1948 Buick Roadmaster convertible

[Matt Harwood]

Until very recently, this Buick Roadmaster convertible was owned by the same family from new. It shows 51,221 miles, which I believe are original and authentic, given the overall preservation of the mechanical bits. The body was repainted some years ago in bright red, and a matching red leather interior was fitted. The bodywork is straight with exactly zero rust anywhere on the car, but the paint itself is showing some age and wear. Most of the chrome appears original and very nicely preserved, with almost no pitting on the cast parts, and excellent stainless, with the only notable demerits coming on the edge of the rear bumper where it is just starting to flake.

The interior is correctly done in proper patterns and the leather is in excellent condition save for a small nick on the driver's side seat back where it has rubbed against the door panel. All the gauges are functional, although the Sonomatic radio and clock are not. Power windows and the vacuum-operated convertible top work as they should.

The 320 cubic inch straight-8 under the long hood has never been apart and runs beautifully. It starts quickly by pressing the accelerator to the floor, and idles with a smooth, mechanical whir. On the road, it's torquey and pulls the big convertible up to 75 MPH without much strain, although I have to admit that getting used to the Dynaflow's lack of shifts was distracting until I realized that's how it is supposed to work. No major leaks, but why should this be the only Buick with a dry torque ball? Some seepage, and the chassis is covered with a uniform sheet of grease which has preserved everything extremely well. Someone did some top-end engine work not too long ago, and at that time also detailed the engine with fresh paint, new decals, along with tune-up parts like new plugs and wires.

A nice driver-quality senior Buick that needs nothing to be enjoyed immediately. $54,900 or best offer.

[Matt Harwood]

BTT