One of only 3318 Roadmaster convertibles built in 1953. Beautiful original color combination. High-quality frame-on restoration. Recent hydraulic system service. Everything works, runs and drives extremely well. A beautiful Buick!
1953 was a very big year for Buick. It was their 50th anniversary, the "Nailhead" V8 was introduced, and most Buicks switched to 12-volt electrical systems. Styling was freshened but maintained strong Buick DNA with the chrome "sweep spear" along its flanks and handsome grille up front. In short, if you want a post-war Buick, 1953 was a great year. Aside from the Skylark, the Roadmaster 76C was Buicks top-of-the-line convertible, so its not surprising that only 3318 were built. This particular ragtop is finished in its original code 60 Ridge Green, one of the less common choices but certainly a lovely one. This car hails from New England, but given the quality of the restoration and the fact that the body has never been off the frame, we can find no signs that it was ever used in inclement weather. Panel fit is excellent, the big doors swing closed easily, and theres a deep shine to the finish thats entirely appropriate for 1953. IF youre going to own a 50s car, a pastel color is always the right choice! And, of course, theres plenty of stainless and chrome trim, all of which was restored with the rest of the exterior and remains in very good condition throughout. Were very impressed with how nicely finished this big convertible really is.
The matching two-tone green interior is likewise how this car was built in 1953, and its quite stylish with contrasting white piping. The door panels continue the theme and were restored with the rest of the interior, and the carpets offer the proper nap and texture. The instrument panel is a cool pattern that stretches from end to end, and the gauges are contained in three round pods that are easy to read. The big steering wheel is color-matched to the interior and shows both a "POWER STEERING" callout and a 50th anniversary emblem on the horn button. The original AM radio works and has a supplemental connector that will enable you to use your phone, a great feature! Even the clock ticks away reliably over there on the passengers side. Power windows, a power seat, and a power convertible top were standard equipment and the entire hydraulic system has just been serviced so they all work like they should. And speaking of the top, its beautifully fitted black canvas with a correct green vinyl boot to give the car a finished look. Back seat space is big enough for real-sized adults and theres a massive, well-upholstered trunk that includes a full-sized spare tire.
Buicks 322 cubic inch "Nailhead" V8 is a torque factory, making even this big convertible feel energetic on the road. It fires easily using the correct accelerator pedal-mounted starter system and idles with a healthy V8 burble and impeccable smoothness. Theres a 4-barrel carburetor on top, although its buried under that massive air cleaner assembly. Correct Buick Turquoise engine enamel and reproduction decals give it an OEM look, and even the little details like hose clamps and fasteners are correct. There seems to be an endless wave of torque pulling the big ragtop down the road, which is partially due to the Nailhead and partially thanks to the Dynaflow automatic transmission, whose seamless acceleration is a big part of what makes Buicks like this special. No gears, no shifts, just a smooth flow of torque that makes the Roadmaster feel effortless in everything it does. The suspension is Buick smooth and the brakes are powerful, making this a wonderful tour car that can run at the head of the pack. Youll note the floors and rockers are in excellent condition, the body mounts are solid, and while its not shiny and restored, it has no scary secrets waiting for a new owner. A newer exhaust system give the Buick just the right sound and it sits on 8.00-15 wide whitewall tires that offer a perfect 50s look.
Extras include manuals, receipts, and a large cache of spare parts.
Powerful, stylish, and comfortable, the Roadmaster lives up to the legend. Arguably Buicks best post-war year, 1953 represents a lot of important milestones for one of GMs most storied brands. This beautiful convertible runs and drives like it should and offers the kind of 1950s luxury that made a new Buick in your driveway the envy of the neighborhood. Give us a call and find out why.
Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.
