Make: | Buick |
Model: | Roadmaster |
Type: | Convertible |
Trim: | -- |
Year: | 1956 |
Mileage: | 1888 |
VIN: | 7C2030198 |
Color: | Tahiti Coral |
Engine: | 322 Fireball V8 |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Transmission: | Buick dynaflow |
Interior color: | White |
Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Item location: | Local pick-up only |
Sharp, beautiful, loaded, and absolutely elegant, this 1956 Buick Roadmaster convertible is a beautiful presentation of '50s-style premium motoring. a strong 322 Nailhead V8 that spins a smooth shifting Dynaflow automatic transmission, this impeccable, "open-checkbook restoration" two-tone droptop is pure American nostalgia at its best. There was a lot of care and investment put into this Buick during its comprehensive restoration, with receipts that add up to $117k, and the result is an elegant presentation... of Tahiti Coral over Dover White with plenty of chrome. And we'd expect nothing less for an icon. The Roadmaster was Buick's best crack at the GM C-body platform, and the newly designed ponton appearance of these 6th generation cars rivaled anything Cadillac had coming off the factory floor. That's exactly why this Roadmaster has such a premium look. That beautiful "Sweepspear" trim on the body makes for the ideal dividing line between the coral and white, and nothing beats the stylish profile of a '50s big body convertible. And speaking of style, the Roadmaster had one of the best front ends of the era where the Dagmar chrome bumper has a large and intricate presentation that incorporates the incredibly ornate grille - so you really know the designers dictated the form of these cars. Two chrome strips graced the decklid of the '56 model, with "Roadmaster" script adorned between them, and jet-inspired tailfins that flow into the redesigned, form-fitting chrome bumper look absolutely amazing. And you see this all so well because of all the professionally restored brightwork and chrome throughout the car, all of which is in fantastic condition thanks to a $10k bill from the legends at Qual-Krom in Pennsylvania, and another $9k bill from Finishing Touch in Chicago. We love the smaller details as well, like the fender tip dual bombsights, big whitewall tires and beautiful hubcaps, and the iconic portholes in the fenders that all served as a further reminder that this convertible was the best of the best from Buick. Inside, the originality continues with proper black-and-white leather upholstery to give the whole car the premium appeal of a crisp tuxedo. And it's easy to show everyone this well-coordinated package inside and out with a rare power window option that allows you to take down all the glass without ever leaving the driver's seat. The power options don't stop there though, as the convertible top and bench seat are power actuated as well. Just like the exterior, this is a highly correct presentation, right down to the texture on the leather split-bench seat up front, to the beautifully finished matching door panels, and to the spacious rear seat that provides plenty of room for multiple passengers. The dash is a work of automotive art with all that wonderful chrome, slick paint, and a padded dash that was standard in 1956. Even the chrome-accented, wide speedometer is beautifully designed, and all that brightness nicely frames the auxiliary gauges below it, while the original steering wheel has the Buick crest in the center, and the sliders for the heat/defrost look like they were borrowed directly from a jet aircraft. And the correct presentation of the interior goes right down to the details, including the Selectronic AM radio that's still cranking out tunes from the center of the dash. Most importantly, the bright-white, power convertible top is fully operational and in fantastic shape just like the rest of the cabin, meaning open air cruising is only a flick of a switch away. Out back the spacious trunk is neatly finished with reproduction mats and it houses a covered, full-size spare. Lift the hood and it feels like 1956 all over again. Rarely do you see classic cars with such great details still intact, like the massive oil bath air cleaner, generator, painted valve covers, and an exposed bottle for the windshield fluid. And this is all set against an exceptionally crisp presentation of the entire engine bay - right down to the turquoise motor radiating from within the darkness. Buick's 322 cubic-inch "Nailhead" V8 was a terrific powerplant from the era, rated at 255 horsepower, and it's fed by a stock manifold and big carburetor to deliver the kind of power and torque that will keep you driving in style in modern conditions. Plus, Buick's Dynaflow 3-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, and the whole Art Deco show is managed easily thanks to the help of factory power steering and power brakes. A quick look underneath shows a very impressive undercarriage that's been neatly detailed and painted and shows off newer components and maintenance parts just about everywhere you look. Finishing the period-correct look are professionally finished hubcaps that adorn factory steel wheels, all of which are wrapped in gorgeous 8.20-15 Firestone wide-white bias-ply tires. A beautiful, iconic Buick that was restored to the nines to keep it looking its best... that's what you get with this Roadmaster Convertible. Offered with a stack of restoration photos, receipts, and an owner's manual, this '56 is a faithful representation of American motoring at its finest. Call today!