Buick Roadmaster in Context
Within Buick's line-up of the late 1930s, the Roadmaster name denoted a senior series positioned above the Special and Century and just below the flagship Limited. A Buick Roadmaster overview across the decades shows the name returning several times, but the pre-war cars established its character: a straight-eight powertrain, a stretched chassis and formal coachwork. Understanding Buick Roadmaster generations means recognizing that this second generation is a distinct 1938 to 1939 series, not a variant of later post-war Roadmasters.
Understanding 2 generation
The second generation is defined by its two body styles and short two-year run. The sedan was the practical choice with a closed steel body, while the phaeton was an open four-door touring car, rare even when new and highly sought after by collectors today. Buick Roadmaster body styles from this period share the same chassis and series identity, so differences come down to coachwork rather than mechanical layout. Exact Buick Roadmaster dimensions varied slightly by body type and year, which matters when sourcing trim and glass.