For Sale at Auction: 1955 Buick Roadmaster in Amelia Island, Florida

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.