Buick: Roadmaster

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information@RKMotorsCharlotte.com5527 Lakeview Road, Charlotte, NC, 28269, USAward Winning Body Off Restored Roadmaster Convertible 322 Nailhead V8 2 SpeedSUMMARYThe mid-fifties were an amazing time for General Motors. Thanks to Sloan's Ladder of Success, each of the automaker's divisions had a distinct identity, and business was booming. Upmarket, innovative and stylish, GM kick starter Buick offered a lot of substance, and this award-winning Roadmaster is an excellent showcase of the brand's bounty. Enjoyed by its original owner for close to half a century, this striking classic is the beneficiary of a body-off, nut-and-bolt restoration that was completed in June of 2014. And, naturally, as a the tri-shield brand's top-of-the-line chariot, it hosts all of mid-century Motown's most desirable features, including a lavish cockpit, a smooth Dynaflow transmission and a proven Nailhead V8. Ready to dig a little deeper in to GM's catalog of gems? Take a closer look at this awesome drop-top!BODYWORK/TRIMLike the dealership it came from, this impressive Roadmaster stayed in the same family for close to 50 years. Unfortunately, the Great Recession spelled the end of many 'Mom And Pop' lots, and the car was eventually sold to a Beverly Hills attorney who housed it at his East Coast residence. Three years in to life with that second owner, the Buick started showing a little age. Instead of hauling the car cross-country and facilitating restoration, the attorney decided it was easier to simply cut ties. That's where the current owner stepped in. After spotting the Roadmaster on eBay, he signed the papers and drove the car roughly two hours to its new home. Fast-forward two years to June of 2014, and this stately drop-top is rolling out of Klassic Rides of Denver, North Carolina where it received a body-off, nut-and-bolt restoration. Klassic Ride's techs began by stripping the car's curvaceous 'pontoon body' to bare metal. When that heavy cleaning was complete, all those Harley Earl-designed panels were assembled into a correct profile that presents largely blemish-free surfaces. After that thorough test fitting, a vibrant coat of Condor Yellow 2-stage was capped in power-operated cloth and teased to a show-stopping shine. And today, this Roadmaster's prestigious appearance is a lust worthy representation of one of America's most glorious eras of motoring.ENGINELift the car's 'alligator hood' and you'll find a 322 cubic inch overhead valve V8 which, in factory form, twists a stout 200 horsepower into 309 ft./lb. of low-end torque. Nicknamed the "Nail valve", and eventually known as the "Nailhead", this fully detailed mill employs greater lift and better duration to create a Kansas-flat power band. Funny thing is: hot rodders of the day actually coined the engine's nickname as a derisive description of its puny valvetrain and restrictive plumbing, but they certainly couldn't ignore its stellar power! The proven block has undoubtedly been rebuilt, and probably looks much better today than when it growled off the assembly line. Aesthetically, the mill, perching a meaty air cleaner and big Carter carburetor on factory heads complete with hardened valve seats, has been painted a traditional green hue. There are many modern pieces like an MSD distributor, an MSD High Vibration Blaster Coil, a coated AC compressor and a fresh alternator. A color-keyed firewall, glossy fenders, an aluminum radiator and a small electric fan frame those pieces in a construct of crisp curves. And overall, the engine seems clean, simple and highly functional.DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSIONWhile the original Roadmaster was essentially a well-optioned, slightly smaller Limited, Buick decided to build the '50s model on GM's hot-selling C-Body. Providing that chassis' smooth ride is a fully restored suspension that, in this application, is equipped with modern power steering. At the center of those bones, a correct Dynaflow 2-speed sends power to a factory 10-bolt axle. A fresh exhaust system makes good use of a factory replacement muffler. Outside that exhaust, upgraded power front disc and rear drum brakes increase stopping prowess. Outside those brakes, Coker wires spin 235/75R15 American Classic whitewalls around "BUICK" branded spinners. And, with a clean undercarriage that's seen little-to-no asphalt, this big cruiser will be right at home sitting on the show field.INTERIORAn excellent mix of new world style and old world luxury, this Roadmaster's thoughtfully customized interior is the perfect place to parade down Main Street. The car's substantial benches are stuffed with thick padding, wrapped in yellow and burgundy vinyl, and trimmed in polished stainless. In front of those seats, a Gloss Black dash hangs classy telemetry between pushbutton start, a correct Selectronic radio and hidden hardware for modern climate control. At the base of that dash, high quality carpet is protected by color-keyed floor mats. At the sides of that carpet, ornate door panels found slim armrests under factory power windows. In front of the driver, a color-keyed steering wheel twists a full horn ring around a proud Buick centerpiece. And behind the passengers, a snug cowl snaps over a fully upholstered trunk that centers a fifth Coker wire inside a fifth whitewall tire.AWARDSWhen you put a unique car through a detailed restoration, you can expect to win some awards. Here's a short list of the Buick's star-studded accolades.OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIESWith proven Nailhead power, a long list of amenities and looks that'll keep you locked in your garage for days, this classy drop-top is a shining example of why GM was the world's largest automaker for close to a century. Ready to own an amazing classic and real piece of Buick history? Don't miss the chance to add this Roadmaster to your collection!Please note that all sales are binding and final. Our cars are sold "as-is" with no warranty expressed or implied. Please carefully read the terms & conditions of the sale before bidding. Winning this auction does not entitle you to come inspect the car and decide if you want to buy it, but obligates you to complete the purchase! A $1000.00 deposit via PayPal is due within 24 hours of the auction close... NO EXCEPTIONS. If you have ZERO feedback on eBay, please call or email us to request our authority to bid on our vehicles. We do not release our reserve prices, so please don't ask! If you see a car you like, don't wait! Call us! When you see it disappear from eBay, it means that it was sold by other means. Because we advertise heavily in other mediums, we reserve the right to cancel any eBay listing at any time. If you would like to make a sales visit or arrange an inspection, we would be happy to schedule a personal appointment with either yourself or your representative. To do so, contact us at(704)413-4665. For those of you who need to fly in, we can provide transportation to and from Charlotte Douglas International Airport. We can also recommend accommodations within a short distance of our facility. Hot Rod magazine named RK Motors Charlotte the #1 destination out of 57 possible places to visit across the United States. Destinations selected included car museums, driving schools, dragstrips, best drives and more. We are honored to have been the only classic car dealer selected. If you ever find yourself in Charlotte, NC give us a call. Our showroom is open by appointment only. Our 80,000 sq. ft. retail showrooms are located in beautiful Charlotte, North Carolina. We usually have over 300 incredible cars on display, and there's always something new. Feel free to make an appointment, stop in and meet our staff. Each and every one of our employees is an absolute car nut- we do this because we love cars! Check out the feedback on our website from other customers who have purchased cars from us in the past. We pride ourselves on describing our cars accurately, and our cars even look better in person than in the pictures! We look forward to seeing you soon. Every car that you see for sale is in our physical possession and located at our main facility, 5527 Lakeview Road, Charlotte, NC 28269. For sales and general information, call us at: (704)413-4665. Under our innovative Seal of Approval Exit Service buying program, RK Motors Charlotte customers who pay full retail price for a vehicle, receive a comprehensive, multi-point vehicle Exit Service, carried out by our experienced ASE Certified Master Mechanics at the RKM Performance Center. Customers who purchase cars from RK Motors for less than full retail price, or customers who purchase a car and are trading in a vehicle, will receive our Basic Safety Check, performed by our certified and experienced ASE mechanics, prior to delivery of their car. Learn more about the key attributes of Our Service Programs. If you have any questions regarding our service programs, please contact a member of our sales team at (704)413-4665. For international buyers, please note that we've shipped cars to collectors and classic car fans worldwide for years. We can provide you with a firm quote for transport to any shipping port in the world in a sealed container and handle the process for you from start to finish. Our domestic and international ground transport solutions are enclosed only. If you wish to use an open carrier, please email us at info@rkmotorscharlotte.com to arrange that. We stand ready to help you with your transport & shipping needs. Regardless if your vehicle is going through our Seal of Approval Exit Service, Basic Safety Check, routine maintenance or a full custom built to your exact specifications, the RKM Performance Center has the knowledge, experience and resources to fulfill your automotive needs. In the world of electronic fuel injection and computer diagnostics, even late model dealerships look a little uncomfortable working on pre-OBD1 cars. There are many independent mechanics and shops that may be able to help, but putting your prized classic in the hands of a stranger is a leap of faith at best. This is exactly why we created the RKM Performance Center. Being proud members of SEMA, ARMO, HRIA and the North Carolina Motorsports Association, the RKM Performance Center is a nationally recognized shop; best known for high level OEM restorations and custom builds. Comprised of ASE certified mechanics, including several Master Technicians, you can feel confident that your car is in capable hands. As fellow enthusiasts, they are passionate about cars and will treat yours with the respect it deserves. Showroom5527 Lakeview Road Charlotte, NC 28269