1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79

4dr Estate Wagon

8-cyl. 320cid/150hp 2bbl

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$86,700 CAD*

-1.5%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Value Graph01/2404/2407/24$20k$40k$60k$80kOct 2024
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1949-1953 Buick Roadmaster stats
Highest sale
$1,967,652 CAD
Lowest sale
$7,427 CAD
Most recent sale
$215,367 CAD
Sales
322

Photos

48 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.

1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 4dr Estate Wagon Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
insurance

Protect your 1949 Buick Roadmaster from the unexpected for only $671 CAD per year**

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**Figure based on a stock 1949 Buick Roadmaster valued at $86,700 CAD with ON rates with $100/300K liability/UM/UIM limits. Actual costs vary depending on the coverage selected, vehicle condition, province and other factors. Hagerty determines final risk acceptance.

Model overview

Model description

Buick introduced its fifth generation of the venerable Roadmaster name in 1949. The car was the first of the “four-hole” Buicks of its era, with the brand’s trademark “ventiports” placed prominently on the front fenders. At first, these actually provided some ventilation for the engine compartment, but the ports were soon plugged and used thereafter as a visual cue only. The cars were slightly smaller than the 1948 models, and were markedly more modern visually, especially with the car’s large curved windshield.

The Roadmaster carried Buick’s legendary smooth-running, straight-eight, overhead-valve engine, with 263 cid delivering 152 hp. Roadmasters came with a two-speed Dynaflow automatic transmission as standard equipment, compared to the three-speed manual transmission offered on lesser models. The Roadmaster offered an upgraded interior with better materials than the standard run of Buicks, and within the Roadmaster line, customers could order the Deluxe option. Among the features of a Deluxe Roadmaster were hydraulic power windows and seats.Available Buick Roadmaster body styles included a four-door sedan and two-door sedanette, a two-door hardtop coupe, a four-door station wagon, and a convertbile. Options included a toolkit, outside mirrors, hubcaps, a spotlight, a tissue dispenser, upholstery cushion toppers, a parking brake warning light, a sunvisor vanity mirror, and a polishing kit.

Models from 1951 featured a new grille, and engine displacement was raised to 320 cid in the same straight-eight design, delivering the same 152 hp as its prior year companion. The 1952 Roadmaster’s straight-eight again saw a power increase to 170 hp. The 1953 model year was the big change for this generation of Roadmaster, with the motor switching over to Buick’s new 322-cid V-8 engine with 188 hp. The front end was shortened to highlight the more compact powerplant, giving the Roadmaster a stubbier appearance compared to the prior years.

Today the most desirable of this generation of Buick Roadmaster is the convertible. Only 8,000 were produced, and the interiors are tonier than Roadmasters of other body styles, giving them both luxury and rarity. However, for sheer impressive size and the thrumming straight-eight engine, enthusiasts may wish to choose one of the roughly 180,000 four-door Roadmaster sedans made from 1950-1952.

Vehicle specifications

  • Shipping Weight4490 lbs
  • Vehicle Length214.2 in
  • Wheelbase - Inches126 in
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Common Questions

The value of a 1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $64,200 USD for a 1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 at auction over the last three years was $57,602 CAD. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.

The lowest selling price of a 1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 at auction over the last three years was $57,602 CAD. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.

In the last three years there have been 1 1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79s sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1949 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 was $57,602 CAD on January 28, 2022 by Gooding & Company.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are representative of stock condition vehicles only and based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. Value adjustments for optional equipment are in U.S. dollars. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.CA/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of the Hagerty Group LLC, ©2024 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.