maintenance: Last oil and filter change was performed just over a year ago. The car was inspected and registered in Sweden on July 12, 2017 with a passing result.

Included is a binder with history, various receipts and documents from previous owner Rune Rolfsen, which confirms the car's history and maintenance.

Summary

For those who want to own a legendary American roaring car in exceptionally fine condition, this 1949 Buick Eight Roadmaster is a hard-to-beat opportunity. With lavish restoration, modern improvements and an unusual and documented import history, this is a real gem for the collector or enthusiast who wants something out of the ordinary – a car with soul, history and driving pleasure .

Experience a classic Buick where the feeling from the fifties lives on – ready to be shown off at rallies, cruising or in your own collection!