Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 7B1021415
The Roadmaster script first appeared on the rear deck of a Buick on
the 1936 Series 80, a period brochure proclaiming, 'it literally
named itself the first time a test model leveled out on the open
highway.' Nearly two decades later, the Roadmaster remained the
flagship model of the marque, second only to Cadillac in the GM
hierarchy. The 1953 model year saw the introduction of Buick's new
322 cu-in V8 engine, replacing the durable Fireball straight-eight
which had powered the model through the 30s and 40s, followed by a
completely restyled sixth-generation Roadmaster in 1954. The new
car adopted the 'pontoon' body style which had come into fashion on
many post-war sedans, as well as subdued rear fins, bullet tail
lights, and panoramic windows. For 1955, the Roadmaster received a
minor styling update in the form of new gold badging and accents,
saving the major improvements for under the hood, where it gained
36 additional horsepower and a variable-pitch Dynaflow transmission
for quicker acceleration off the line.
This striking Roadmaster Convertible's original trim tag confirms
that it was finished in the factory hue of Condor Yellow, while a
striking yellow and black leather interior was specified inside.
The 'double-roll' dash contains a large array of luxurious
amenities including a horizontally-gliding speedometer, an electric
clock, a period-looking AM/FM radio, and heater controls within
easy reach of the driver. The spacious cabin is detailed with
chrome accents along the sumptuous 'double-depth' power-adjustable
front bench seat and polished chrome switches throughout. The high
level of design and materials are indicative of the status that
Buick held at General Motors, just a tick below Cadillac. It rides
on correct Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels with spinner caps and
shod with wide-whitewall Coker Classic tires, completing this
period-correct package.
The car was professionally restored circa 2001, during which it was
refinished its current Condor Yellow and black two-tone, prior to
joining the current owner's collection. The Buick has been
preserved and regularly exercised at AACA events for over a decade,
winning a Buick Club of America Senior Award in 2001. As per
consignor, the Roadmaster is in fine mechanical condition and ready
to be enjoyed by its next owner, having received a complete
mechanical refreshening in preparation for the sale. This stylish
cruiser is accompanied by its spare tire, jack, lug wrench, fire
extinguisher, and matching black boot cover.
