The Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon stands as the final evolution of America’s full-size wood-paneled station wagons, combining surprising V8 performance with family-hauling practicality.
Now eligible for German import under the 30-year rule, these land yachts offer European collectors a unique blend of nostalgia and capability unmatched by contemporary Mercedes or BMW estates. At West Coast Shipping, we’ve witnessed growing demand for these wagons among German buyers seeking both conversation-starting classics and functional vintage vehicles.
Produced from 1991-1995, the Roadmaster Estate Wagon marked the end of rear-wheel-drive, body-on-frame station wagons in the US market. Its design paid homage to 1950s “woodies” with simulated ash paneling while incorporating modern features:
Platform: GM B-body shared with Chevrolet Caprice
Engine: 5.7L LT1 V8 (1994-1995 models)
Cargo Capacity: 3.9 m³ with rear seats folded
Production: 18,306 units (all years)
The 1994-1995 models gained notoriety as “sleeper” performance vehicles, sharing the Corvette-derived LT1 engine with the Impala SS. This combination of 260 hp and woodgrain trim created a cult following that continues to grow among European collectors.
Engine: 5.7L LT1 V8 (1994-1995)
Power: 260 hp @ 5,000 RPM
Torque: 330 lb-ft @ 3,200 RPM
Fuel Injection: Sequential port injection
Compression: 10.4:1
Transmission: 4L60-E 4-speed automatic
Differential: 3.08 rear axle ratio
OptiSpark Ignition: Prone to moisture damage. Inspect for misfires or corrosion.
Air Suspension: Load-leveling rear system often fails. Check for sagging when parked.
Woodgrain Adhesive: Factory vinyl trim bubbles with age. Budget €1,500-€3,000 for restoration.
Transmission Cooling: Ensure auxiliary cooler functions to prevent 4L60-E failures.
Pro Tip: Verify matching VINs on engine block, transmission, and firewall to confirm numbers-matching status—a 15-20% premium factor.
Driver Quality (100k+ miles): €16,000-€20,000
Low-Mileage (<75k miles): €24,000-€28,000
Concours Restoration: €35,000+
The USD’s recent 6.8% decline against the euro (detailed in our currency fluctuation analysis) translates to €1,500-€2,200 savings on average examples. Combined with Germany’s reduced 7% VAT for classics, total import costs are 30-40% lower than 2024 levels.
Duty Exemption: 0% vs. standard 10% rate
Historic Registration: Eligible for H-Kennzeichen plates
Emissions Compliance: Exempt from modern EU standards
Required Modifications:
ECE-approved headlights (H4 conversion kits available)
Rear fog light installation
Metric speedometer overlay
For a step-by-step import walkthrough, consult our definitive guide to classic car shipping.
Performance Pedigree: Outpaces contemporary Mercedes 500E (0-100 km/h in 7.8s vs. 6.1s)
Practical Luxury: Seats 8 passengers with 2.4-ton towing capacity
Investment Growth: Values increased 9% annually since 2020 (Hagerty data)
We streamline your acquisition with:
Nationwide Sourcing: Access to rare low-mileage examples
Pre-Purchase Inspection: 135-point evaluation including woodgrain condition
Customs-Ready Shipping: Enclosed containers with climate control
TÜV Preparation: Lighting upgrades and documentation handling
With production numbers 80% lower than the Ford Country Squire, the Roadmaster Estate Wagon represents a rare opportunity to own the last true American woodie. Contact our team today to leverage favorable exchange rates and secure your piece of automotive history.