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.
Looks nice, don’t know if it’s a value at that price. It will be a good thing when having a surfboard with every station wagon from the early-60’s or older fades away. It’s played out and unoriginal, it shows no creativity.
Steve R
Izzat a record player sitting atop the transmission hump?
It looks like a speaker box (with cup holders on top) for a modern stereo that is either perched on top of the box or mounted under the dashboard.
That upper radiator hose looks interesting, a length of flexible metal tubing connected to short pieces of rubber hose at each end.
Nice car overall, but those wide whitewalls have to go.
I think it might be. While GM never offered one that I can recall, I’m sure that there were aftermarket companies that did
before Craig came out with an 8-track tape player in ’64. And for the life of me, I can’t recall the names of ANY of them even though I did see one in an episode of Desert Valley Car Kings some 15 years ago. I’m with Steve R, that surfboard thing
is too passe. How ’bout some
luggage on the roof and some
travel decals on the windows? Now that’s different.
Surfboards should be banned from station wagons,unless you
actually use it for surfing.Tracy,California is not known for it’s great
surfing,as far as I can remember.
Also “Time Out” dolls & drive-in food trays & drive-in movie
theater speakers should all be banned from all car shows.
I had several friends that surfed, many had station wagons, the surfboard always rode in the back out of sight.
Steve R
Omg,a number of old folks here in the retirement community have all those things you mentioned on the cars they show.
Why do all old station wagons have to have a surfboard?
It’s always interesting to see the range of people’s tastes. I love the wide white walls but I would crawl across broken glass to rip out that console. Where did I get this station wagon addiction?
Pretty sure alternators were not available on GMs in 1961. They used generators that year.
Yes, GM went to alternators for the 1963 model year. My 1962 Cadillac had a generator (complete with 2 oiling cups) while my 1963 Tempest had an alternator.
Also, 1962 had road draft tube, while my 1963 had PCV.
rare wagon today for sure. i would lose the surfboard, those hideous w/w tires, the mess on the trans hump and that micky mouse rad hose. that is a problem waiting to happen for sure. i think the ask is a bit on the high side but i am sure in person cash offer would seal the deal. if i was looking for another car i would consider this for sure
Appears to be a clean ride but the price seems excessive for such a low option car.
Too many modifications to suit me. Upholstery pattern isn’t correct, tailgate chrome & letters missing, wrong air cleaner, Mickey-mouse radiator hose, that ridiculous console, and I think the interior door panels have been redone as well. Side stainless moldings may be missing as well, can’t tell for sure.
Buick was crafty at saving money sometimes.
For 1962, they took a 1961 Buick station wagon and put a 1962 front clip on it and called it the new 1962 Buick wagon because that tail is definitely a 1961. ’61 taillights, tailgate and bumper.
I agree with Angel.
I believe 1962 was the year most makes switched to narrow white walls, though they were still wider than what we see on a lot of old cars today.
Beautiful wagon. The price is high, but then again, you always ask for more than you want when selling a car. I agree with everyone about the tires, radiator hose, door cards, surfboard, etc. The console is gaudy, but the practical purpose is that you can listen to your Pandora catalog and still take BT phone calls. Both good things (I have something similar in a 72 LTD. It can be easily removed for the sake of originality and aesthetics). I’d do something similar with this. A set of deep dish McLean wire wheels would do great things for this car.