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02/02/2006 11:40 am
1948 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon by John Roberts...
... A couple of weeks ago John shown me his maroon version, based on BRK95, but deep in my heart I always fancied gorgeous cream colour scheme on this massive wagon from the late 40's... and here it is, all fresh from John's workshop.
It compliments nicely my all-original DS-5 1948 Sedanet by MC USA, except MC somehow left the front fender script out. As you well know that was nearly the only detail that visually separated 1947 and 48 models.
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Interesting how different model makers shape the same car. Notice the curvature at the front of the fenders and the panel between the wheel opening and the front door. The models also have different w/bases and lengths - that should not be the case as both are Roadmasters built on the same chassis
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Also (as picture below shows) there's big difference between the grilles of the two; DS Buick having a narrower job with more curved "teeth". John's grille obviously has the touch of the red where Buick logo is placed (upper bumper and tip of the hood)... and, yes, the number plate says ALEX, a nice touch from John.
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Here it is next to a junior GM name - 1948 Pontiac Streamliner Eight De Luxe estate wagon by Conquest (#28). Both Buick and Pontiac have polished exposed metal where the chrome trims run on the top of fenders, but John has made them so delicate that they don't look over-sized.
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Pontiac, of course, shared some body parts with Chevy of the same vintage. In fact four out of five GM makes had a "woody" wagon in their line-up (I'm leaving out the one-offs). However, the structure of the one built on Buick chassis was very different to ones on Olds, Chevy and Pontiac. Half wooden structure, cut off above the flowing fender line, created the air of modernity meeting the traditional - exclusive and expensive individuality, something, in my opinion, only 1948-49 Packard Station Sedan managed to capture. Notice the difference in wood framing on both wagons.
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This one takes a special place amongst my other Buick miniatures. This is my first John Roberts custom-built, and I am sure not the last.
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