Vehicle Description
One of only 3318 Roadmaster convertibles built in 1953. Beautiful
original color combination. High-quality frame-on restoration.
Recent hydraulic system service. Everything works, runs and drives
extremely well. A beautiful Buick!1953 was a very big year for
Buick. It was their 50th anniversary, the 'Nailhead' V8 was
introduced, and most Buicks switched to 12-volt electrical systems.
Styling was freshened but maintained strong Buick DNA with the
chrome 'sweep spear' along its flanks and handsome grille up front.
In short, if you want a post-war Buick, 1953 was a great year.
Aside from the Skylark, the Roadmaster 76C was Buick's
top-of-the-line convertible, so it's not surprising that only 3318
were built. This particular ragtop is finished in its original code
60 Ridge Green, one of the less common choices but certainly a
lovely one. This car hails from New England, but given the quality
of the restoration and the fact that the body has never been off
the frame, we can find no signs that it was ever used in inclement
weather. Panel fit is excellent, the big doors swing closed easily,
and there's a deep shine to the finish that's entirely appropriate
for 1953. IF you're going to own a '50s car, a pastel color is
always the right choice! And, of course, there's plenty of
stainless and chrome trim, all of which was restored with the rest
of the exterior and remains in very good condition throughout.
We're very impressed with how nicely finished this big convertible
really is.The matching two-tone green interior is likewise how this
car was built in 1953, and it's quite stylish with contrasting
white piping. The door panels continue the theme and were restored
with the rest of the interior, and the carpets offer the proper nap
and texture. The instrument panel is a cool pattern that stretches
from end to end, and the gauges are contained in three round pods
that are easy to read. The big steering wheel is color-matched to
the interior and shows both a 'POWER STEERING' callout and a 50th
anniversary emblem on the horn button. The original AM radio works
and has a supplemental connector that will enable you to use your
phone, a great feature! Even the clock ticks away reliably over
there on the passenger's side. Power windows, a power seat, and a
power convertible top were standard equipment and the entire
hydraulic system has just been serviced so they all work like they
should. And speaking of the top, it's beautifully fitted black
canvas with a correct green vinyl boot to give the car a finished
look. Back seat space is big enough for real-sized adults and
there's a massive, well-upholstered trunk that includes a
full-sized spare tire.Buick's 322 cubic inch 'Nailhead' V8 is a
torque factory, making even this big convertible feel energetic on
the road. It fires easily using the correct accelerator
pedal-mounted starter system and idles with a healthy V8 burble and
impeccable smoothness. There's a 4-barrel carburetor on top,
although it's buried under that massive air cleaner assembly.
Correct Buick Turquoise engine enamel and reproduction decals give
it an OEM look, and even the little details like hose clamps and
fasteners are correct. There seems to be an endless wave of torque
pulling the big ragtop down the road, which is partially due to the
Nailhead and partially thanks to the Dynaflow automatic
transmission, whose seamless acceleration is a big part of what
makes Buicks like this special. No gears, no shifts, just a smooth
flow of torque that makes the Roadmaster feel effortless in
everything it does. The suspension is Buick smooth and the brakes
are powerful, making this a wonderful tour car that can run at the
head of the pack. You'll note the floors and rockers are in
excellent condition, the body mounts are solid, and while it's not
shiny and restored, it has no scary secrets waiting for a new
owner. A newer exhaust system give the Buick just the right sound
and it sits on 8.00-15 wide whitewall tires that offer a perfect
'50s look.Extras include manuals, receipts, and a large cache of
spare parts.Powerful, stylish, and comfortable, the Roadmaster
lives up to the legend. Arguably Buick's best post-war year, 1953
represents a lot of important milestones for one of GM's most
storied brands. This beautiful convertible runs and drives like it
should and offers the kind of 1950s luxury that made a new Buick in
your driveway the envy of the neighborhood. Give us a call and find
out why.Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or
professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to
purchase.
