WHAT IS IT?
The GM B-body of 1977 was almost certainly the best downsizing job carried out by any of the Big Three. Every division’s take on it looked good, handled reasonably well, and was simple to maintain. The wagon versions (which every division except for Cadillac offered) were especially good. This was the final year of the B-body, rear-wheel-drive Buick wagon, and there had been few changes since 1980, when the Buick 350 V8 was dropped in favor of the Olds 307. Also dropped for the final year were the Electra and Le Sabre monikers. This was properly referred to as a Buick Estate Wagon. It’s also properly rare, with only 7,999 built for 1990, leading one to wonder why they just couldn’t have popped out one more for an even 8,000.
WHY THIS CAR HAS BEST ONE ON THE PLANET CHOPS
As mentioned above, there weren’t a ton of 1990 Estate Wagons built. Under 8,000 for GM is a paltry number. Most saw heavy, year-round duty hauling kids to dance classes or hockey practice in the Northeast or Upper Midwest, where full-sized American wagons didn’t seem to go out of fashion the way they did out west. Connecticut old money types seemed to love these or a Volvo 240 for their ability to swallow cellos and lacrosse sticks. This one is just insanely nice with 26,000 original miles, the blue paint shines as new, and the blue velour interior has clearly never had an ice cream cone melt anywhere near it. Everything presents as new, including the simulated wood vinyl appliqué on the sides. The A/C and all power accessories, including the digital dash displays, are all working as they should. The seller says this about the car: “On the road, it turns heads everywhere–people honk, wave, give the thumbs-up constantly.” And, it will swallow you and at least five friends. What more could you want? We can’t imagine there’s a better one out there. It’s for sale at one of our favorite dealers, British Sports Cars, in San Luis Obispo, CA.
On the road, it turns heads everywhere–people honk, wave, give the thumbs-up constantly.
My mom had one of these when I was a kid, I’m not sure I remember it looking this nice when it was new. This car is an engine compartment detail away from perfection. It gets my vote.
The best one on the planet. Props to British Sports Cars for selling this beauty with a box of tapes for the slow ride home.
OMG, this is just insane. The most relatable car I’ve seen here so far. I love it. Yes, it’s the best.
Damn, I wish they still made these. What a beautiful example. Can’t imagine there’s a better one out there.
My first car was a 1978 Buick Electra Estate Wagon, cream with wood trim, the family hand-me-down I shared with my twin sister. Alas, this was in Michigan and that car rotted away before it was 10 years old (the rear quarters rusted on any of these exposed to road salt). Before that, it towed our 25 ft camper, took us on numerous cross country drives, and carried eight of my friends to school events. This example brings back a lot of memories and must surely be one of the few great examples left in the wild.