The 1954 Buick Roadmaster greeting guests at Lone Star Court is the iconic slice of ’50s nostalgia that ties the hotel’s retro feel together.
Arriving at the Lone Star Court down bustling, high-end Domain Drive is a little like traveling back in time to the 1950s, what with the humming neon sign, kitschy yet comfortable furniture, and the iconic teal car parked out front. Inevitably, that stocky 1954 Buick Roadmaster is the first thing guests ask about.
Where did it come from?
The hotel opened in 2012 with a throwback ethos meant to evoke the feel of classic Texas motor lodges. General Manager Marcus Latner says the hotel was searching for a vintage vehicle that fit the vibe they were cultivating and came across the Roadmaster being sold in California after spending its years split between just two owners who primarily took it out for spins on weekends.
Can you take a ride?
That lack of use explains why the car is more than just a showpiece today. Guests can request a ride from the hotel, and while those trips rarely extend beyond the Domain shopping center that surrounds Lone Star Court, it’s a smooth ride on leather seats and all original parts, with the exception of new disc brakes and hotel-specific decals added by the Austin Speed Shop.
What’s next for the Roadster?
For now, the car is more of a curio, photo opportunity, and conversation starter for the hotel staff than a main attraction, but Latner and his crew have bigger designs for the Roadmaster. If all goes well, he said, 2016 will see Lone Star Court playing host to a classic car show featuring collectors from all over the greater Austin area, with details to be announced early next year.
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