progoofoff Posted March 15, 2010 Share Posted March 15, 2010 (edited) I`ve never been much of a `54 Buick fan but ........The high bidder was a dealer from St. Louis.With the help of a third party, I was able to negotiate a "finder fee" and purchased it from him.It will be delivered in the next day or so.If anyone is interested, drop by and we`ll take a ride.BobWinston Salem, NC Edited March 15, 2010 by progoofoff (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TxBuicks Posted March 15, 2010 Share Posted March 15, 2010 Outstanding! It's nice to know who owns it now. Did you get any other "goodies" with it, like historical photos, press releases, etc.? I wrote an article on it for the Buick Bugle recently, documenting the reunion of the thermos and cups, and interviewing the son of the original owner, so I feel somewhat attached to it now. I would love to see it at a BCA Nationals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Phillips Posted March 15, 2010 Share Posted March 15, 2010 Bob,Congratulations! Glad to see it is staying in the U.S. and in the hands of a Buick guy. Take photos of its arrival and whatever else, and I'll do an article on it in the Buick Bugle magazine. The sale and saving of this car is important! Thanks a bunch for keeping it here.Pete PhillipsSherman, Texas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
38Buick 80C Posted March 15, 2010 Share Posted March 15, 2010 Bob, Brian from the Carolina Chapter here. Why don't you bring her down for our Buick show as part of Charlotte Autofair on Sunday of the event. We'd love to have you and such a historic Buick as part of our event. If you are interested let me know!Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles D. Barnette Posted March 15, 2010 Share Posted March 15, 2010 Bob, I am thrilled that a senior member of the BCA now owns this car. My local museum had the privilege of displaying the car in 2008. We made sure that the original cups and thermos were reunited with the car. We also presented it with some wheel covers that more closely matched the originals which were stolen many years ago. I hope you receive these items when she arrives! I am going to notify Robert Blair (son of the Buick executive that saved the car) of your purchase. Charles D. Barnette-you now own a national treasure! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted March 15, 2010 Share Posted March 15, 2010 Congratulations Bob. As I have already personnaly expressed to you, I am so very happy that you recognized the importance and value of this rare specimen of 1950's Buick history and was able to step up to the plate and purchase it. I doubt that it has sank in just what you do now own. Thanks also for letting me be one of the first to know. I have been beside myself with joy and jealousy since we talked Sunday morning. It is so good to know it is in the hands of a fellow mid fifties Buick lover that won't just sto it away in a warehouse with a hundred other classics. Hopefully you can indeed bring and display it at Charlotte and/or at future Nationals. I will certainly take you up on your invitation to come up and take a ride in it. In fact please let me know if it needs any cleaning or waxing and polishing. I understand that a little drool mixed in with carnauba wax makes for a great shine. Sorta like a "spit shine". Oh and I have a tent I can bring and set up for a few days if necesary.Again Congrats and Cheers!!!!Lamar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert K. Blair Posted March 15, 2010 Share Posted March 15, 2010 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. BlairAustin, Texas:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted March 15, 2010 Share Posted March 15, 2010 I believe this one-of-a-kind Motorama limo has a chance to become a million dollar vehicle. Makes that finders fee seem not so bad after all eh Bob? Considering what mid fifties convertible Buicks have been selling for recently, I have no doubt the Landau was a great buy, even with a "finders" fee. Again I commend you for recognizing this car for what it is, overcoming your aversion to 54's :confused: and having the resourses to acquire it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serb Posted March 15, 2010 Share Posted March 15, 2010 Congratulations and thanks for a great purchase and keeping it in country.Stevo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thriller Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 Congrats Bob. My only hope is to some day get your way to see it in person, or to be at an event you bring it to. I'm not quite as jealous as MrEarl, but perhaps I'm just less of a dreamer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad Conley Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 Bob,As one owner of a Buick Show Car to now another, congratulations! This is an important part of Buick History that you are now charged with. I am sure you will do everything in your power to maintain and even possibly improve this piece of history. Congratulations once again!Also... Well bought!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 That is wonderful news! Congratulations Bob. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles D. Barnette Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 (edited) My Buick friends, I just found out that the new owner of the Landau used to live in Texarkana in the 80s. Of course the Landau was here in Texarkana on display in 2008 for approximately 10 days. So I make the claim boldly that all roads lead to Texarkana! Bob is my new best friend-fate has intervened. Charles-this car is one lucky Motorama car fiercely protected by "The Motorama Gods"! Edited March 16, 2010 by Charles_Barnette (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 BobWhat a treat! A chance to see this piece of history someday. Unlike others like the Blackhawk that are hidden only to surface for another auction.Willie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 Bob is my new best friend-fate has intervened. ! Friend? hell I'm trying to get him to adopt me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 Hey, Bob, old pal, old Buddy, will we get to see IT in Ames?? Congratulations. Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
progoofoff Posted March 16, 2010 Author Share Posted March 16, 2010 Thanks to all for the nice comments.Special thanks to Sir Charles Barnette and Robert K for help and encouragement.It arrived mid afternoon and I don`t like it.......................I love it.My worry was the thermos and cups would be missing and they were.After a few phone calls, I find out they hadn`t made it to Amelia Island but still in Houston.A nice young fella at Classy Classics Cars ( John O`Quinn`s Museum ) promised they would be in the mail tomorrow.Next stop will be Jenkins in North Wilkesboro for the interior.Lamar, come on up any time. I do need enough time to get the `55 front clip bolted on.Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serb Posted March 17, 2010 Share Posted March 17, 2010 Bob, you really know how to give Mr. Earl heart palpatations with that remark about changing the clip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TxBuicks Posted March 17, 2010 Share Posted March 17, 2010 Bob, did you get the wheel covers that Charles Barnette had custom made for it?Jenkins should do a fine job on the interior, which looked a bit worn the last time I saw it. Once restored, it will be up to standard with the rest of the Landau. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
progoofoff Posted March 17, 2010 Author Share Posted March 17, 2010 Roy,Yes, the wheel covers were in the trunk. I have extra wheels so I`ll replace the wires that to me have a resto-rod look and install US Royal WWW. I`m 99% sure they were the correct tire or a least that is the tire that was on the `55 66R that I bought new.By the way, the trunk lid isn`t hinged. It just lifts off and the trunk is removable.From the little time I`ve had to play with it, I`ve found it runs and drives beautifully.Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Centurion Posted March 17, 2010 Share Posted March 17, 2010 Bob, the report of your purchase makes my day. Thanks for sharing the photo of the unloading, and please share any photos whenever you can.What a thrill it must be to own a genuine Motorama Buick! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NTX5467 Posted March 18, 2010 Share Posted March 18, 2010 Such great news that "all is well"!Thanks for helping the Landau "stay in the family", so to speak!Congrats!NTX5467 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted March 18, 2010 Share Posted March 18, 2010 How did the sale price of this former O'Quinn car compare with the price he paid, how did other O'Quinn cars do? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
progoofoff Posted March 18, 2010 Author Share Posted March 18, 2010 Bob,Give or take 60%. A good deal, indeed. I didn`t keep up with the rest of his cars.I`m taking it a 120 mile trip today. I don`t foresee any problems.Lamar,The `55 clip didn`t fit exactly right, so I`m leaving it as is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandy Dave Posted March 18, 2010 Share Posted March 18, 2010 May you have many enjoyable miles of pleasure with her, and many carefree hours of showing her. :cool: Dandy Dave! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted March 18, 2010 Share Posted March 18, 2010 (edited) Bob,Lamar,The `55 clip didn`t fit exactly right, so I`m leaving it as is.Ahhh, too bad, I was looking forward to buying the ugly ol 54 one from ya. There's been some discussion about restoring the interior. I'd like to say this about that and please all this is just my thoughts and this is just more discussion. I have a great fondness for original interiors and a strong inclination toward retaining them, unless they are in very poor condition. (All my road cars have the original excellent condition interiors). Just knowing or imagining who has driven this car, ridden in and sat on the seats, who's cigar smoke has probably permeated the headliner, whiskey has been spilled in the back floorboard etc etc and most importantly considering this is an original Motorama car and the importance of keeing it as original and correct as possilble I'd have a very hard time seeing the interior removed and replaced with new. (I know bicycle seats are coming to some of your minds:rolleyes:). I've seen pictures of the interior and realize it does have some cosmetic issues and I guess the overwhelming majority would say to replace it. Just not MrEarl. Maybe you could leave it and enjoy it as is for awhile, then have it done. Just some thoughts. BTW, I'm planning on a trip up next week to see ya. I've got the adoption papers drawn up for you to sign. Need any 54 parts? Edited March 18, 2010 by MrEarl (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
progoofoff Posted March 18, 2010 Author Share Posted March 18, 2010 Lamar,Your point is well taken, however if it had original paint, etc then by all means the interior should left alone.Since it has new paint, replated bumpers/trim and carpet this would be only to complete the restoration.You can leave those papers behind. I already have 5 children and all my boys are girls.Heck, I`ve had female problems all my adult life.Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted March 18, 2010 Share Posted March 18, 2010 I gotcha, I wasn't aware of the other items being restored. Are the seats leather or cordaveen or what. Love the smell of old leather. When do you plan to have the work done. In other words if I come up next week, will I have a chance to sniff them before they're gone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ewing Posted March 18, 2010 Share Posted March 18, 2010 Maybe save the original seat covers??Possibly someone would want them, maybe there's another 54 Buick out there that could wear the old seat covers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted March 18, 2010 Share Posted March 18, 2010 Shhh, I was planning on hangin out at Jenkins dumpster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serb Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 Lamar,Are you trying to tell all of us that you are an old seat sniffer from way back? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 Wasn't trying to but looks like the word is out now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles D. Barnette Posted March 20, 2010 Share Posted March 20, 2010 (edited) Bob graciously has let me know that the original three cups and thermos (The "Holy Grail" of the Landau if you will) have arrived safely in Winston Salem out of the bowels and O'Quinn Estate legal turmoil of Houston! When these items made a "Pit Stop" in Texarkana in 2008, they lived in my bedroom for sometime guarded by me with my life-therefore I feel a special affinity for them. In short they are reunited again with the Landau much to my great relief-"and it feels so good" again. The 1954 Buick Landau exudes out of every square inch of her being beauty and elegance. With her back one third top down on the trunk, she rivals the sporty looks of her Motorama siblings the 1951 LeSabre; the 1951 XP 300; the Wildcats I, II, and III; and the Centurion. However with her top fully up, she exceeds her siblings with a special, unique look of a Buick formal executive limousine fit for Harley and Harlow. I wonder what important Buick executive decisions were discussed and made in the backseat of this "one of a kind" car while used for Buick executives in New York City. Who drank from those cups and handled that thermos and over what brew? There is no way one can put a true monetary value in my opinion on the importance of this car to Buick! When she does appear at her first show under Bob's capable and fateful ownership, expect a spectacular and complete "rolling history" Buick event! Charles D. Barnette-when you get to see the majestic Buick Landau "in person", please at least mentally "bow the knee" in respect. Edited March 26, 2010 by Charles_Barnette (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Gelinas (XP-300) Posted March 21, 2010 Share Posted March 21, 2010 Hi Bob.Is it possible that "The Landau" is going to be shown any where near the New England region? If so can you let us New Englanders know. We would love to see this car.DaveBCA 267731938 Buick Special 4 door side mounted touring sedan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
progoofoff Posted March 22, 2010 Author Share Posted March 22, 2010 (edited) Dave, It will be more or less garaged until the interior is done.Jenkins has the leather and is trying to locate the cloth. He estimatessix week but that`s probablyoptimistic. Edited March 22, 2010 by progoofoff added Pic (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Gelinas (XP-300) Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 Bob:Awesome car. I'm pleased it has stayed in this country. I'm certain you will be a good owner for it. We are all proud of you. Congratulations!DaveBCA 267731938 Buick Special 4 door sidemounted touring sedan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted March 24, 2010 Share Posted March 24, 2010 Man, this makes me want to work harder to become a Progoofoff! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted March 24, 2010 Share Posted March 24, 2010 Man, this makes me want to work harder to become a Progoofoff! My son and I are going up tomorrow to get some lessons. Actually my son doesn't need any, he has it down pat..., but I look forward to learning a lot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted March 24, 2010 Share Posted March 24, 2010 My son and I are going up tomorrow to get some lessons. Actually my son doesn't need any, he has it down pat..., but I look forward to learning a lot. It's the PRO part I need help with!Have fun Mr. Earl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
progoofoff Posted March 25, 2010 Author Share Posted March 25, 2010 I think he liked it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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