1959 Buicks

[6219_Rules]

Where does the Invicta sit in the overall scheme of models in that line?

I love the look of the '59 and would like to know more about them.

Was the Roadmaster dropped?

Thank you!

[Centurion]

Buick made a complete change in its series names for the 1959 model year. Buick was heavily impacted by the "Eisenhower Recession", which affected sales of medium-priced cars in particular. Buick sales were down substantially in '57 and '58 compared to the record-setting levels of the mid-1950's. With the all new styling of the '59 models, Buick management decided to take a "clean slate" approach by emphasizing how new and different the cars really were. If you look at photos of some of the '59 styling prototypes, some of the old series names can be clearly seen. Evidently, the decision to drop the old names -- like "Roadmaster" -- was made late in the game.

I've listed below Buick's traditional series names from '58, along with my best shot at the '59 model that replaced it:

1958 Special -- replaced by 1959 LeSabre (series 4400)

1958 Century -- replaced by 1959 Invicta (series 4600)

1958 Super -- replaced by 1959 Electra (series 4700)

1958 Roadmaster 75 and Limited -- replaced by 1959 Electra 225 (series 4800)

Hope this helps.

[6219_Rules]

Hey thanks, Centurion! That is wonderful! Nothing like a score card when looking at pictures and trying to fit the models to some historic reference.

Much obliged!

[Centurion]

Randall, click on the link below for photos of '59 Buicks owned by collectors around the world. Some of the cars included are neither "correct" nor pristine, but some of them are also beautiful restorations or fine originals. It's fun to see the extent of collector interest in these cars.

http://www.classicroad.com/World59/index.htm

[6219_Rules]

Thanks, Brian! I could do without the Batmobile but even it is kind of cool.

I do love those swept fins! I doubt I will ever have a chance to own one but I sure do like to look at them. You are a very lucky man to have one!!

<img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

[Centurion]

Randall, here's your chance to own what appears to be an extremely nice sedan that's currently offered on Ebay. The "Buy It Now" price is unrealistic, which usually means that the seller's reserve is similarly too high. But it's always fun to look!