[MOC] 1950 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon

[brickhead_07]

Finally a 50s car again!

The 1950 Buick

In 1949, Buick introduced a completely new model, but General Motors decided to update the styling of Buick models in 1950. This included the iconic Sweepspear silhouette, four portholes in the hood, and the buck-tooth grille. The 1950 Buick Roadmaster was available as a four-door sedan, Riviera hardtop, convertible, and Estate Wagon, which made extensive use of real tree wood. The Estate Wagon models produced from 1950 to 1953 were the last Buicks to feature real structural wood. Additionally, there were Deluxe versions of the Riviera and sedan, both confusingly named "Riviera." The Roadmaster Sedanettes were also available, but due to slow sales, they were discontinued after the 1950 model year, making them highly sought-after by collectors today.

The Buicks produced during this time represent the last of the long-running overhead valve straight eight engines, which still produced approximately 150 horsepower in the Roadmaster. The smaller Buick Special retained its straight eight in 1953 before the entire line received V8 power in 1954.

What are Woodies?

Wood-bodied station wagons, affectionaly known a Woodies, may be gone, but are certainly not forgotten. Originally invented to transport train passengers and their luggage, they became a american icon and also a huge part of the surf culture.
Around 1920, car manufacturers started to combine the easy-to-work-on metal and good-looking and structural wood. Wood for cars was used for 30 more years, but it was getting a more and more rare. This Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon was built in 1950 when the real woody era was slowly ending. In 1953 the Buick Roadmaster was the last car that used structural wood. From then on, wood was only used as a trim piece and got replaced by wood foil in the 1960s.

About my MOC

As always, I had lots of fun designing this model because these shapes are something I've never done before. This model would fit great in line with my other station wagons like my '40 Ford Deluxe Station Wagon and my '59 Ford Country Squire I'm really happy with the end result, I think the Dark Green goes great together with the Tan and Dark Orange of the wood.
This car unfortunately doesn't have an detailed interior and does not support minifigs. I tried my best but more wasn't . The model is about 8.8 studs wide, 23.3 studs long and 7 bricks high. This model should be quite stable, so you can use this model as a display piece but you can also play with it.
The instructions for this model are easy to follow and for free. If you want to modify this model, no problem, just download the Stud.io 3D file and start building. If there are any problems with the instructions, please contact me.

I spent a lot of time and effort in this model so I would be happy if you reply to this topic!

I plan on building more versions of this car, so stay tuned.

It's beautiful! --- It's Brawny! --- It's Buick's alone! --  Advert for the new 1950 Buick grille

 

You can find instructions for this model on my Rebrickable page

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 27, 2023 by brickhead_07

[franzal]

The old Buick advert you mentioned fits here perfectly, too:

It's beautiful!!!!! 

[Silverhurst]

This is why I love 8 studs wide!!!

[brickhead_07]

@Silverhurst, @franzal Thank you very much!

[Redhead1982]

I'm not big on cars, but this one is an eye-catcher. Color combination is neat and the curves on the sides are interesting. Looks like a lot of detail in a very compact model. Well done.

[brickhead_07]

@Redhead1982 I'm glad you like it!