factoryben

Numbers are not the only factor. The 1953 -55 Vettes as a group are the lowest production numbered Vettes. I have owned a 54 since 1973. These early C-1s, with the exception of the incredibly rare 53 models, have never held their value in line with the later 56-57, 58-60 & 61-62 C-1s. Numbers built is part of the story but there really is no universal explanation on why some models are more valuable. I always laugh at the value bubble that occured when the 78 Vette Pace Car was introduced. The Wall Street Journal was prediciting $50,000 prices when they stickered at about $13,000. And for a moment the prices soared and everyone stashed away their instant classic. Today it is quite easy to find an original Pace Car with 10,000 miles or less priced at $15,000. Well, maybe not easy, but I have seen them. I would hate to have an example stashed that cost me $50,000. My two cents worth is that things get very weird when cars are held for investment purposes only. I say let's keep em for driving fun.

Beauty (and price) is in the eye of the beholder. I love early Vettes and early T-Birds and agree that the Vettes generally cost more. I don't think things like this really have a rational explanation. Each vehicle has it's own following and as auburnseeker noted those that follow Vettes have a cult like quality. Collecting early Vettes started in the 1970's or even before. There were national Corvette Clubs even in the 1950's. There have always been Corvette "people" that got together. There was Corvette only parking at Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI in the late 1950's. Early T-Birds never had that. But, just so one doesn't get too bowtie crazy, why do Shelby Mustangs often go for $100,000 + (sometimes very +) when it is rare for a mid-year Sting Ray to break the 100 grand barrier? While I love those Shelbys they are basically Mustangs. It doesn't make rational sense it's just the way things are. I am sure there are a ton of similar examples. As auburnseeker also pointed out condition is key. A number 1 car of any make is very rare and will command stratopheric prices while a more common #3 or #4 condition car is never going to be a #1 and the market will price it accordingly. With the market being generally weak for project cars this difference will also distort efforts to compare various ebay offerings. I have been in this hobby since the 60's and it has been remarkable to see the prices for some vehicles soar while others that are quite similar to these pricey models just stagnate. No reason, it's just the market.

Thanks for the information. I will sign up at buick-59.com. I will have to go looking for a grille ornament. Ben

I have just started the process of refurbishing a 1959 Buick LeSabre convertible. I have a 1959 LeSabre 2 door sedan as a parts car. Both cars are relatively original cars which do not appear to be modified. Both cars have grilles that are in reasonably good condition. Neither car's grille has the center circled V emblem that I have noticed on many other 59 Buicks. My father bought a new 59 LeSabre convertible in the spring of 1959 that I have fond memories of. My recollection is that his car did not have this emblem either, but I could be wrong on that as I was pretty young. The question I have is if any of you 59 Buick people know if this was an emblem for the higher end cars (Invicta/Electra) or was an accessory addition. I have seen some LeSabre's out there with the badge but just don't know the history. Pictures of my two cars grilles attached. Thanks. Ben

Thank you all for the information that you have provided. I will be posting in the 59 Buick blog for information as well but thought I would pursue my remaining questions here too. What 3 speed transmissions will interchange with a 59 LeSabre? I understand that the 59 manual equiped cars had a differential gear ratio of 3:90 or something like that while the autos had a higher speed ratio. I have the auto differential. Will it, with its torque tube, bolt right up to the manual trans? Or did the manuals have a different torque tube attachment? I note that the manual trans mount, which is still with the car, is different than the auto trans mount. Not surprising but it makes you wonder if there are other differences. Trying to get a feel for how difficult it would be to piece together a manual set-up versus just using the auto stuff I have a my disposal. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks. Ben

I have acquired a 1959 Buick LeSabre convertible. It is missing engine, transmission and differential but it is solid enough to be refurbished or restored. It was originally a 3 speed manual. Steering column, manual shift pedals and clutch mount is all there. I also have a LeSabre 2 door sedan as a parts car. That car has the engine with an auto trans. My plan was to keep the convertible with the original 3 speed set up but I am at a loss as to finding the needed parts. The car is supposed to have an enclosed drive shaft and I am not sure of the interchange information with other vehicles as to differential and tranny. Can any one help with suggestions? If I would decide to just use the parts off the sedan to switch the convertible to an automatic are there any quirks to be aware of? Thanks for any information. Ben

I have a number of 1971 through 1975 GM convertibles. I am unsure if the Eldorado floors differ but the others all have the same floors. Even the 4 door sedans (but not wagons) share the same floor pan. The only difference is where the sedan post is welded in. At that point the pan wraps around the sedan post and so there would be a small section missing if the whole pan is used for a convertible. I have never replaced a full floor pan but I have done a number of sectioned pieces. These cars very often have rust at the bottom sections of the foot rests and under the rear seat. These pieces are quite easily sectioned from a sedan body and welded into the convertible floor. If rust is more extensive I believe larger sedan floor sections, even the support braces, are the same. I have found the sedan floors are generally solid, even here in Wisconsin. Trunk floors are a bit more difficult to find but that is a different story. Good luck. Ben

Adam: Your progress with your Limited gave me a great deal of inspiration. You may recall that I had a Limited convertible for the last 10 years that was quite rough. I had great dreams for that car but never got around to starting on it. When I read your story I truly believed a hobbyist could gain the skills necessary to make my dream Limited a reality. I, too, then found that the financial price tag was so high that it would have prevented my completion of several other near and dear projects of mine. Those other projects, like your Roadmaster, could be completed, used and enjoyed today. As they say, I realized I was not getting any younger and had to make the decision to sell the Limited. The party that bought my Limited has the means and the ability to bring the dream to a reality. In the end we are but caretakers of these vehicles. I am confident I made the right decision about my Limited. I think you did as well. One sad reality of both sales though is that these beautiful American icons are both leaving the USA and will likely never return. Good luck with the Roadmaster!

Pete: Any news on getting the fenders off? Sorry to hear about the poison ivy. I found a 62 Electra once that was guarded by a bunch of wasps. Not too many parts got removed. Thanks for your effort. Ben

Are the fenders solid? I need rust free fenders. Also rocker mouldings if in decent shape. Let me know condition and price. Ben (in Wisconsin)

Looking for 3 hole door pulls. If you have them please respond with price and pictures. Ben

If dryesandno or anyone else on this forum would like pictures of data tag from a white 58 limited convertible with silver interior send me a private message. I have such a car that is rough but original. I will return pictures by private message. factoryben

Its been 4 years since you posted the picture of the back half of the Limited convertible. Any chance it still in your neighbors yard? There are a couple of parts on that rear clip that I could really use to complete my Limited convertible. Give me a shout if its still there.