The 1936 Buick Roadmaster — Power, Prestige, and the Birth of a Legend

The year 1936 marked a rebirth for Buick, and the new Roadmaster (Series 80) was the star of the show. Emerging from the depths of the Great Depression, this car, coined the "Master of the Road" by its own test drivers, was a spectacular demonstration of engineering prowess and sophisticated design that launched Buick back into the automotive elite.

In this deep dive, we explore what made the first-generation Roadmaster so revolutionary. Designed by the legendary Harley Earl, the 1936 Roadmaster was part of an all-new lineup featuring sleek, Art Deco styling. Critically, it was among the first in the GM family to adopt the modern all-steel "Turret Top" body by Fisher, which significantly improved safety and streamlined the design, replacing old wood-and-steel construction.


Under that long, majestic hood lay the heart of its performance: a powerful 320.2 cubic inch (5.2L) Overhead Valve Straight-Eight engine. This robust "straight-eight" powerhouse delivered 130 horsepower, a formidable figure for the era, allowing the heavy Roadmaster to live up to its name with effortless high-speed cruising. Furthermore, the 1936 model introduced major mechanical innovations that set it apart, including independent coil-spring front suspension ("Knee-Action") and the adoption of modern, effective hydraulic brakes across the entire Buick line.


Built on Buick's longest non-limousine wheelbase, the Roadmaster shared its basic structure with entry-level Cadillacs, offering unmatched size, ride quality, and luxury for its price point. It was available in elegant body styles, including the Sedan and the coveted Convertible Phaeton. This combination of style, power, and ground-breaking technology helped Buick's sales jump dramatically. Join us as we take this pre-war legend onto the open road to experience the thrill of the original Roadmaster.

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