When director Richard Donner died in 2021, he left behind a legacy of beloved films that included “Superman,” “The Goonies,” and “Lethal Weapon.” He also left behind something automotive enthusiasts will remember: a collection of vintage cars, such as a 1965 Porsche 356 SC Cabriolet and 1955 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn. Another vehicle from that assortment is our Pick of the Day: this 1949 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon that is listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Concord, North Carolina.
Just like his movies, Donner’s cars are classics. As an American “woodie” wagon with a straight-eight under its hood, this Roadmaster is a great example. Just look at it—the chrome grille and bumpers, Buick’s soon-to-be-signature Ventiports, bright trim (but not too much!), and whitewall tires. The two-tone woodwork highlights the greenhouse and the graceful slant to the rear end, and makes it clear that this Buick came from an era in which woodies were made with trees, not vinyl panels.
Some vehicles are more visually striking on the outside than they are on the inside, but this Roadmaster is not one of them. The handsome maroon on the body extends to the dashboard, which houses gorgeous gauges with ribbed silver dials and gold numbers and markers, and the original push-button AM radio. There’s also more two-tone wood trim on the door panels; between those are two rows of bench seats that were reupholstered in a shade of tan vinyl that coordinates perfectly with its surroundings.
Even the cargo area is beautiful. When’s the last time you said that about a modern car? Everything there, from the back of the second-row bench to the load floor to the tailgate’s inner panel, is covered with wood panels connected by metal strips. And check out out those latches!
The long, domed hood covers a Fireball 320ci straight-eight that was factory-rated at 150 horsepower. A two-speed Dynaflow automatic channels the Fireball’s power through the rear end to get this classic cruising.
Aside from its looks, the beauty of this 1949 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon is that it’s a part of Richard Donner’s legacy that can be enjoyed by the driver, passengers, and even onlookers everywhere it goes—not just on a screen. You can make this piece of postwar automotive and Hollywood history yours for $81,995.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com