In the early 1950s, as America became embroiled in the Korean conflict, the national automobile industry—much like in the mid-previous decade—had to put civilian production on the back burner. Manufacturers were compelled to market last year’s models with minimal changes, challenging consumers to spot what was new.
The car’s interior is leather, like a convertible; the trim is rather modest, without pretentious “prettiness”.
The bronze station wagon from Buick, highlighted here, is distinctly a 1952 model—if you know where to look. While it closely resembles its predecessor, certain details set it apart, even without a side-by-side comparison. Beyond the trivial, such as the decorative “mouse holes” on the sides (four in a row for the Roadmaster!) or the modest tail fins stretching to the taillights, it’s the elegant sweep of the side molding that’s telling. If it barely reaches the rear wheel cutout before curving back towards the front, as seen here, you’re undoubtedly looking at a 1952 model. The prior year’s trim extended in a thin line above the rear wheel cutouts. This area on such cars boasted a solid chrome overlay shaped like a triangle, traditionally serving as a “gravel shield” to protect the lower part of the rear fenders.
However, structurally, this vehicle was not just a carbon copy of its predecessor. The fuel system, for example, now included a groundbreaking four-barrel carburetor, the first across the American auto industry. The steering mechanism came with an optional power assist, not standard and costing a hefty $199 if chosen—an option unavailable in Buick models before 1952. Moreover, the trunk capacity was increased by altering the shape of its lid to be less sloping—or more “boxy,” to be exact. This change, however, is not evident in the illustrations: the showcased gold-bronze vehicle features a cargo-passenger body, which was wooden and crafted not by the factory but by an external coachbuilder, Ionia Mfg., located in the eponymous Michigan city.
The shiny decorative “fins” on the rear fenders are decorated with stylized Buick emblems
Initially a furniture factory named Ypsilanti Reed Furniture Co., Ionia expanded by acquiring several nearby businesses, including one supplying detachable waterproof roofs for Ford T open-bodied cars. As their product range expanded, automotive-focused products eventually supplanted all others. The company supplied not only passenger car bodies but also commercial bodies and truck cabins. Efforts to collaborate with General Motors started just before the war, in the late 1930s, but a solid contract was only secured in 1946—for supplying complete cargo-passenger bodies for Chevrolet and Pontiac vehicles. Soon after, they also began producing similar bodies for Buick—a role previously held by another company, Hercules, until 1948. This new contract was fortuitous as Pontiac and Chevrolet had switched to all-metal cargo-passenger bodies by 1949, which could have otherwise left the artisans at Ionia without work from GM.
The rear door, made of two halves that opened up and down, was common practice at the time.
The vehicle in our illustrations is built on the chassis of Buick’s largest and most expensive model of 1952. It boasts an overhead valve inline Fireball engine with eight cylinders—320 cubic inches in displacement, the noted four-barrel Airpower carburetor producing 170 horsepower, and Buick’s specialized Dynaflow automatic transmission. This particular model is outfitted with hydraulic enhancements for both steering and brakes; it also includes a built-in radio and even an air conditioner, suspended beneath the dashboard. Only 359 such cars were produced. Another Buick station wagon in the Super series, more widely available with 1,641 units sold in 1952, featured a shorter wheelbase and length, and notably, did not offer the new carburetor, resulting in less engine power. Interestingly, Ionia also supplied the bodies for these models.
Inline eight-cylinder Fireball engine. The touching red plate on the block informs that “this engine is equipped with hydraulic valve lifters”
The nameplate leaves no doubt about the origin of the body
In 1953, Buick celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. As a “gift” for this milestone, the vehicles received upgrades to V-shaped engines (except for the Special series) and introduced the highly prestigious Skylark model with an open body. However, the cargo-passenger vehicles retained their wooden construction. It was only the following year that they transitioned to fully metallic station wagon bodies—yet these, too, were crafted by Ionia until as late as 1964.
Wooden bodies require very careful maintenance, otherwise they dry out and lose their luxurious appearance. This car was lucky: all three of its owners surrounded it with the closest attention and managed to keep it practically untouched.
Photo: Sean Dagen, www.hymanltd.com
This is a translation. You can read the original article here: Ионический Buick: Roadmaster Model 1952 года с деревянным кузовом в рассказе Андрея Хрисанфова
Published March 06, 2025 • 8m to read
