1. Photos
  2. Buick
  3. Buick Roadmaster
  4. II (Series 80)

Buick Roadmaster II (Series 80) gallery (1938–1939)

The second generation pre-war Buick Roadmaster introducing all-coil suspension and refined styling.

All photos 11 I (Series 80) 0 1936–1937 II (Series 80) 1 1938–1939 III (Series 70) 0 1940–1941 IV (Series 70) 0 1942–1948 V (Series 70) 1 1949–1953 VI (Series 70) 9 1954–1956 VII (Series 70 / 75) 0 1957–1958 VIII (B-body) 0 1991–1996
Buick Roadmaster II (Series 80) photo 82995 1600 x 1200 40 1939

Introduced for the 1938 model year and continuing through 1939, the second-generation Buick Roadmaster Series 80 brought significant chassis and comfort advancements. Most notably, Buick replaced the traditional rear leaf springs with coil springs, creating a four-wheel coil spring suspension system that offered unprecedented ride quality. Available body styles comprised four-door touring sedans, convertible coupes, and four-door convertible phaetons. Under the hood sat an upgraded 320 cubic inch (5.2-liter) Dynaflash inline-eight engine with revised domed pistons, generating 141 horsepower. The engine was paired with a three-speed manual transmission, which received a column-mounted shifter for the 1939 model year. Exterior styling revisions brought a split waterfall front grille, streamlined bodywork, and optional side-mounted spare tires. Selling across the North American market, the model was renowned for its whisper-quiet performance and long-distance touring capabilities.