Vehicle Description
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.
