43k-Mile Survivor: 1985 Buick LeSabre Estate

The Estate was Buick’s top-of-the-line station wagon from 1940 to 1964 and then again from 1970 to 1996. The 1977 to 1990 editions were smaller than before, thanks to downsizing for better fuel economy, but without sacrificing passenger space. In 1985, 13,366 of the wagons were built and consumed, and the seller’s edition is a well-preserved survivor. Located in Cincinnati, Ohio, this oversized transport is being sold from an estate (how appropriate) and is available without reserve here on eBay. The current ante is just $2,675.

This wagon was based on the LeSabre and shouldn’t be confused with the even larger Roadmaster. This is a well-equipped transport that managed to not have faux woodgrain paneling applied over the dark blue paint. Now 41 years old, this Buick has only seen 43,000 carefully maintained miles. We’re told it’s rust-free, and the finish is the one applied at the factory. It’s not perfect, but most wagons aren’t held for Concours-quality events. The matching interior is in even better shape and awaits a full complement of passengers.

Under the hood resides a 307 cubic inch V8, which was supplied by GM’s Oldsmobile division (they were sharing engines by the 1980s). It has a 4-barrel carburetor for a little more giddyap and has an automatic transmission. We’re told it’s a “blast” to drive and needs no work. There is no reason to believe this Buick isn’t up to making a cross-country excursion.

The big question may be what you would do with this wagon if you bought it? This Estate was built before SUVs began to litter the landscape in mass numbers. The seller says this is a $10-12,000 wagon per NADA, so how high is the bidding likely to go? With rear-wheel drive, this vehicle is a throwback to another era, not so long ago.