Vehicle model
Buick Roadmaster
The Roadmaster is a prestigious Buick nameplate, produced over three distinct periods: 1936-1942, 1946-1958, then 1991-1996. In its first era, it was built on the longest wheelbase in the lineup (excluding the limousine) and embodied the pinnacle of the plush large American car, with an Estate wagon appearing in 1947. Revived in 1991, the Roadmaster became the brand's largest vehicle, on GM's rear-wheel-drive B-body platform, available as a sedan and as an Estate wagon with a tailgate — the latter now particularly sought after by collectors. Production ceased at the end of 1996 when the Arlington, Texas plant was converted to SUVs and pickups. For collector examples driven in Quebec, good-quality winter tires in the original dimensions (wheels typically 15 inches on the last generation) are necessary given the size and weight.
History
History of the Buick Roadmaster
The Roadmaster is a prestigious Buick nameplate, produced over three distinct periods: 1936-1942, 1946-1958, then 1991-1996. In its first era, it was built on the longest wheelbase in the lineup (excluding the limousine) and embodied the pinnacle of the plush large American car, with an Estate wagon appearing in 1947. Revived in 1991, the Roadmaster became the brand's largest vehicle, on GM's rear-wheel-drive B-body platform, available as a sedan and as an Estate wagon with a tailgate — the latter now particularly sought after by collectors. Production ceased at the end of 1996 when the Arlington, Texas plant was converted to SUVs and pickups. For collector examples driven in Quebec, good-quality winter tires in the original dimensions (wheels typically 15 inches on the last generation) are necessary given the size and weight.
Technology
Technologies, engines and platforms
The last Roadmaster (1991-1996) was powered by Chevrolet small-block V8 engines: first a 5.0L, then a 5.7L, and from 1994 a version of the LT1 5.7L engine with sequential fuel injection producing 260 horsepower, with rear-wheel drive and an automatic transmission.
Tires and wheels
Tire and wheel compatibility
La gamme Buick actuelle étant composée de multisegments, les diamètres de jantes courants vont généralement d'environ 17 à 20 pouces selon le modèle et la finition (les versions Avenir et plus huppées montant souvent des jantes plus grandes). Comme la plupart des plateformes GM nord-américaines, l'entraxe (bolt pattern) fréquent est de type 5 trous. Au Québec, l'achat d'un second train de pneus d'hiver dédiés est essentiel et obligatoire durant la période réglementée ; un montage hiver sur jantes en acier de plus petit diamètre est souvent économique et plus tolérant au sel et à la neige. Pour les dimensions exactes, se référer à la plaque du véhicule.
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