B Jake Moran

I had no idea how nice this place is! This is a dream Buick Gardens site.

Wow, very nice convertible.

Sold, price sells cars. Unknown where it might go and once the new owner finds out it costs $125,000 to restore a 1956 Century convertible or a 1956 Century 4 door hardtop, it may not change much. If anyone finds a 1956 Roadmaster 4 door hardtop, I would be interested. I like them more than even a 2 door hardtop.

I don't like those wire wheel caps and I am not sure what they are from. I think 1970's full size Buicks, but I am not sure. Give me the correct wheel hubcaps any day.

That certainly is beautiful, and even the engine compartment looks like the present owner cares a bit. So the question is, what is a good price for a driver class 2 + or 3 - 1961 Invicta 4 door hardtop? NO ONE is restoring these cars, not worth it unless you are a millionaire. If you are 55, say, and buy this car for collector car fun, and you take it to cruise night, or a show n shine, then prepare to be ignored or placed on the show field way far away. We love it. But for me to part money for it, I think I am at $12,000 US.

Is this the going price for a full on project 56 or most 1950's Buick 2 door hardtop? They don't sell on FB marketplace, they sit there for sometimes years but the sellers don't seem to budge. He has lowered it from $6,000 to $5,500 but if this was a "hot" project, it should be gone by now. I'm interested, but I guess I am cheap. I am 60 in 3 weeks, have a fun little Mazda Miata to scratch the itch, but am looking for 2 projects or cars. 1. to do with an 18 year old and 2. one to send to a professional well regarded restoration shop. This one would probably go to the shop, is northwest of Minneapolis and would cost me $400 or so to a friend with a trailer to go get it. I don't know, maybe I better pass on all of this stuff. What's a fair price? Sure, it's one of the great 1950's Buicks, a Roadmaster 2 door hardtop - but all of those BCA members in Minnesota know about this one, and have passed. I would think $2500. So this seller would say no, I would be labeled a "low baller." I think that is why potential buyers just pass on this one.

From the seller - no it is still available. the car is complete, but partially disassembled, the hood is there.

Marketplace - 1956 Buick Roadmaster | Facebook Seller's Description 2dr hdtp, 322 Nailhead, pwr windows, pwr seats, Dynaflo tranny Car is complete. This model is only 2% of Buick,'s production for 1956. Have clean title. Partially disassembled. Body good, have floor panels, frame solid. $6000/BO

That V8 Buick thread is mostly politics, not germaine to the subject of Pauls. Well look, we've seen some of the most iconic collector car businesses go out of business. The 2 upholstery businesses come to mind, Hampton Coach and the other one I can't remember. Please note these are "restoration" businesses and there are relatively few people doing restorations anymore compared to 25 to 40 years ago. Yes that seems like a long time ago, but when were garage restorations in their hey day? 1960's to 1980's. If you are doing a restoration now don't say "hey there is still a lot of us out there!" Drop in the bucket compared to 25 to 40 years ago. I sent rotted taillamp housing from a 1954 Chrysler New Yorker to Paul's 20 years ago and the cost was too much, and he sent them back. (I included shipping cost, but back then it was $6 or $7) I think he wanted $550 for 2 housings. Good work costs money. I have a Mustang parts catalog on my desk from Classic Industries. So? About 2/3 of the way through there is a card to get "free" catalogs for everything else they sell. If you are interested in anything "off beat" forget it. I know there are other sources, but this is a microcosm of the hobby now. Similar to the "resto mods" we see going across the Scottsdale auctions with beer gut salt and pepper millionaires nodding to the auction personnel. This relates to the Pauls issue because I can see they would have declining sales, and employee retention issues.

Well-a person should not speculate but it would be interesting to know what happened to that Federal money. As with any Federal “program” fraud and misappropriation is rampant.

Yes I’m confused a bit too. S55 must be the same as a 500XL. Meaning buckets and console.

Nice exterior Not sure about that interior and engine bay.

Ed, correct. I reached a point where I had had enough. Of losing money on abandoned finds. Lost time. And just wore me down so I got into other hobbies. But it’s fun to look.

I don’t consider this era cheesy. This is how younger kids can get into the hobby but most want to modify and then get lost in the weeds. My 1st collector cars back in the 80s were a 76 Trans Am for $1000. Wish I still had that right?! Old trucks, and other uncool stuff.

I’ve been banned a few times. My warnings are very high and permanent. Peter is an understanding guy, really, in the final analysis.

No longer listed. Price sells cars.

I think I see a couple of compromises but they are correctable, I think. I am no expert like Matthew. Nonetheless, I believe we were debating price about a month ago and the consensus was mid $20,000 for a nice 37-38 Century. That makes this a decent price, if checked out, and a good one two punch with that Special Slantback project. (1937)

This is a beautiful 1938 Buick Century that has been fully restored to its original configuration. The engine is rebuilt; 320.2 cu. in. 8 cylinder with rear wheel drive. The car runs and drives great! Marketplace - 1938 Buick Century | Facebook

Or take the head off? Again I’m no flathead expert, that’s partly why I asked the initial questions.

Another delusional seller. I have to remind myself not to get upset on these ads. Let’s see - I have to “get rid” of these estate cars. What do I do? Mark them up and make people think it’s a privilege to buy them.

I believe the Marti report which has it as a factory installed option. I also look at the fitment and doubt but can't say for sure, that that would require a special jig to hold the cut roof in place, any flexing could render the installation a squeaky nightmare.

Then I wonder why it was so important years ago? I am almost 60 (6 more weeks) and started in the hobby 44 years ago. Back then, Hemmings Motor News and Peterson's magazine - Collector Cars I believe - were the go to magazines along with that lesser marketplace - name escapes me but it was fun. Then Collectible Automobile. I think there is a misconception regarding Hemmings, maybe not. Hemmings was for me a magazine to start in front, with a cup of coffee or a beer, and slowly turn each page to reveal something cool, a car, a story, even cars beyond my reach but ones you didn't see. In fact, much of my interest has been derived from reading Collectible Automobile or a historical Auto book like Hendry's Cadillac books, or Buick books, then going to Hemmings to "find it." That is how I found most of my cars long before the Internet took over. And just to know they were out there, wow! Now I don't know about the current magazine but like someone noted, they have a feature car on each segment, and auction results which are fun to read, before going to the columned pages. Now, I am not expecting to find my next car or vehicle but rather I want a "one stop shop" for the vendors which can help me. Otherwise, you use google, type in something, and Google decides if it's relevant. Some of you folks are deep into the hobby and don't need reminded of vendors. Until a couple of days ago I forgot about YEAR ONE, which was an up and coming parts provider for muscle cars. The bottom line is $15 is free, and I will get FREE use out of Hemmings, browsing with that beer, jotting down what I need, keeping one copy as a reference. Recycling the rest. Maybe Hemmings will read everyone's comments here and adjust, but to me it sounds like most of you would never subscribe anyway, no matter what.

John, I have done that many times. I have even purchased a couple of cars that way. 20 years ago a car would be shown in Hemmings and I would go "wow I have to have it, but I can't afford it." Check a few months later and make the deal.

There is a small cadre of us guys that love the Centurions and it doesn’t matter what the body type is. This one is very nice and you get a Harwood detail, at least a $500 value, at no additional cost. My introduction to Centurions was a Cheyenne Wyoming neighbor. Mrs Steere drove a 72 4 door in that dark Hunter green, similar dark to medium green interior and vinyl top.

I subscribed because of the free status, essentially, as explained. I know it’s a shadow of its old self. But I do like Hemmings Classic Cars and Hemmings Muscle magazines. I don’t subscribe but I did off and on for a few years. Hemmings includes (or did include) elements of their magazines in HMN. I am considering getting back into a restoration and would like the ads for the vendors/companies that might help me. I could get all that out of just one issue, but HMN wasn’t at the Barnes & Noble I went to. The last time I subscribed was probably 15 years ago. I think I paid the discounted rate then but it was $40. I was just amazed that’s $15. And it is a 4th class mailed real magazine. I double checked that.