Award Winning Body Off Restored Roadmaster Convertible 322 Nailhead V8 2 Speed

SUMMARY

The mid-fifties were an amazing time for General Motors. Thanks to Sloan's Ladder of Success, each of the automaker's divisions had a distinct identity, and business was booming. Upmarket, innovative and stylish, GM kick starter Buick offered a lot of substance, and this award-winning Roadmaster is an excellent showcase of the brand's bounty. Enjoyed by its original owner for close to half a century, this striking classic is the beneficiary of a body-off, nut-and-bolt restoration that was completed in June of 2014. And, naturally, as a the tri-shield brand's top-of-the-line chariot, it hosts all of mid-century Motown's most desirable features, including a lavish cockpit, a smooth Dynaflow transmission and a proven Nailhead V8. Ready to dig a little deeper in to GM's catalog of gems? Take a closer look at this awesome drop-top!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Like the dealership it came from, this impressive Roadmaster stayed in the same family for close to 50 years. Unfortunately, the Great Recession spelled the end of many 'Mom And Pop' lots, and the car was eventually sold to a Beverly Hills attorney who housed it at his East Coast residence. Three years in to life with that second owner, the Buick started showing a little age. Instead of hauling the car cross-country and facilitating restoration, the attorney decided it was easier to simply cut ties. That's where the current owner stepped in. After spotting the Roadmaster on eBay, he signed the papers and drove the car roughly two hours to its new home. Fast-forward two years to June of 2014, and this stately drop-top is rolling out of Klassic Rides of Denver, North Carolina where it received a body-off, nut-and-bolt restoration. Klassic Ride's techs began by stripping the car's curvaceous 'pontoon body' to bare metal. When that heavy cleaning was complete, all those Harley Earl-designed panels were assembled into a correct profile that presents largely blemish-free surfaces. After that thorough test fitting, a vibrant coat of Condor Yellow 2-stage was capped in power-operated cloth and teased to a show-stopping shine. And today, this Roadmaster's prestigious appearance is a lust worthy representation of one of America's most glorious eras of motoring.

ENGINE

Lift the car's 'alligator hood' and you'll find a 322 cubic inch overhead valve V8 which, in factory form, twists a stout 200 horsepower into 309 ft./lb. of low-end torque. Nicknamed the "Nail valve", and eventually known as the "Nailhead", this fully detailed mill employs greater lift and better duration to create a Kansas-flat power 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 proven block has undoubtedly been rebuilt, and probably looks much better today than when it growled off the assembly line. Aesthetically, the mill, perching a meaty air cleaner and big Carter carburetor on factory heads complete with hardened valve seats, has been painted a traditional green hue. There are many modern pieces like an MSD distributor, an MSD High Vibration Blaster Coil, a coated AC compressor and a fresh alternator. A color-keyed firewall, glossy fenders, an aluminum radiator and a small electric fan frame those pieces in a construct of crisp curves. 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 fully restored suspension that, in this application, is equipped with modern power steering. At the center of those bones, a correct Dynaflow 2-speed sends power to a factory 10-bolt axle. A fresh exhaust system makes good use of a factory replacement muffler. Outside that exhaust, upgraded power front disc and rear drum brakes increase stopping prowess. Outside those brakes, Coker wires spin 235/75R15 American Classic whitewalls around "BUICK" branded spinners. And, with a clean undercarriage that's seen little-to-no asphalt, this big cruiser will be right at home sitting on the show field.

INTERIOR

An excellent mix of new world style and old world luxury, this Roadmaster's thoughtfully customized interior is the perfect place to parade down Main Street. The car's substantial benches are stuffed with thick padding, wrapped in yellow and burgundy vinyl, and trimmed in polished stainless. In front of those seats, a Gloss Black dash hangs classy telemetry between pushbutton start, a correct Selectronic radio and hidden hardware for modern climate control. 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 under 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 upholstered trunk that centers a fifth Coker wire inside a fifth whitewall tire.

AWARDS

When you put a unique car through a detailed restoration, you can expect to win some awards. Here's a short list of the Buick's star-studded accolades.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

With proven Nailhead power, a long list of amenities and looks that'll keep you locked in your garage for days, this classy drop-top is a shining example of why GM was the world's largest automaker for close to a century. Ready to own an amazing classic and real piece of Buick history? Don't miss the chance to add this Roadmaster to your collection!