Motormax Buick Roadmaster 73116AC-BK: Black 1:18 Collector Guide

Motormax item 73116AC-BK represents the 1949 Buick Roadmaster in black with a red interior at 1:18 scale. The finished diecast model uses plastic detail parts and rubber tires and includes steerable front wheels, an opening side-hinged hood, opening doors and an opening trunk.

The exact color combination matters. Motormax has offered the Roadmaster in cream, burgundy and other finishes, while separate custom-convertible releases use different bodies and item numbers. Match 73116AC-BK, black exterior, red cabin and UPC 661732311620.

Motormax 73116AC-BK at a glance

• Manufacturer: Motormax
• Vehicle represented: 1949 Buick Roadmaster
• Scale: 1:18
• Exterior: Black
• Interior: Red
• Construction: Diecast metal body with plastic detail parts
• Tires: Rubber
• Steering: Positionable front wheels
• Hood: Opening side-hinged hood
• Doors: Opening
• Trunk: Opening
• Engine detail: Fireball straight-eight representation
• Exterior details: Buick VentiPorts, chrome grille and gunsight-style hood ornament
• Approximate size: Common exact-item listings state 10.5 × 4.5 × 3 inches; another same-UPC catalog states 12 inches long
• Manufacturer item: 73116AC-BK
• UPC: 661732311620

Why the black-and-red specification defines this release

The gloss-black body emphasizes the Roadmaster’s chrome trim, broad grille and fender lines. The red interior provides a strong contrast when the doors are opened and separates this version from cream- or burgundy-bodied releases.

Use the full collection entry: 1949 Buick Roadmaster / black exterior / red interior / Motormax 73116AC-BK / 1:18. A listing that names only “Motormax Buick Roadmaster” is not precise enough to establish the same release.

Catalog suffixes and the safest identifier

Some dealer catalogs cross-reference UPC 661732311620 to a closely worded suffix such as 73116TC/BLK+RED, while the Muncle Mikes and DDS record uses 73116AC-BK. The model identity, black-and-red specification and UPC agree, but the package suffix should be recorded exactly as received.

Do not overwrite the package label with another retailer’s shorthand. Photograph the box end, UPC and product number. Use the received suffix for ownership records and use the full gallery to confirm the model itself.

The 1949 Roadmaster styling details to inspect

The 1949 Buick design introduced several elements that became closely associated with the brand. On the miniature, the most useful identity checks are the broad chrome grille, fender-mounted VentiPorts, long hood, sweeping body trim and gunsight-style hood ornament.

A front three-quarter view shows the grille and hood ornament together. A side view makes the VentiPorts and body length easier to assess. A rear three-quarter view is useful for the trunk fit and rear chrome treatment.

Opening the side-hinged hood

The Roadmaster’s hood opens from the side rather than lifting in the usual front- or rear-hinged manner. That feature deserves careful handling because the long panel and hinge can be damaged by uneven pressure.

1. Place the car on a level, padded surface.
2. Support the chassis with one hand.
3. Locate the intended hood edge.
4. Lift slowly and evenly through the natural arc.
5. Stop if the panel twists or resists.
6. Close the hood before moving or steering the model.

Do not lift the car by the open hood or press on the ornament. A hood that does not sit flush should be lifted and reseated rather than pushed down at one corner.

Viewing the Fireball straight-eight engine

The engine bay represents Buick’s long inline-eight layout. The extended engine shape is one of the most distinctive mechanical features of the full-size Roadmaster and gives the open-hood display a different appearance from a later V-8 Buick.

Use soft side lighting to reveal the engine and surrounding components. Keep fingers, brushes and loose accessories out of the compartment. Close the hood before dusting the rest of the car.

Using the opening doors

The doors reveal the red cabin, dashboard and seating. Open one side at a time while the model rests on all four tires.

• Support the chassis before moving a door.
• Stop at the natural hinge limit.
• Keep pressure away from the window frames and mirrors.
• Do not carry the car by an open door.
• Close both doors before returning the model to its package.

One open door is often enough to display the red interior while preserving the Roadmaster’s long side profile.

Using the opening trunk

Open the trunk only after clearing the rear of the display surface. Lift from the intended edge and avoid pressing on chrome trim or hinges.

The trunk adds another display option but also increases the required rear and vertical clearance. Close it before lifting the model, adjusting the wheels or placing a cover over the car.

Steerable wheels and stance

A modest steering angle can give the Buick a natural parked pose. Adjust both front wheels gently and avoid forcing one tire against the linkage.

• Use light, even pressure.
• Keep the angle modest.
• Return the wheels close to straight before repacking.
• Set the car on a flat surface after adjustment.
• Confirm that all four tires make even contact.

Size discrepancy and case planning

Most exact 73116AC-BK listings state approximately 10.5 inches long, 4.5 inches wide and 3 inches high. A catalog tied to the same UPC lists the model at 12 inches long. That difference may reflect measuring method, packaging shorthand or a catalog error.

Use the published dimensions for initial planning only. Measure the received model before ordering a tight custom case. Add clearance for the side-opening hood, both doors and the trunk, and leave enough room to place two hands beneath the chassis.

Lighting a black model with chrome trim

Black paint and extensive chrome can be difficult to light together. Harsh frontal light creates bright reflections on the grille while hiding the body contours. Broad side lighting reveals the fenders and roofline without turning the chrome into glare.

• Use a medium-gray or warm-neutral base.
• Avoid a completely black backdrop.
• Use soft white lighting from one or both sides.
• Keep the car away from direct sunlight.
• Avoid hot lamps near the roof and hood.

Protecting the red interior

The red seats and trim are a defining part of the release. Display them through one open door or from a slightly elevated angle, but keep loose figures and accessories out of the cabin.

Use low-pressure air or a fine brush for dust. Do not apply household cleaner to the dashboard, seats or floor. Close the doors when the interior is not being viewed.

Rubber tire and wheel care

Place the rubber tires on a nonreactive surface such as glass, acrylic or fully cured sealed wood. Avoid soft vinyl, uncured paint and adhesive residue during long-term display.

• Do not apply tire shine or oil.
• Check that each tire remains centered on its wheel.
• Lift the car instead of dragging it sideways.
• Do not pull the model by one wheel.
• Inspect the stance periodically.

Packaging and transport

Keep the original window box and internal supports. The factory packaging is shaped around the long hood, ornament, mirrors and opening panels and is safer than a generic box.

Before repacking:

1. Close the hood, doors and trunk.
2. Straighten the front wheels.
3. Check the insert orientation.
4. Lower the model vertically into the support.
5. Confirm that no restraint presses on the hood ornament or mirror.
6. Store the box in a dry area away from direct sunlight.

Comparing this Roadmaster with other Motormax versions

Motormax has used the 1949 Roadmaster subject in multiple colors and body presentations. A cream coupe, burgundy version or custom convertible is not the same release as 73116AC-BK.

Compare body style, exterior color, interior color, wheel treatment, item suffix and UPC. Do not merge variants merely because the casting name and scale match.

Arrival checklist

1. Confirm item 73116AC-BK or the exact suffix printed on the received package.
2. Match UPC 661732311620.
3. Verify the black exterior, red interior and 1:18 scale.
4. Inspect the window box and internal restraints.
5. Check paint, chrome trim, grille, VentiPorts, mirrors and hood ornament.
6. Set the car on a level surface and confirm even tire contact.
7. Open the side-hinged hood carefully.
8. Inspect the straight-eight engine representation.
9. Open each door and the trunk separately.
10. Test the steering with a modest angle.
11. Measure the actual model before ordering a fitted case.
12. Photograph the exterior, interior, engine bay, underside and box labels.

Who should choose this release

Motormax 73116AC-BK is a strong fit for Buick collectors, postwar American-car displays, 1:18 classic-car shelves and buyers who want a black Roadmaster with a bright red cabin and multiple opening features.

Final identification check

The exact release is the Motormax 1:18 1949 Buick Roadmaster in black with red interior, using diecast-and-plastic construction, rubber tires, steerable wheels, opening side-hinged hood, doors and trunk, detailed Fireball straight-eight engine bay, approximate 10.5 × 4.5 × 3-inch listed dimensions, UPC 661732311620 and manufacturer item 73116AC-BK.

View the Motormax Buick Roadmaster 73116AC-BK

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