For most gearheads, when we think of GM performance throughout the 1990s, models like the Chevrolet Camaro, Corvette, and Impala SS come to mind. We also might even think about the hottest versions of the Pontiac Firebird and Bonneville, or even the GMC Syclone and Typhoon siblings. However, when the question of Buick’s contribution to the 1990s GM performance scene comes up, you might hear one person mention the Buick Park Avenue Ultra, albeit with an uncertain tone.
There’s one Buick that deserves a “performance” descriptor that most people forget about. It’s the Roadmaster, and while most think of the wagon, we’re referring to the often-forgotten sedan. While it’s not a looker, and, arguably, the most glossed-over user of the GM B-Body Platform, it does pack a well-kept secret under the hood. Nestled there is a fully-fledged V8 lifted directly out of the Chevy Corvette.
Bearing its impressive engine and Buick badge, it’s surprising to think no one remembers the final Buick Roadmaster sedan.
GM Accidentally Built The Ultimate Luxury Sleeper
1996 Buick Roadmaster finished in blue with gray interiorBring A Trailer
In the early 1990s, the American auto market was undergoing a small change. Following roughly a decade of coupes and sedans that were shrinking in size and using front-wheel-drive drivetrains, a movement emerged demanding a return to big-bodied, rear-drive sedans that took advantage of V8 engines rather than V6s or, even worse, inline-four mills. General Motors was keen to answer the calls by introducing a slightly revamped B-Body Platform in 1991.
When it came to all B-Body users, such as the Chevrolet Caprice sedan and wagon, along with the Impala SS, the Roadmaster sedan sat as the most overlooked. However, at the time, it served as Buick’s flagship luxury sedan, occupying a slot even further upmarket than the Park Avenue, though it offered slightly less legroom for both front and rear passengers. This was most likely because the Roadmaster boasted a V8-powered, rear-drive architecture, while the Park Avenue made do with a V6 and front-drive.
1996 Buick Roadmaster finished in blue with gray interiorBring A Trailer
In a nutshell, the Buick Roadmaster sedan was uniquely positioned to bring back the best of both worlds when it came to classic American motoring. On one hand, it was a large, rear-drive sedan with a plush suspension and comfy seats. On the other hand, its hood housed one of GM’s most powerful mass-produced engines on the market at the time: the 5.7-liter LT1 V8. The Roadmaster employed the use of the ‘Vette V8 from the 1994 model to the sedan’s demise in 1996.
1996 Buick Roadmaster finished in blue with gray interiorBring A Trailer
As with any sleeper sedan, its looks are important. Not in the flashy, “in-your-face” performance sense, but in a conservative way. When you look at the Roadmaster sedan, you don’t see anything that could warn you of the Corvette-derived engine under its hood. Instead, looking at it reminds one of quiet evenings with grandpa, perhaps watching golf or going to the VFW. And that sort of understated look makes the perfect sleeper.
The Corvette DNA Was More Than Just A Cash-Grab
1996 Buick Roadmaster finished in blue with gray interiorBring A Trailer
Buick Roadmaster LT1 Specs
Engine Details
5.7L NA V8
Horsepower
260 hp
Torque
335 lb-ft
0-60 MPH Time
7.8 seconds
Curb Weight
4,191-4,279 lbs
*Specs courtesy of Car and Driver
The LT1 engine lurking under the Roadmaster sedan’s hood was a bit more than your average ’90s American V8 thanks to a couple of unique engineering features. As a whole, the LT1 found within was detuned from the Corvette version, losing about 40 horsepower over the Bowtie’s flagship sports car. However, the torque output remained virtually unchanged, giving the big sedan loads of low-end grunt that helps it waft around.
The LT1 consisted of a cast-iron block and cast-iron cylinder heads. For the ‘Vette, the cylinder heads were aluminum. In addition, the Roadmaster’s LT1 received a milder camshaft profile to help smooth the engine for its luxurious application. The intake and exhaust manifolds, while more restrictive than the Corvette’s, also helped to quiet the engine.
1996 Buick Roadmaster finished in blue with gray interiorBring A Trailer
Thanks to extensive aftermarket support, building a stock LT1 from a Roadmaster sedan into a performance engine doesn’t take much effort or money. For starters, you can swap its cast-iron heads for aluminum ones and ditch the restrictive intake and exhaust manifolds for high-flow units. Don’t forget to swap out that cam, either. The engine’s cast-iron block and forged-steel connecting rods can handle the extra power.
If you decide to go down the path of street-friendly modification, your overall budget need only be around $5,000 if you plan on doing all the work yourself. A rough horsepower gain estimate for replacing the cylinder heads, intake and exhaust manifolds, and camshaft is around 100-150 extra horsepower to the wheels, pushing the stock 260 hp up to at least 360 hp. WIth more extensive modifications, the mill can top 400 hp. The sky’s the limit when it comes to modifying the B-Body Roadmaster.
Ahead Of The Curve
1996 Buick Roadmaster finished in blue with gray interiorBring A Trailer
The powerplant in its stock form was powerful enough to give other domestic luxury sedans on the market at the time a run for their money. For example, the Mercury Grand Marquis, with its 4.6-liter V8, made just 190 hp.
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Collectors Left The Roadmaster Sedan Behind
1996 Buick Roadmaster finished in blue with gray interiorBring A Trailer
It’s no surprise that 1990s-era B-Body collectors flocked to the Chevrolet Impala SS and, to a lesser extent, the Chevrolet Caprice. The Impala SS boasted an aggressive “WX3” trim package, alongside some tuned suspension components and a revamped interior. The Chevy Caprice enjoyed name recognition, as the nameplate served as one of the marque’s most popular models throughout the 1970s and 1980s. The Roadmaster, on the other hand, was simply left out of the running.
However, this is great news for prospective buyers. Despite its wallflower-esque looks, the Roadmaster sedan’s LT1 produces the same amount of power as the Impala SS without looking so aggressive. It’s also, virtually, mechanically identical to the Chevy Caprice. That means it can accept the same sort of modifications and run at the same sort of speeds, all while looking like its only purpose is to ferry grandma to and from church on Sundays.
1996 Buick Roadmaster finished in blue with gray interiorBring A Trailer
Even with increased enthusiast recognition, the Roadmaster sedan’s values have remained much lower than those of its platform mates. The eighth-gen Buick Roadmaster carries an average sale price of around $10,793. For contrast, the Chevy Caprice’s average value is $13,566. The mechanically similar Impala SS is even more expensive, with a whopping mean sale price of $28,356. In essence, you can nearly buy three Roadmaster sedans, which carry the same engine, or one Chevy Impala SS.
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Scoop One Up Before Everyone Else Remembers It
1996 Buick Roadmaster finished in blue with gray interiorBring A Trailer
The Buick Roadmaster sedan’s low average price could very well be a fleeting phenomenon. As time wears on and more and more light is brought to the Roadmaster and what it offers, its value could begin to climb. It’s already happening, as online results show an uptick of roughly $1,500 in just one year. If you decide to pull the trigger on one of these, it’s important to look out for a few key issues before taking ownership. Mainly, you need to look out for excessive leaks, dry-rotted rubber bits, and excessive rust. Remember, it’s an old car, and old cars can leak a bit and be a little rusty. But, too much of either can be an issue.
1996 Buick Roadmaster finished in blue with gray interiorBring A Trailer
The eighth-gen Buick Roadmaster sedan is a bit more special than, say, an older Park Avenue. It symbolizes the final large Buick sedan to sport both a V8 and rear-wheel drive, and that, in and of itself, is worth preserving to some. In addition, it came with Corvette-derived power, a robust drivetrain, and enough sleeper potential to keep it relevant in this day and age. Get one now, before the rest of the automotive world wakes up to the Roadmaster sedan’s sleeper potential.
Sources: Car and Driver, Classic.com, VirtualParking.net.
