Robert K. Blair

My family was the original owner of the Landau...My Dad, would be proud to know Bob and admire the great passion he has shown in fully restoring the Landau.. Robert K. Blair son of the first owner...

Dear Sir: For more detailed information on this one-of-a-kind Motorama car, find a copy of the Sept 2010 issue of Classic Car. It details the history of the Landau, orginally owned by my Dad, Robert F. Blair. The car won the AACA Senior Car Award last year and is owned by Bob Coker. You can see more about it on You Tube as well. The interior has been completely redone and car looks brand new. It still has only 24,000 miles on it. I got to drive it at a showing in Texarkana in 2008. Robert K. Blair Austin, TX

Hats Off to Bob Coker. As the son of the man who saved the Landau, I can't tell you how proud my Father would be today...Bob Coker has done a first-class job with the Landau. I saw it in October of 08 and was dismayed by the shoddy interior; Mr. Coker has done a masterful job of restoring the Landau to its original stature. Many thanks Bob, and please let me know who the new owner is... Rob Blair blairr40@yahoo.com Austin, TX 512-924-6778

I just learned of the passing of Charles Barnette; an attorney who befriended me from Texarkana. I seems like only yesterday he called me and was THE key in re-uniting me with the now famous '54 Buick Landau. Charles invited me to replace the missing sterling bar set which he painstakingly tracked down via EBay. He arranged to borrow the car, then owned, by John O'Quinn of Houston. He arranged for me to be on hand for a 100 Year Birthday party for GM which he held in his vintage auto garage in Texarkana. I arrived just before the Landau and was invited to drive the famous car around the block! I had not seen the car for 47 years. What a thrill provided for me by this thoughtful passionate auto enthusiast. I was allowed to speak about how my Dad aquired the Landau and my experiences with the one-of-a-kind auto and how my Dad was admired by Harlow Curtice during the 50's when Buick overtook Plymouth and moved into 3rd place nationally. My Dad was first District Mgr in Detroit and his District was the first in the country to move into 3rd. Wonder how many new cars Buick sold in '56? Would you believe 745,000!!! I was thrilled to see the exterior condition but saddened by the interior. Thank God, Bob Coker, now owns the Landau and has restored it to it's original magnificent condition. I believe the Landau will soon become the most famous post 1950 American car in the world. Thanks also to David Temple and Roy Faries for their help reuniting me with the Landau. My sincere condolences to Mr. Barnettes' family and friend. A wonderful man and a great friend to Buick. You can see the Landau with me at the wheel, on YouTube if you like. Robert K. Blair Son of Robert F. Blair - The Man Who Saved the Landau

My sincerest congats to Bob Coker for taking the Landau to its original beauty. Winning the Senior award in Charlotte is only the first step in my mind in rewarding Bob for his efforts, his dedication to excellence, and his sense of taste for this very unique automobile. As the original owner, speaking for my late father, Robert F. Blair, you have taken the dream car to new heights. Thank you for purchasing the Landau and restoring it to its' glory days. I think Harlow Curtice would really enjoy a ride in it today. Kudos to Charles Barnette would was a big factor in brining attention to this truly world-class limo. Rob Blair Austin, Texas

As the sole survivor of Buick Executive, Robert F. Blair, who originally owned the Landau dating back to 1959, I am thrilled the car is staying in America. Sounds to me like Bob made an excellent buy! With the improvements Charles Barnett made to the vehicle in '08, if the interior gets restored, I believe this one-of-a-kind Motorama limo has a chance to become a million dollar vehicle. I tried to interest Jay Leno in the car but failed. Thank you again for keeping this truly unique auto in the USA. Robert K. Blair Austin, Texas:)

Bill: This is a legimate "one and only" Motorama car. You can see some great photos of it by searching on 1954 Landau in the forum. The car was also used by Harlow Curtice, President of GM from 1953 to 1958. Harlow was the Time Magazine "Man of the Year" for 1955. Buick sold 754,000 units that year and zoomed past Plymouth into 3rd place in sales. Robert Blair Austin, TX

These are great looking dashboards. I like the '55 and '56 Buicks that featured that sliding redline speedometer. Any one got a photo of either of these dashes?

I guess life in Northern California has finally caught up with you....When did you last own a GM car? Do you know Buick has made everyones' top car list for quality and reliability? Before we start bashing GM again lets get real with the facts.

I saw that TV segment and thought Finally some recognition for the Buick Century. It was a beautiful car, but somehow, I feel time has slighted Buick as a great American car during the 50's. As a young man, I used to go the the drag strip at Westhampton, NY on Sundays. I always wanted to see a 57 Century go up against a 57 Chevy. Even with Dynaflow, the Buick could really haul. My mom had a 57 Century convertible and I can attest to the real snap in your neck when you hit the gas in that baby. Who do you think would win between the Century and the Bel Air?

It's hard to argue with 1955 NOT being Buick's single best year after passing Plymouth and moving into 3rd place in national sales...In addition, Buick's former General Manager, and President of GM in '55 was Time Magazine Man of the Year! I liked the styling changes in 1956 with a smoother look, softer and more rounded. 57 would be hard to vote for given BUicks' overheating problems that plagued the Special. I also think 1963 was a very good year with the introduction of the Riviera. I worked in a New Jersey dealership and drove the first Riviera back to our Dealership and had people jumping out of their cars at traffic lights to ask: "What kind of car is that? Like WOW, where can I get one?"