1952 Buick Series 70 Roadmaster

The 1952 Buick model lineup included the entry-level Special Series 40, the mid-sized Super Series 50, and the top-of-the-line Roadmaster. Priced from $3,200 for the sedan and $3,980 for the range-topping Station Wagon, the Roadmaster was distinguished for its siblings by its longer hood and front fenders, four ventiports on each side, and a wheelbase that measured 126.25-inches. Its engine was an overhead valve inline-8 cylinder engine with a 320.2 cubic-inch displacement, five main bearings, hydraulic valve lifters, a four-barrel carburetor, and delivered 170 horsepower at 3,800 RPM. The engine was backed by a Dyanflow drive transmission and power drum brakes were on all four wheels.

The engine in the 1952 Roadmaster produced nearly twenty more horsepower than the previous year, thanks primarily to a new four-barrel carburetor.

Changes for 1952 included new sweepspear moldings, bright rocker trim, and higher deck lids. Roadmaster series identification appeared on the rear fenders.

Another distinguishable feature from its siblings, the Roadmaster had a more plush interior with quality cloth on sedans, with leather on the convertible coupe and the station wagon. The Riviera sedan, priced at $3,200, was the most popular body style with 32,069 examples produced. 11,387 were two-door hardtop coupes and 2,402 were convertible coupes.

Standard equipment included 'sombrero' wheel discs. Optional equipment included power steering, electric clock, visor vanity mirror, seat covers, Auto-Jack case, Handy-Spot, and remote control rearview mirror. Power steering was added as an option.

1952 was part of the fifth generation of styling, introduced in 1949 and continued through 1953.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2020