The 1950 Buick Super Estate Wagon: A Scandinavian Treasure.

By Peter Linney, Wicepedia and GTP

Among the most iconic American cars of the 1950s, the Buick Super Estate Wagon stands out not only for its grandeur but also for its craftsmanship and enduring appeal. One of the finest examples of this rare vehicle resides in Oslo, Norway, where it has undergone meticulous restoration and care, earning the admiration of automotive enthusiasts across Scandinavia.
A Timeless Classic
Owned by Jan Fredrik Conradi, this 1950 Buick Super Estate Wagon is an exquisite example of Buick’s post-war luxury offerings. The vehicle, originally produced in 1950 and sold from Cummings Buick Inc. in Santa Monica, California, was one of just 420 units built that year. It was the most expensive 1950 Buick model, priced at $3,407. The car’s remarkable story began in California, where it was purchased new by Cameron W. Watt and spent much of its life in the dry climates of the American West before making its way to Norway.
Jan Fredrik acquired this stunning Buick in February 2005, after discovering it through a friend who had seen it for sale. The car came with extensive documentation, including the original purchase contract and an owner identification card from the first owner. It was clear from the start that this Buick had a rich history, but it also needed significant work to restore it to its original glory.
Restoration and Transformation
While the car looked promising, it became clear that the restoration needed to be more extensive than initially thought. A home-made frame lift restoration had been done in the mid-1980s, but the woodwork, in particular, was in much worse condition than it appeared. Jan Fredrik turned to Classic Auto Service in Minnesund, a trusted shop that had previously worked on his 1960 Facel Vega HK 500. The restoration process, initially expected to be straightforward, turned into a comprehensive overhaul of the Buick’s structural and cosmetic elements.
The woodwork, one of the defining features of any “woody” car, was restored by Geir Hoelsæther, an expert who had also worked on a Buick Roadmaster Woody. Using white ash with mahogany trim, the team painstakingly copied the original woodwork as closely as possible. The car’s frame was lifted once again, revealing that the floor had been replaced in the past with plain metal plates—an issue that was remedied by acquiring a correct bottom plate from a used car in the United States. The frame and suspension were sandblasted and painted, ensuring that the Buick’s underpinnings would be as pristine as its exterior.
The restoration also involved overhauling the car’s electrical system, replacing the wiring set, and refreshing the engine and brakes. The original color, Calvert Blue, was restored using a three-stage paint process—Black Pearl as the base, followed by Organic Green Candy and topped with a clear coat. The attention to detail was so meticulous that, by the summer of 2019, the car was finished and fitted with new whitewall tires and Kelsey Hayes “Skylark” wire wheels. It became arguably the finest Buick Woody in all of Scandinavia.
Comfort and Performance
Under the hood, the Buick retains its original 320 in³ Fireball straight-8 engine, delivering 152 brake horsepower via a 2-barrel carburetor and the Buick Dynaflow transmission. The engine was rebuilt by Sarpsborg Motor Verksted, a reputable shop in Norway, ensuring that the Buick’s performance matched its refined looks. The wagon’s wheelbase measures 126.25 inches, and with a weight of 4,370 lbs, it commands presence on the road.
However, the car wasn’t without its driving challenges. After enjoying the vehicle in the summer of 2019, Jan Fredrik found the rear axle ratio to be uncomfortable at higher speeds, particularly around 90 km/h. The solution came in the form of a rear axle insert with a 3.6:1 ratio, installed by Classic Auto Service. This improvement made the car far more drivable, enhancing the overall driving experience and allowing Jan Fredrik to enjoy the car as it was intended.
A Rich History and a Long Journey
The history of this 1950 Buick Super Estate Wagon is one of dedicated ownership and careful stewardship. After Jan Fredrik acquired the car, he used it regularly until 2010, uncovering several issues that led to its extensive restoration. The car had passed through a few hands in the United States before making its way to Norway in 1998, where it was owned by the Blehr family until Jan Fredrik’s purchase.
The Buick’s restoration, a labor of love that spanned over eight years, preserved its historical integrity while modernizing its components for better performance and reliability. The car, now finished, is not just a vehicle; it is a living piece of automotive history, carrying the legacy of the Buick Super and the passion of its owners.
Today, Jan Fredrik’s 1950 Buick Super Estate Wagon is one of the most impressive woodie wagons in the world. Its unique blend of American craftsmanship, Scandinavian care, and classic design ensures that it will be admired for many years to come—driving down roads, as it always has, with an unmatched presence and a rich story behind every mile.