Station Wagons Worth Seeking Out

Once overlooked by collectors—unless it was a pristine early-1950s Buick Roadmaster—station wagons were long seen as practical, disposable family transport. They were driven hard, used up, and rarely preserved. Today, however, that perception is rapidly changing. Enthusiasts are beginning to appreciate more modern wagons, and many once-common models are now disappearing into private collections as values steadily climb.

Several station wagons from the past few decades are already becoming desirable classics, while others are quietly moving in that direction. The best surviving examples are increasingly being snapped up by collectors, restorers, and speculators. In a short time, many of these once-ordinary wagons may be firmly out of reach.

Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser

Built only for the 1991 and 1992 model years, the Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser was essentially GM’s large rear-wheel-drive wagon shared with Buick and Chevrolet, but produced in far smaller numbers. Around 7,663 units were made in its first year and 4,347 in its final year, making it far less common than its Roadmaster counterpart.

Because of its limited production and overlap with more popular siblings, it was often overlooked even when new. Many were either meticulously maintained or quickly worn out, leaving few survivors in decent condition today. A commonly seen configuration is a two-tone white-over-gray finish, which appears on a significant portion of surviving examples.

Finding one today is not impossible, but well-preserved versions are increasingly uncommon. Most remaining cars are either heavily used survivors or carefully preserved garage-kept examples.

Volvo V70 R AWD

The performance-oriented V70 R AWD emerged from Volvo’s evolution beyond the earlier 850 T-5R, refining the formula with better suspension tuning, improved interiors, and a more balanced driving experience. It produced around 237 horsepower and came with all-wheel drive as standard.

While still practical, it introduced a more focused driving character that set it apart from typical family wagons. Many examples were enthusiast-owned and modified over time, particularly with aftermarket tuning from specialists.

Today, the V70 R AWD is relatively rare in clean condition, though not impossible to find. Well-maintained versions are becoming increasingly sought after, especially those left close to factory specification.

Mercedes-Benz W124 Estate

The W124 wagon represents an era when Mercedes engineering emphasized durability, refinement, and long-term quality. It served as a favored vehicle among professionals and families who valued comfort and understated prestige.

Many examples are still in use today, thanks to their strong build quality and consistent maintenance over the years. However, high-quality, low-mileage estates are becoming increasingly difficult to locate.

The model remains accessible in the used market, but truly pristine examples are now transitioning into enthusiast collections and concours-level restorations.

Buick Roadmaster Wagon

The Buick Roadmaster wagon was once a common sight in suburban driveways, particularly in the early 1990s, before SUVs took over the family vehicle role. Despite solid sales numbers, many were heavily used and later discarded as tastes shifted.

In recent years, nostalgia has driven renewed interest, especially among collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its size, comfort, and classic American styling. As a result, the best surviving examples have become increasingly scarce.

While rough examples still exist, clean, well-preserved Roadmasters are now much harder to find and often command strong attention at auctions and enthusiast markets.

Audi 200 Avant Quattro 20V

The Audi 200 Avant arrived during a transitional period for the brand, combining a turbocharged five-cylinder engine with Audi’s advanced quattro all-wheel-drive system and a premium interior for its time.

Despite its capability and refinement, it was expensive when new and competed against more established wagon offerings, limiting its sales. As a result, production numbers were relatively low.

Today, surviving examples—especially the high-output 20V models—are rare. Many are in project condition, while fully running and well-maintained versions are highly prized among collectors and enthusiasts.

Mercedes-Benz W123 Wagon

Once viewed as slow but dependable transportation, the W123 wagon has become one of the most respected classic Mercedes models. Its reputation for extreme durability has allowed many examples to remain on the road for decades.

However, restored or well-preserved versions are now increasingly valuable, with dedicated specialists and restoration shops supporting their continued preservation. What was once a “used-up family car” is now a sought-after classic.

Although not rare overall, excellent examples are becoming harder to source as more enter restoration pipelines or collector ownership.

BMW 5 Series Touring (E34)

The E34 Touring marked BMW’s early entry into the performance wagon segment, combining the 5 Series’ driving dynamics with added practicality. It remained relatively niche compared to Volvo and Mercedes wagons of the same era.

In markets like North America, availability was limited, making surviving examples even more desirable today. Enthusiast ownership has helped preserve some cars, while others have quietly disappeared.

Clean, low-mileage E34 Touring models are now increasingly uncommon, and their value is gradually rising as appreciation for analog BMW wagons grows.

Conclusion

Station wagons, once dismissed as purely practical transportation, are steadily being re-evaluated by collectors. Models from brands like Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and Buick are gaining recognition not just for nostalgia, but for their engineering, character, and rarity.

As time passes, the best examples of these wagons are increasingly leaving the general used market and entering private collections. What was once ordinary family transport is now becoming a defining niche in modern classic car culture.