In 1962, American families still needed a mode of transportation that could haul around kids and all kinds of cargo, and the most practical option was the station wagon. And by 1962, families had more station wagon options than ever with the recent introduction of compact and intermediate cars from the major auto manufacturers. Even the new-for-’62 Chevy II compact offered a station wagon in three trim levels to compete with their Falcon rival over at Ford. But full-size wagons were still popular. Although Chevy and Ford were the full-size wagon sales leaders, other lines, including the upscale Buick, also offered a long roof for the 1962 model year. Not many of these Invicta Estate Wagons were produced (13,748 total 6-and-8-passenger wagons) and here’s one that has survived but needs some TLC. It’s located in Tracy, California, and is listed for sale here on Facebook Marketplace for $27,000 or best offer. A special thanks to our pal, T.J., for sending this old long roof our way.

Photos, specs, and the car’s history are a bit sparse from the seller. Overall, it looks solid, and perhaps it has spent its life out in California. I’m not seeing any rust or body bumps and bruises, and the paint looks very presentable. Based on a ’62 Buick paint chart I found on eBay, I believe the color is Desert Sand with a Burgundy Poly top. The chrome, glass (including a power rear window), and lenses look good, but I’d switch the current wide whitewall tires with more period-correct ones. On the tailgate, Buick reused the smaller taillights from the previous ’61 model and if you’re wondering why the tailgate looks a bit plain, it’s because its missing the round tri-shield Buick logo and Buick name trim piece. I’m not sure if they’re included in the sale or not.

The Invicta’s tan and beige interior is especially nice and looks relatively new. Buick promised a large cargo area (86.7 cubic feet) and comfortable interiors that were stylish yet  “durable enough to defy the most determined child.” I’m not sure if it ever went through a kiddie torture test, but this wagon’s cabin wasn’t abused and is in very good condition. Buick always had cool instrument panels and this ’62 is no exception. It epitomizes the stylish, sophisticated look of the “New Frontier.”

Under the hood rests the Buick’s 401-cubic-inch Super-Thrust Wildcat V8 that generated 325 horsepower when new. The seller says the car’s original engine has been rebuilt, runs good, and that the wagon has been driven a total of 94,278 miles. It’s mated to a Turbine Drive automatic transmission. The seller has posted a walk around video with the engine running and says the Invicta Wagon “needs some love,” but doesn’t go into details (I spot a brick behind the rear wheel, so maybe there are some brake issues). Buicks were positioned as a “doctor’s car” and were upscale and prestigious and just below Cadillac on GM’s “ladder of success” brand hierarchy. Not many of these Buick long roofs were made and still around after 64 years. Maybe somebody will listen to the doctor’s orders and become this Invicta Estate Wagon’s next owner. Oh, and by the way, a surfboard is included in the sale. Let’s go surfin’ now, everybody’s learnin’ how.