This 1996 Buick Roadmaster Limited is part of an impressive collection of GM vehicles that the seller claims he is winding down. These classic estate wagons have been picking up value-wise over the last few years, especially when equipped with the LT1 V8 that did duty in the Corvette of the same era. While the most desirable of these long-roof models have grandma-owned low mileage, a clean example like this one with all the right options and the LT1 tend to command strong prices regardless of mileage. Find this 161,000-mile example here on craigslist for $11,900, and thanks to Barn Finds reader Pat L. for the submission.
The Roadmaster and its siblings from across the GM lineup were one of the few vehicles that could pull off woodgrain body cladding. While it’s entirely subjective, I feel like white paint with the wood trim is the most handsome combination, and even with higher miles, the bodywork on this Roadmaster appears to be in excellent condition. The details are right, too, with OEM hubcaps still shining nicely and trim pieces like the factory roof rack still fastened to the roof. The wide expanses of glass make the interior a very airy place on these estate wagons, and the rear-facing third-row seat is an enjoyable place to be.
The seller notes that the leather interior is in “like new” condition, and I tend to agree. This is perhaps the best detail about this car as the odometer reading would suggest that the leather seating surfaces should look cracked and dirty; not so. It’s clearly been looked after and the lack of evidence of use on the backseat suggests that there wasn’t much foot traffic going through the rear passenger areas. This example is also loaded up with factory options, including the Twilight Sentinel package, sunroof with sunshade, OEM cassette stereo and equalizer, anti-lock brakes, and much more.
Now here’s the best part about potentially going to inspect this Roadmaster in person: the rest of the seller’s collection. This is definitely the house of a GM fanatic with some sensible European models thrown in for good measure. The Grand Prix sedans look right at home next to the Roadmaster, and one of those McLaren coupes parked next to a Roadmaster would make for an epic 90s GM garage. The listing indicates everything is for sale, so you wouldn’t be breaking the rules to contact the seller about another vehicle in his collection. I am sorely tempted by those Grand Prix’s, especially if they still wear the factory gold mesh wheels. Which car from this collection would you want to make your own?
Located in Reading,PA.
Ah…”The Great White Whale”!
These were great open road cruisers, and coupled with the LT-1, really woke up.
The built in Bazooka Skirts didn’t fit everyone’s tastes, I know Chevy went to an open wheel on the sedan’s.
Really nice example here, looks to have seen a lot of low stress freeway mileage.
I like it….. 👍🤓
What is a Bazooka Skirt?
Bazooka Skirts were used on primarily German tanks in World War II, to add protection to the tracks and suspension/bogie wheels.
The Achilles Heel of a tank, a well placed hit could cripple the vehicle.
I liken the design many auto manufacturers adopted in the 1970’s, of adding partial quarter panel covers over the rear wheels…..my somewhat bent sense of humor!
🤓
They made removing the rear wheels a major pain.
Solid , unbeatable , unparalleled , unmistakable .
A real family joker.
Irreplaceable.
I had one like it. A close up of the round Hood Emblem should say “Collector’s Edition”. The powerful 350c.i. V-8. Nice memories
of many interstate road trips. What a cruiser ride!
Amazing how the asking prices on these has taken off. Just two years ago I was looking for a donor and found several running and driving examples for under $2000, but in overall worse cosmetic condition
I have the exact car in a 1995 with 300,000 miles! A great vehicle!
I had a ’91 with the 305. I got 260,000 miles out of it before selling it to a mechanic for his wife to haul four kids and two St. Bernards around town. I gave him a beer case full of parts, the GM microfishe set and a viewer along with the service manual (all before the internet). Except for a water pump, routine maintenance was all she needed. I’d take that car back today in a heartbeat. Good luck finding the glue that’ll keep the rubber strips on the side trim pieces though.
My ‘95 is a beast with engine and suspension upgrades; this is my fifth be and it won’t be leaving the collection this time.
They are whales, but even with all that’s been done to it, you can travel a LONG way in silence and comfort on the highway.
Looks bone stock until some snot nosed kid in a tuner at the light giggles at me. Then it’s always fun to hit the go pedal and see their face at the next light…….
I could never understand the appeal to this one, LT1 or not.
It’s a living room with a steering wheel that’ll haul a large family and all of their stuff anywhere in comfort, then fold down the seats and slide 8 x 4 sheets of whatever in the tailgate and treat it like a truck. The 305 was poochy, but the LT1 made it want to run. I’d stack it against any front-wheel-drive in the snow and with average tires, handled great in the rain. Mine taught 3 kids to parallel park. They could dock the Queen Mary now. For the money, it was the best car I ever had.
A REAL car!
I like it better in beige – LOL!
Beige Betty! I love that commericial — the kid does NOT want that car, but any of us would.
You would have to pay me to take this car.