Worlds Finest Restored Roadmaster Convertible 364/300 HP Nailhead V8 Dynaflow

Buick Roadmaster 1957 Description

SUMMARY

2-owner car that's been in the same family for the last 52 years
8-year rotisserie restoration completed in 2000 / Recently freshened
Awarded a perfect 400-point score at the 2001 BCA nationals / Winner of two AACA awards
Original 364 cubic inch Nailhead V8 / Fresh NOS exhaust system
Original Dynaflow 2-speed automatic transmission
Correct Seminole Red and Carlsbad Black paint / Power convertible top
Red leather interior / Factory Harrison air conditioning
Sale includes: Restoration photos / BCA judging sheets / Both of the car's AACA award plaques
Factory power steering / Factory power drum brakes / 15-inch Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels
1 of only 4,364 Roadmaster convertibles produced for the 1957 model year

For 113 years Buick has provided substantial, unpretentious luxury to everyone from Wall Street bankers to professional athletes. You might say the storied brand has done it all. It's the foundation for today's General Motors Company. It's the foundation for America's growth in the world's largest automotive market. And in the '50s, when Detroit was at the top of its luxury game, fine automobiles like this magnificent Series 75 Roadmaster gave serious credibility to the line "A new luxury comes to motoring". A classy national award winner that earned a perfect 400-point score at the 2001 Buick Club Of America nationals, this fully sorted cruiser is certainly some of the coolest metal to ever roll down an assembly line. Thanks to its remarkable combination of smooth power and world class style, it sits at the pinnacle of luxury engineering. And if you're a cultured enthusiast who's looking for a clean, investment grade classic, it's the fully restored masterpiece of your dreams!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Passed to its second owner in 1964, and enjoyed by the same family since, this awesome drop-top is one of the coolest tri-shields we've ever seen! In 1992, the car was pulled out of storage and subjected to a body-off, rotisserie restoration that was completed over the course of eight years. That reboot concluded with a correct combination of striking Seminole Red and Carlsbad Black pigment, lovingly applied by Autokraft Race Cars and Restorations of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. In 2000, the Buick stormed the national show scene to claim Senior First Prize honors from the Antique Automobile Club of America. In 2001, it scored a perfect 400 points at the Buick Club Of America nationals. In 2003, it took home an Antique Automobile Club of America Senior Grand National First Prize. And most recently, it was rolled out of climate controlled storage to be freshened in to a lust worthy representation of glorious, unabashed Americana!

Lower, wider and graced with an even more panoramic windshield, the 1957 Roadmaster combined ornate detailing with large-scale comfort to create an unmatched sense of style and grandeur. At the front of this convertible's swank body, a heavy grille hangs a vivid, date-specific shield between chrome-trimmed headlights, bullet-style parking lamps and an intricate Dagmar bumper. Above that grille, a "B U I C K" branded hood anchors a sculpted gunsight topper in front of polished wipers, tinted glass and polished stainless frames. At the top of that glass, power-operated vinyl centers a glass backlite behind a small mirror and a power-operated antenna. At the sides of that greenhouse, bright door guards and red-trimmed sweep spears split the difference between chrome door handles, polished quarter trim, requisite ventiports and polished rocker guards. And at the back of those spears, a stainless-tinged decklid floats broad "R O A D M A S T E R" lettering between stylized taillights and a second intricate bumper that locates a hidden fuel filler between integrated exhaust outlets.

ENGINE

New for the 1957 model year, this Buick's original, 364 cubic inch V8 rolled out of the factory twisting stout 10 to 1 compression into an impressive 300 horsepower. Nicknamed the "Nail valve", and eventually known as the "Nailhead", the fully detailed mill employs a larger bore, a larger stroke, greater lift and better duration to create a Kansas-flat torque band. Funny thing is: hot rodders of the day actually coined the engine's nickname as a derisive description of its puny valvetrain and restrictive plumbing, but they certainly couldn't ignore its stellar power! The VIN-stamped block has undoubtedly been rebuilt, and probably looks much better today than when it growled off the assembly line. Aesthetically, the mill, which perches a massive oil bath air cleaner and big carburetor above factory heads, has been painted a traditional green hue. There are many fresh pieces like pliable belts, a tagged Delco-Remy generator, proven Radio GM wires and a reproduction Delco battery. A satin firewall, satin fenders and a tagged radiator frame those pieces in a construct of distinctly American curves. Optional Harrison air conditioning highlights the car's position at the top of the Buick hierarchy. And overall, the engine seems clean, simple and highly functional.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

While the original Roadmaster was essentially a well-optioned, slightly smaller Limited, Buick decided to build the '50s model on GM's hot-selling C-Body. Providing that chassis' smooth ride is a new-for-1957 ball-joint suspension that's equipped with factory power steering. At the center of those bones, an original Dynaflow 2-speed, branded with a 1957-exclusive "R" assembly code, sends power to a glossy rear axle. At the edges of that drivetrain, an NOS exhaust system, installed earlier this year, makes good use of GM-branded mufflers. Outside that exhaust, power-assisted drums initiate quick, drama-free stops. Outside those brakes, Kelsey-Hayes Skylark wires spin 235/75R15 Coker Classic whitewalls around red, white and blue spinners. And, with a spotless undercarriage that's seen little-to-no asphalt, this big cruiser would be right at home sitting on the show field.

INTERIOR

An excellent mix of new world style and old world luxury, this Roadmaster's plush interior is the perfect place to parade down Main Street. The car's substantial benches, featuring full power adjustment for the front passengers, are stuffed with thick padding, wrapped in silver-piped leather and trimmed in polished stainless. In front of those seats, a padded dash hangs glossy paint and stylish trim around a classy clock, a correct radio and fully rebuilt telemetry. At the base of that dash, high quality carpet is protected by color-keyed floor mats. At the sides of that carpet, ornate door panels found slim armrests in front of factory power windows. In front of the driver, a color-keyed steering wheel twists a full horn ring around a proud Buick centerpiece. And behind the passengers, a snug cowl snaps over a fully restored trunk that centers a fifth Kelsey-Hayes wire inside a fifth whitewall tire.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

A vintage Owner's Guide
A vintage Owner Service Policy pamphlet
A vintage convertible top instruction booklet
A vintage accessories pamphlet
Restoration photos
Judging sheets from the car's Buick Club Of America sweep
A tag that features both of the car's AACA award plaques
A set of correctly restored steel wheels that are complete with tires

Combining high quality restoration with acute detailing, this national award-winning Roadmaster is some of the best metal your money can buy! Anyone can cruise a Chevy or a Ford, but this killer Buick is a rare exercise the kind of flamboyant, 1-year swagger that was only provided by Detroit's finest luxury brands. If you're in the market for a one-of-a-kind classic that'll be a blast on the road and a hit at the show, your search is officially over!