1950 was an interesting point in automotive history. By that point, manufacturers had come out with new post-war models, but it was before the horsepower wars of the later 1950s into the 1960s. At this point, you’ll generally find some very over-the-top styles with lots of chrome, sufficient power, and comfortable rides. One of the top models in the GM lineup was the Buick Roadmaster, and this 76C Convertible is an excellent, mostly original example of a high-class top-down cruiser. It’s currently for sale here on eBay in Sanford, Maine. The current bid at the time of writing is $5,655, with 6 days left. Thank you to Larry D for this tip!
Buick Roadmaster coupes and sedans were popular cars, but the convertible is considerably more rare. Varying totals appear online when looking for production numbers, but they’re all fairly close and in the 2,900 range. The seller claims this is 1 of 2,956, which is the number I’ll use here! That is out of approximately 78,000 Roadmasters of varying trims and body styles, so it’s somewhat uncommon to find one now.
The seller tells us that this is more accurately described as a “driver” than a show car. From a distance this car looks to be in excellent original condition, with solid paint and only some chipping around the edges of the hood and doors. There is no visible rust, and the seller says the body and frame are solid, with a newer floor pan. The convertible top is apparently a newer item as well, and the chrome bumpers and trim appear to be damage-free, which is good news because that is a massive front bumper and grill! I appreciate all the little details present on the trim – take a look at the above photo to see the word “Roadmaster” engraved below the window.
The inside presents very well, and we are told that the original leather seats have been replaced with newer vinyl covers. The white and black combo looks nice, but can easily get dirty. I think a good cleaning would make this interior look fantastic, especially the door panels. Fortunately, it doesn’t look like anything needs to actually be replaced. The Roadmaster had a lot of standard equipment, with power and/or hydraulics to operate just about everything. The seller says it all works (although a generic toggle switch currently operates the driver seat). Just about the only additional option to purchase was a radio and heater/defroster, which is included here on this example.
The engine is a 302 cubic inch straight-eight, which means it needs a long engine bay and hood (with standard Buick ventiports) to contain it all! Paired with the Dynaflow automatic transmission (important enough to include in the trunk trim), there would be 152 horses giving this Buick 274 ft-lbs of torque. The seller says this 87,000 mile convertible is a good driver, and it has recently been given new fuel lines and carb, a cleaned tank, and new brakes and tires. It should be a solid runner for the next owner.
Nice Buick. I wouldn’t change a thing.
God bless America
Currently bidding is $15,300.00
What a beauty!
Nice smooth lines and a color fit for a convertible. That’s got to get your attention as it drives by.
Nice car,straight eight is 320 cubic inches:-)
Very similar to the ’49 “Rain Man” Buick
It’s NOT But All I Can Think Of Is RAIN MAN
“…an excellent driver.”
What a beautiful PIECE of automotive HISTORY.
Beautiful! That said…no seat belts and a painted steel dash. Life in the fast lane! :)
Jay Leno has a similar dash on. his ’56. His comment was “If there’s a wreck they just hose the blood off and. sell it to the next guy”.
Seat belts can be retro fitted I did in my 51 dodge.
The first “collector” car I drove was a 1951 Buick convertible that looked like this one. If I could, I would call them and buy it today. These are very reliable, but need power steering if you need to drive it in tight spots.
I always wanted one of these (or a wood sided Town and Country sedan). Beautiful car.
Two radio options were offered on these Buicks: “Selectomatic” with a bar that when pushed found the next radio station, then the “sonomatic with 5 buttons that can be set to certain stations.
The Selectomatic was also referred to as the Wonderbar Radio, and some hi end model car’s back in the 50’s had a push button control mounted on the floor, similar to the old school Hi beam dimmer switch. I do like this “Toothy” grille 1950 model Buick, one sharp looking cruiser!
AAAHH YES! I do remember those buttons on the floor, CaCarDude. I owned a very used Imperial (1959, 4 door hardtop) and I was keeping time to the music on the radio with my left foot one day… really enjoying the warm weather in a comfortable car. Then the radio suddenly changed stations!!! Had no idea what happened, gremlins not liking my choice of music?!?! It happened again the next time I hit the floor with my left foot! There was nothing obvious on the floor…. the dimmer switch was in the upper left quadrant, not at all near my “stomping”… so I pulled up the carpet and found another “dimmer switch” looking foot switch, when I pushed it the radio would change channels. What a surprise… rich folks sure got the perks. Ha Ha!
Would make a great rat rod! Just joking!!! I have driven one, not a convertible and it was a dream. Gas pedal is also the starter pedal. Had to learn this.
I drove a 1953 V8 Cadillac Hearse equipped with Dynadlow because of the Hydromatic plant fire. It was Slooow. I can imagine this very heavy car with the Buick straight eight.
It had 2 floor buttons, the dimmer switch and one to activate the grill lights and siren. This was a combo unit which looked like a hearse but could be used as an ambulance. In the 1950’s an ambulance was for transportation, not medical treatment. Some might even have oxegen.
In the 50’s & 60’s General Motors allowed all the divisions to manufacture independently. When I started driving my father had a 1853 Buick Super sedan. this was Buick’s first V 8. It is called a “nail head” different from all other V 8 engines. I remain on the “look out” for an early 50’s Buick. Buick produced beautiful cars from 1926 through 1996. I enjoyed growing up in Detroit and attending The University of Detroit.
I had this floor button on my 1975 Imperial. Bet this the last car to have this feature. This car had so many options the window sticker was two pages. Car weighed 5,500 pounds. I purchased this car new in Rosenburg, Texas.
Tom if you’re still in the area we have free car meet on Wednesday evening 5-7 at Freddy’s on Fry Rd in Katy, Texas.