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The '54 Landau in Ames, 2010


MrEarl

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Ladies and Gentlemen, I have truly just had the Time of My Life. I first want to thank Mr Robert E Coker for unselfishly giving me the rare opportunity to enjoy one of the greatest show cars on the planet, the 1954 Buick Landau. For all of 7 days last week, Robert allowed me to act as security, custodian and chauffeur of this magnificent Motorama Show car. And SHOW she did, taking a Gold Senior at the BCA award ceremony and the Mayors Choice at the open car show Saturday.

Last Saturday morning as people started walking around her, admiring her beautiful deep dark blue paint, stretching their necks to look inside to see the luxurious rear seat upholstery, I stopped and thought for a few minutes and said to her "Hell baby, this ain't your first rodeo is it? This little show ain't nothin compared to back in 54 when people surrounded you and admired your beauty in the big cities of Miami, New York, Los Angeles and others. But you're much more to be admired and appreciated today than then. GM don't make cars like you anymore baby, you were The Beautiful Buy then and still are.

Here are a few pictures I took before my camera battery died. If anyone else has some they would like to share I and I am sure Mr Coker would appreciate your posting them.

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Who better to give em a test run???

Was that a typo of rum? :D

Here's a few of my favourites, even with a shameless plug for the Landau's lesser cousin.

Were there any with the top up? I have at least one shot of that...need to go back and look. I am guessing that is BuickBandit in the background of the one shot with his new toy.

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The thought had just occurred to me after reading a recent post about the Landau:

My bet is that Ames was the first time that the beautiful Landau was actually on display for the public without a rope around it... let alone allow people to climb in for a picture.

I tip my hat to you Bob Coker....you exemplify what the hobby should be.

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After reading the history sign I am confused...built on the 53 chassis?

Would they not have had the 54 available?

I thought it was based on the 54 Roadmaster chassis and all?

While I think the chassis is a 1954, the jury is still out on that matter. Tube type shocks are currently in the front suspension vs knee type suggesting the chassis is a 1954. However, it is written that Harlow Curtice, president of GM at that time, had complained of bottoming out of the rear end and some modifications were made to the rear springs. Perhaps some changes were made to the front also. More investigation needs to be done regarding that. The engine and I suspect the transmission are a 1953. Believe me, there is a lot still being learned about this ol' gal. And I am sure Robert E will keep looking.

Does anyone see anything about the front windshield that is different from standard 72R's. ?

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Does anyone see anything about the front windshield that is different from standard 72R's. ?

Well most of the pics are of her backside so who can see...I have some from your first encounter MrEarl and yes it is a 76R windscreen for sure. The top trim is like a 76R...it does not have a visor like the normal 72's

As to the frame debate...I just can't believe they can graft a Large Body 54 onto a 53 frame, they are way off!

Edited by stealthbob (see edit history)
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