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1948 Buick Roadmaster Model 79

4dr Estate Wagon

8-cyl. 320cid/144hp 2bbl

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

$74,400*

equal0%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Value Graph04/2407/2410/24$20k$40k$60kJan 2025
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1946-1948 Buick Roadmaster stats
Highest sale
$115,500
Lowest sale
$11,788
Most recent sale
$32,812
Sales
104

Photos

44 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.

1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1946 Buick Roadmaster Model 76S 2dr Sedanet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
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Model overview

Model description

When World War II ended, the automotive manufacturer’s dream of “pent-up demand” was realized. Buick was in a particularly good position since it had redesigned much of its line for 1942, and these cars were lightly face-lifted and re-trimmed for the post-war boom.

The Century and Limited lines disappeared and the Special was cut down to two models, but the 129-inch wheelbase Roadmaster returned with three models: a four-door sedan, a two-door sedanet, and a convertible. The Roadmaster used a 144-hp, 320-cid eight-cylinder engine that was significantly larger and more powerful than the 248-cid unit used on the Special and Super models.

Demand for new cars was still strong and little was changed for 1947. In 1948, however, the Roadmaster received the all-new Dynaflow automatic transmission. The transmission became very popular very quickly, and would be present on 85 percent of all Buicks within two years. In 1949, a redesigned Roadmaster would appear, marking the first all-new post-war Buick.

Mid-1940s Buicks remain a practical and handsome example of curvaceous 1940s styling. They are spacious and comfortable, albeit with a rather soft ride. The only Achilles heel is the Dynaflow transmission, which is reliable but inclined to leak at the rear seal. Since the rear axle is a torque-tube arrangement, it must be unbolted to repair the transmission, which makes it labor intensive. Due to the involved nature of the work, many owners opt to replace the rear shaft bushing at the same time to head trouble off.

Vehicle specifications

  • Shipping Weight4460 lbs
  • Vehicle Length217.2 in
  • Wheelbase - Inches129 in
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Common Questions

The value of a 1948 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $74,400 for a 1948 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1948 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 at auction over the last three years was $55,000. 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 1948 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 at auction over the last three years was $31,900. 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 2 1948 Buick Roadmaster Model 79s sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1948 Buick Roadmaster Model 79 was $31,900 on June 08, 2024 by Mecum Auctions.

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 based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. The Hagerty Price Guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. 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.com/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, ©2025 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc.

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