1958 Buick "Wells Fargo" Convertible in Auburn, Indiana

To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Auburn Fall event, 30 August - 2 September 2018.
Estimate:
$275,000 - $350,000

An original one-off Buick factory show carCustom-built by Buick for Dale Robertson, star of Tales of Wells FargoUnique special solid walnut and unique chrome body trimNatural Danish calfskin, hand-tooled leather, and calfskin interiorComplete with chrome-plated custom Winchester lever-action rifles (non-functional)300-hp, 364-cu. in. OHV V-8 and Flight Pitch Dynaflow automatic transmissionFactory air conditioning and Air Poise suspension

The most unique 1958 Buick Limited was this one-of-a-kind convertible built by the factory for Dale Robertson, star of the television western, Tales of Wells Fargo, for which Buick was a title sponsor. Befitting the cowboy star, the car was uniquely finished in Glacier White with solid walnut panels on both rear fenders, special "Wells Fargo" chrome lettering, a unique longhorn steer's head hood emblem, and bespoke "flipper" hubcaps. The interior featured front bucket seats and door panels in Danish calfskin, with hand-tooled Western motif leather inserts, and natural calfskin carpeting. A hand-tooled leather pistol holster was fitted to each door, while the console was mounted with two chrome-plated lever-action Winchester rifles, with carved stocks.

That the car was built for Robertson was no mere sales puffery. After displaying it at many of the major auto shows across the country, Buick really did gift Robertson the "Wells Fargo" Limited for his personal use. Robertson drove the car on a promotional tour across the U.S., became attached to it, and wound up keeping it and driving it regularly for nearly 30 years. Later it was part of the famed Bortz Auto Collection, as well as the noted collections of Wally Rank and Erich Traber.

A wonderful piece of General Motors history and an authentic GM factory show car, the "Wells Fargo" Buick Limited is among the most significant 1950s GM convertibles offered in decades.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/AF18.