I think that it would be safe to say that most of our Barn Finds readers will have a wish list of classics they would park in their garage if space and money were no objects. I have, and it’s also a pretty eclectic one. While it would feature the obligatory Mustang, Trans Am, and a few Europeans, it would also include a Buick Roadmaster Estate. I have had many station wagons as company cars, but I’ve never actually owned one myself. I find that a major failing on my part, but it is one that I may get to rectify at some point. In the meantime, one of our knowledgeable readers could become the next proud owner of this 1993 Estate. It isn’t perfect, but it is a tidy survivor that would turn heads on the street or at a Cars & Coffee. The owner has decided that the time is right to part with this gentle giant, so they have listed it for sale here on Craigslist. It is located in Greenville, South Carolina, and it could be yours for a very affordable $8,500. Once again, Barn Finder Larry D has demonstrated his ability to spot a gem. So thank you for referring this one, Larry.

Before we delve too deeply into this Buick’s condition, I’ll address the elephant in the room. The Riddler wheels that the wagon currently rolls on aren’t original and are a recent addition made by the owner. They will almost certainly divide opinion, and they aren’t my cup of tea. If you are the next owner and you like them, you’ll have nothing to worry about. If you feel the same as me, there’s still nothing over which to lose sleep. The owner has retained the standard wheels, and he includes them in the sale. The Medium Maui Blue paint that graces the Roadmaster’s flanks is original. The vehicle has no known history of restoration work or accident repairs. The paint holds an impressive shine, and while the owner admits that it has flaws and defects, none are visible in the supplied photos. The best news surrounds the faux-woodgrain that this wagon wears. It appears to also be in good condition, and this is a significant consideration in a vehicle of this age. It can be prone to damage and doesn’t respond well to repairs. Replacing a single panel is fraught with drama because the fading of age can make achieving a decent color match close to impossible. In those cases, the most logical move would be to replace the lot. However, this would leave no change out of $700, and when we consider the wagon’s potential value, it is an expense that is best avoided. There is no evidence of rust, and the trim is in good order for a vehicle of this age. The glass roof panel should reduce feelings of claustrophobia for rear seat occupants, and its condition is as impressive as the rest of the glass. Overall, it appears that this Buick has no immediate cosmetic needs and could be driven proudly as an original survivor.

For enthusiasts with their eyes firmly focused on performance potential, you are probably disappointed that this Roadmaster is a 1993 model. Both it and the 1994 model rolled off the line equipped with a 350ci V8 and a four-speed automatic transmission, but the difference between the two motors was like night and day. The 1993 Roadmaster found itself pumping out 180hp, but the improved LT1 that Buick slotted in for the following model year churned out 260hp. Still, I guess that we can’t have it all. The reality is that there is nothing wrong with this version of the 350, and it should offer performance that would satisfy all but the most hardened enthusiast. For a station wagon that tips the scales well beyond 4,500lbs, the 17.9-second ¼-mile ET is nothing to complain about. There’s not a lot to say here because the engine bay of this Roadmaster presents perfectly. It doesn’t flatter to deceive because the owner says that the vehicle drives like it did when it was new. It seems that if someone is searching for a classic where they can fly in and drive home, this could be it.

Just because a vehicle is designed to cart a large tribe, there’s no reason why that experience should be an uncomfortable one. Buick had your back here because the Roadmaster Estate features no shortage of luxury touches. These include a driver’s airbag, ice-cold air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power seats, remote exterior mirrors, a tilt wheel, cruise control, and an AM/FM radio and cassette player. If that isn’t enough, the vehicle is also equipped with third-row seating. That makes this Buick a genuine seven-seater. Classic station wagons were generally bought as practical family transport, and it is common for their interiors to look tired as time passes. This Buick hasn’t suffered that fate because its interior presents well for its age. The leather upholstery on the seats is free from any flaws beyond the usual creases that are an almost obligatory characteristic of this material type. The remaining upholstered surfaces are in excellent order, as are the dash and carpet. Once again, this aspect of the Buick would appear to need nothing.

I have previously lamented the passing of the larger station wagon, and I still harbor a belief that they are gone forever. SUVs, people movers, and minivans have all done their worst, and I believe that we are now beyond the point of no return as a new car option. I am happy to see tidy examples like this appear on the market because they clearly indicate that not all station wagons lived a hard life. If I were in a position where it was viable, I would be tempted to pursue this Roadmaster further. It isn’t perfect, but it is well-preserved, and with its lavish equipment levels, it should make any journey feel like a special occasion. I can’t think of a downside to that idea. Can you?