What's a 1955 Roadmaster Worth HELP!!!

[FireballV8]

Hi

I am wondering what a 1955 Buick Roadmaster 2 dr is worth? This one is an all original 14,000 original mile car that has never been touched or driven in 40 years, paint & chrome are dull, but interior is immaculate yet dry and firm. I want to know what its worth. Its usable as is I guess, but its dirty in the engine compartment. Would an 14,000 original mile car have a perfectly clean, not leaking engine compartment or not?

Please help, I need this information ASAP.

Thanks

[Centurion]

One of our BCA chapter members purchased an extremely nice restored '55 76R last year for $12,000. The car needed several items in order to be perfect, and he figures he now has about $19,000 into the car.

Another individual has been seeking to sell a '55 76R for the last year. This is a decent restoration with the Skylark style wire wheels, etc. His asking price is $22,000, and he has had no takers.

Not sure how much this helps. Seems like I have most often seen these cars (nice examples) priced in the $15,000 - $20,000 range.

[Guest AWBE]

If the car hasn't been used or touched in 40 years , the engine is probably locked up, and I am quite surpised the upholstery hasn't dry -rotted ,with the chrome bumpers displaying some rust, the cast trim plating some pitting, and some of the paint popping up.. All of the above is based on my own personal experience of letting my 55-76R sit untoched in a new garage from the Fall of 1979 to Spring of 2001. It was a class 2 going in (had won 49 trophies, including 3rd in the Buick Nationals in 1979) and was a class 4 coming out Look on NADA price guide to get estimated value----Without seeing it , one would not know wheter to class it from 5 to 1. It can't be 1. More than likely it is a 3(possibly 4). There is a wide range of values between the actual classes.

[FireballV8]

Its been in a garage all this time, but it was started, it doesn't run now. I'd say its a 4. But it still needs paint, chrome, etc. Is it really worth even buying or is it better to buy a #2 for $15,000 to $20,000?

Thanks

[Ron Green]

You will spend a lot on having the chrome and paint job done without any other unforseen problems. If you sub everything out for a repaint you can spend 2 to 5K for a middle of the road job alone. It would not take much to sink 10K in this 55 and alot of hours for a car that is probably worth 3K in the condition you stated.

I bought a 67 (non Buick) car last year the had 5,748 miles since being built. Always in the garage and started. My fingers would be worn out from typing all the things I found wrong with it and from the outside it looked perfect.

[Centurion]

FireballV8,

A lot depends on whether you can pick up the car for an inexpensive price (consistent with a #4 condition) and whether this is a car you really want. The latter point is really the most important item.

As we all know, restoration costs can get out of hand, and the amount you ultimately spend may exceed the market value of the car. On the other hand, if the original interior is serviceable and the paint can be made presentable with some polishing, a low-mileage original car that was stored untouched for many years seems worthwhile to pursue.

[Guest AWBE]

Not counting the original car , I've got a little over 17K in mine--which includes 6K paint, 0.6K new Wide Whites 3.5 K upholstery (cab and trunk) 1.5K brakes(all new lines,drums,shoes, springs, wheel cylinders, and power booster), 0.8K new Gold Plating,,1.2 K chrome plating, 0.5K Power steering Pump, Generator and starter, 0.8K getting engine unlocked and running---but no rebuild (which will cost about 4K)plus another 1 or so K in various other goodies. I am the second owner and have owned the car 33 years and have put 32K miles on it. The proverbial little old widow woman owned it 15 years and put 40K miles on it. I don't know what it is worth but it is mine and I like it. Around here it is extremely rare. I have never seen another 55-76R in person (only pictures) and that includes 49 car shows in Al,Ms,Ga,Fl,S.C.,Tn.and Ky plus the 1979 Buick Nationals in Minn.,Mn., in every one of which the old baby won a trophy.(3rd place Nationals). Is it worth the money I have put in it(plus several hundreds of hours of my labor)???? Definitely not---but as I said before I like it and love to hear the people say "Man---look at that 4 holer--my rich uncle had one like that one time".

[old-tank]

Remember you can not have too many 55 Buicks! Age not miles makes the engine dirty. I bought one of my centurys in 1976 with 7000 miles and it had a dirty and rusty engine compartment and marginal paint. It now has 20,000 miles and runs strong. But it is a money pit: 5 batteries, 3 water pumps, 3 fuel pumps,replaced or rebuilt wheel cylinders twice, rebuilt master cyl, replaced seals=axle pinion torque tube and trans also gasket set for trans. repaint and replate (cheap job and needs again) reuphostry. And I still need to pull the engine to replace the leaking freeze plugs head gaskets and crank seals. Time deteriorates more than use. On the other hand this low mileage car will not need suspension parts or a complete rebuild. I would consider buying it if the price is right.

Willie

[FireballV8]

Thanks guys, I have been collecting 55's for about 11 years now and I am stuck on what this is worth. Attached is a picture of my 55 Century Conv, which I just finished in June. It is a 100 point car, judged a 100 in the only two events I entered it. And I have spent enough on the resto, that I could have bought a house if I didn't restore it, but god I love 55's.

I'll check some other sources, but I value your opinions the most.

thanks

[Guest AWBE]

I thought your convertible was red. Man----you are really broken out with those things. I am partial to them, also.

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

[FireballV8]

AWBE, I think you have Willie and I confused. Willie's car is red.

Anyhow the roady is a done deal and its in my garage, this car is absolutely amazing, its like a time warp, nothing has ever been touched on it and its perfectly original. You guys should see my garage, with the doors opened and my driveway. All you see is a house full of 55's, I'll get a pic for you guys.

Thanks for the tips.

Steve

[Guest Skyking]

Fireball, your 55 is absolutely gorgeous..............!!

[Guest AWBE]

Yeah----I got you and Willie mixed up. I think I have bought some stuff (very good) from you on E-bay---and the same is true of the Buick Barn (also very good). <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Joe Miller

[AK Buickman]

Steve-

This must be the low mileage '55 Roadmaster that your dad was telling me about last July in Flint. This car could be the lowest mileage '55 Roadmaster in existence! Have you checked the car thoroughly to make sure that the mileage is not 114,000? I've seen some cars through the years with over 100,000 that have the appearance of having mileage in the single digits.

Untouched, low mileage cars are always a pleasure to own because of the uniqueness, but some need full restorations if they were not stored properly. If the paint, chrome, interior, brakes, transmission, and engine all need to be redone or serviced, you're then talking about a full restoration. At that point, the mileage does not matter much.

Occasionally, extremely low mileage cars have turned up that have been stored properly, and the car needs no repairs. But if someone wanted to DRIVE a car like this, mechanical work would be needed--at a minimum, tires, belts, hoses, hydralic brake system overhaul, exhaust...

Steve, you should buy the car just because it is a 1955, no other reason. You, me, and other guys that have responded to your question can relate to the thrill of owning 1, 2, 3, or more '55 Buicks--"The Thrill of the Year!"

By the way, what color is the car, & what interior does it have?

Gary

AK Buickman, BCA #1955

[AK Buickman]

Steve-

I just looked at the photo of your Century--what a gorgeous car!!!

I'm eager to see the car in person at some future BCA show!!

Gary

[FireballV8]

Gary

Good to hear from you, actually its a done deal and the car is in my garage. It has 11,009 original miles on it. It was bought by the lady's mother when she was 75 years old in 55. She stopped driving 3 years later at which time she gave the car to his daughter and son in law, they storred it in their garage driving it once a month for a few miles, so its always been driven and kept registered etc. It still has the original radiator hoses on it! The interior is absolutely immaculate and it is a factory tri tone car. The green tri tone combination with matching interior. Another amazing thing is that the trunk has never been used and it is absolutely mint. Another amazing thing is that the headlights are still original Guide 12-V bulbs, I have only seen a few of these bulbs ever and to have two matching, amazing. Also two original US ROYAL tires, spare never been used. I also have the original dealer invoice, GMAC financing form and sales contract. The owners ID card and all registration stubs. I have know this car since 1992 and wanted it ever since, I just can't believe I have it. I'll post some pictures soon.

Steve

[JohnD1956]

FB,

Excellent Century Convertible. But can I ask about the wire wheels? Are they original KH 40 spoke's, or are these the remakes as sold by Wheel Vintiques in California? I'm wondering if the remakes are truly tubeless, or will I need to install tubes sooner or later? I bought a set this year and in an unfortunate series of adventures, the wheels leaked during my trip to Flint. I had tubes installed while on the road, but sent the wheels back recently to have them resealed. I'm ust wondering what everyones experience dictates? Reinstall the tubes or go tubeless? <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

[FireballV8]

John

My dad and I met you in Flint, with your 56. My wheels are completely tubeless and don't leak, they are the new ones, I bought mine from Coker tire with the tires and everything came installed. My spinners are originals and not the ones they sell.

Good luck

Steve

[JohnD1956]

Yes Steve, you were the fellow who told me about the solid core wires, right? It turns out I had a much bigger problem. It looks like the key to my harmonic balancer carved a section out of the balancer, so that the balance was off key by about 1 1/2 inch. It also cracked the balancer sleeve. I had no idea that this was occurring, but on the way home from Flint, I had to have the water pump replaced because of a slight knock and extra play in the fan and pulley. After I got home, I was still hearing the knock and I was figuring the fuel pump, but later discovered the situation with the balancer.

I have purchased a rebuilt balance from Damper Doc. He figured the rubber in my original hardened and made a solid unit where there is supposed to be some flex. He didn't think I wound up with internal engine damage as the balancer was so beaten up, and appeared to take the brunt of the pressure. But just in case, I'm putting in a new timing chain and gears.

This has been some trip. 4 flats, water pump, also three bad wheel bearings, and now the balancer problem. Almost ready to give up. But we had a great time at the show.

JD

[FireballV8]

John

Hang in there, these things just happen some times, but your right I was the one that told you about the wires. Let me know how it turns out.

Steve

[AK Buickman]

Steve,

Wow- this Roadmaster sounds fantastic. Many people will NEVER get the chance to locate & purchase such a low mileage, original car like you have done! I'm glad the car ended up in the hands of a collector who loves '55 Buicks.

It would be difficult to assign a price to this car since it may be the only untouched '55 76R in the world with such low mileage! You got a good deal-whatever you paid for the car (I'd rather not know what you paid).

I cannot wait to see the car!

Gary Klecka, BCA #1955

[AK Buickman]

Steve,

(1) Are the color codes for your "new" '55 Roadmaster "B-M-L"? The only regular tri-tone in '55 using green paint was

Dover White

Willow Green

Belfast Green

(2) Which green interior does your car have?

-Trim #473

Dk. Green Pattern Cloth and Light green Imitation Leather

or

-#476

Dark green Pattern cloth and Ivory Imitation Leather

or

#479

Green & Silver Pattern Cloth and Beige Imitation Leather (this is one of the interiors with the silver thread floral pattern)

Gary, #1955

[FireballV8]

Gary

give me your email address and I'll email you some pictures.

Steve

[AK Buickman]

thanks

Klecka_Gary@asdk12.org

I noticed a comment about the original 12V sealed beams in your car. My '55 has those same sealed beams that you described, but I temporarily switched them with generic replacements for the drive from Alaska to Flint and back because of flying rocks on the Alaska Highway. The originals will be re-installed on the car soon. I haven't seen too many of these sealed beams either. I have no documentation that these 12V lamps were installed by the factory, but it would make sense that in 1955, a time when some cars were still switching over to a 12V system, the sealed beams would be clearly marked "12V."

My sealed beams have a small "12V" cast into the glass, right in the center point of the headlamp, similar to the later "T-3" headlamps.

Gary, BCA #1955....

[old-tank]

On the subject of those Guide 12v bulbs: If you look carefully inside you will see a small bulb inside and not just filaments; many of these have the silver on the reflector tarnished so apparently the whole bulb is not 'sealed'. I have a pair on one of my 55's and an extra good bulb and one with the low beam out. This is a very rare item since I have not found any at the swap meets and wrecking yards I frequent. These are not being repro'ed as are the T-3's which started in 56.

Willie

[FireballV8]

Guys

I am pretty sure the 12-V headlights were talking about were factory installed. My reasoning is that they are Guide. Guide made lenses and bulbs, so I believe these to be factory installed and I have never seen them on other cars or swap meets or wrecking yards. I have a set on my convertible and one extra bulb and a set on the Roadmaster.

Gary

I will email you pics tonight, this car is very interesting.

Thanks

Steve

[55Steve]

According to my car pricing book. The 55 Roadmaster 2dr Riv is priced as follows: #4 - $6800, #3 - 13,200, #2 - 23,800 and #1 - 34,000. Your car might come in as a #3.

Take Care,

Steve

[Guest my3buicks]

Steve, the bulbs sound the same that I had on my 53 Super with the 12V system new for 53..

[AK Buickman]

My "12V" General Electric sealed beams on my '55 76R do not have the metal reflector at the filaments since my car is an early production '55, delivered in November, 1954, before the 1955 Buicks were officially introduced. Buick dealer Parts and Accessories Bulletin #3 dated 1/31/55 addresses a change in sealed beam design, giving more light. The changes included increased wattage, and the addition of a shield in front of the filaments which directs the light upward from the filament. The bulletin also lists those states that approved these new lamps.

The new style sealed beam was also available for 6 Volt cars.

Also, my sealed beams are stamped "Passenger Car" on the back.

Gary Klecka, BCA #1955

[FireballV8]

Guys

My bulbs do have the small bulb inside with the shield on the front, These look so interesting.

This roadmaster is a great car to drive and just look at. I really like it.

Steve

[AK Buickman]

Steve-

Does the engine in your Roadmaster have the early production 1 crankcase breather on the pushrod cover, or the later production 2 breathers, located on each valve cover?

Gary, BCA #1955

[FireballV8]

Gary

Early production with the breather in the center. What size & brand tires do you have on yours. My car has the original belts and all hoses, do you believe that?

Thanks

Steve

[AK Buickman]

Original belts, and hoses on a car almost 50 years old! It is believable knowing that the car hasn't been driven as much as one year's average mileage.

The original spare in my '55 Roadmaster 76R is a U.S. Royal 8:00 x 15" with the lettering on the tire raised within the whitewall, not the blackwall. Using a magnifying glass to look at the new '55 Buicks in the 8" x 10" glossy photos from my '55 Buick Press Kit, all whitewall tires use raised white letters on the whitewall.

Gary, BCA #1955.......