We are no strangers to low-mile classics at Barn Finds, but some seem almost too good to be true. Take this 1949 Buick Roadmaster Convertible as a perfect example. It presents beautifully, and the seller states that its odometer shows 10,000 miles. They don’t state that the reading is genuine but provide that impression. If it is verified, that makes this a genuinely special post-war classic. The seller has listed the Buick here on eBay in Jupiter, Florida. Bidding sits below the reserve at $6,000, although there is a BIN option of $32,000 for those viewing this Roadmaster as irresistible.
Post-war America enjoyed an economic boom, while many areas of Europe and Asia struggled to recover from the conflict and to rebuild infrastructure. That brings us to an interesting point to ponder because US vehicle manufacturers had focused their factories on the war effort, churning out military equipment following short development periods. It would be fair to expect this approach and newly developed skillset to result in the rapid release of entirely new cars, but that wasn’t the case. Buyers in 1946 received lightly reworked versions of pre-war cars, with the first entirely new models appearing towards to decade’s end. Buick was no exception, with the new Roadmaster hitting showroom floors in 1949. That moment also marked the introduction of the company’s most iconic styling feature, the “Ventiport.” Initially seen as a custom touch on the 1948 Roadmaster driven by Buick’s Design Chief, Ned Nickles, Company President Harlow Curtice was so taken by the look that he ordered a production version introduced on the 1949 model range. The history of this 1949 Roadmaster is shrouded in mystery, with the seller’s description frustratingly brief. They don’t mention whether it is restored, or is a genuine survivor. Its Carlsbad Black paint shines beautifully, with the chrome providing a sparkling contrast. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and I can’t spot evidence of rust. There is no information provided on the state of the top, but the glass looks clear.
Apart from the sparse level of information provided by the seller, there is one glaring error in the listing that causes concern. They describe the 320ci engine found under this classic’s hood as a V8. This is plainly wrong because that configuration didn’t join the Roadmaster range until 1953. The 320 in this car is the straight-eight which produced a healthy 150hp and 280 ft/lbs of torque when this car was shiny and new. Shifting duties fall to a two-speed Dynaflow automatic, providing pretty respectable performance in a 1949 context. The mileage claim raises its head here because, if correct, the robust nature of the mechanical components means it should offer years of reliable service. The seller doesn’t mention mechanical maladies, suggesting that this Roadmaster is ready to hit the road.
This Roadmaster’s interior would have been considered quite impressive by the standards of the day. The first owner received leather trim, power windows, a pushbutton radio, a heater and defroster, and a clock. Some plated items exhibit the pimples of age, but that is the only genuine problem. The upholstery is free from wear, the carpet is excellent, and the paint shines beautifully. The spotless presentation and elegantly aged leather convey a dignified charm that will win many hearts.
The overall physical condition of this 1949 Buick Roadmaster makes the seller’s mileage claim seem plausible. However, there are a couple of areas of concern. The first is the lack of detailed exterior images because a car of this caliber would typically deserve far more than the two supplied in the listing. I also find the engine error disconcerting, although it could be nothing more than a simple typographic error. The seller seems approachable and is willing to schedule in-person inspections. Perhaps that would be the next logical step to unravel some of this Buick’s mysteries. Do you agree?
As played by Dustin Hoffman, Raymond Babbitt said “It’s a 1949 Buick Roadmaster, straight-8 — Fireball 8 — only 8,095 production models.”
Surprised the seller didn’t make mention of that either, as that car sold for 3 years ago for an additional $303,000 more than the eBay BIN price..
I’m an excellent driver.
“a heater and defroster”. Wow!
That was back when those items were options in many cars. A friend in college drove a “Florida” car-a 1965 Falcon without a heater.
I wish folks would quit describing an early Dynaflow as a two speed. The Dynaflow had two ranges that were selected by the shifter-a Low range, good up to about 30-40 miles an hour and Drive. If you needed to take off in a hurry, start off in Low and then shift up to Drive. Otherwise, put ‘er in Drive and go. It didn’t shift gears.
My dad had a ’50 Buick Super at one time. When I inherited my granddaddy’s ’52 Super, he told me if I started out in Low, to always shift up to Drive before I got to 40 MPH or else the transmission could be damaged. He knew that to be a fact, as he did it in his ’50 and had to have the tranny rebuilt!
Very nice & at a reasonable price for what these are commanding these days. I strongly suspect a body on restoration was done at some point, which is not a bad thing; I always find it inconceivable that a magnificent 75 year old road car like this would only accrue 10k miles in that time; I would’ve clocked that the first summer!
I would be cautious with this one — the BIN seems a bit light.
I dearly WANT this one to be true, though I have my doubts. For one thing, with no close-ups of the paint, how can we know that this not a restoration? This car might have been RESTORED 10,000 miles ago — and that would make more sense. Otherwise, why doesn’t the seller provide DOCUMENTATION on the life of this Buick? I happen to love 1949 Buicks; that said, however, a convertible would not be my choice, and black certainly would not be my colour! A four-door Roadmaster, with a lighter shade of green body and an off-white or cream top would fit more with the mood I remember in 1949; thank you. Black that year harkened back to the ubiquitous blacks, very dark blues, and dark subdued greens of previous times. I also would prefer cloth upholstery. But this is ONE BEAUTIFUL CAR — and I hope that the listing is genuine.
Hello Harrison,
Well I have good news and bad news for you. First the good news. I have a 1949 Super Sedanette Dynaflow. The bad news. It’s black and of course a 2 door. The good news. It’s had a full restoration chrome complete interior paint on a solid rust free body. Wide white walls. Beautiful car.
More good news. I also have a 1940 Packard Senior Series Super 8. Bad news It’s also black. Striking art deco beauty. . I’ll keep trying for you alright?
Following your line of thinking, an uncle had an all-decked-out black ’61 Chevy wagon. What an incredible impression it made on me when it was new. But, one of my “comrades” tells me to avoid a black car as black is a part-time job.
my father owned a 1961 chevrolet implala nomad wagon , beautiful car black roof rack red and white interior fully loaded pw ac ps pb beautiful car
Hello, Frog! I laughed out loud when I read your posting! You (of course) can choose and own any car you’d like! I was simply expressing a preference FOR ME. But, please make no mistake: if someone bought this 1949 Buick to give to me (never gonna happen!), I would not turn it down, and I would own and drive it in pure delight! Would you like to purchase it as a companion to your Sedanette??
Harrison,
It would be an nice addition like bookends. Unfortunately my garages are full and I don’t drive them all enough and sitting is the worst thing for them. Batteries and tires get low mice are looking for a place to roost etc. I don’t keep car covers on them they scratch the paint finish and rodents and moisture or dampness form underneath and take its toll as well.
Oddly I have a cargo van that I drive 50-75% of the time. I live in the country on a hard surface road and farmers and other drivers like to drive with 2 tires on the shoulder in gravel. So you know what that does to paint glass and chrome not to mention the dust. In prior years I have found it very rewarding to gift cars not collector highend or antique cars of course to students and others that are struggling in life to succeed if they meet certain criteria. It’s my way of giving back.
Could be a scam too
I said the same thing and got deleted. I wonder why?
That’s exactly what I was thinking! No way is this beautiful Buick a 10,000 mile car.
To Richard Jones: THESE days, unfortunately, yes. RUINS things for everybody, when people do that!
Total scam. Nobody has a 75 year old with 10,000 miles without a story as to how the mileage is so low.
Again, another familiar face.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1949-buick-roadmaster-4/
Pics are taken from the BaT ad. Scam ?
HO CHI MAMA! Look at that toothy grill!
Is this similar to the Buick used in the film Mulholland Falls?
Yes, it is:
https://www.motorcarcompany.com/1949-buick-roadmaster-2dr-moderl-76c-2dr-convertible-coupe-movie-car-used-in–mulholland-falls–for-sale-san-diego-california-.html
Yes as far as I can tell, it’s an identical TWIN. The one in “Mulholland Falls’ was a black, 1949 Roadmaster convertible
with a red leather interior.
Buick valve in head Dynaflash Fireball eight. That’s a long name for a long engine.
I thought I remembered this car from somewhere! Having looked into it further, this is almost certainly a scam. It sold on Bring a Trailer on 5/4/23 for $43000. Why is it now being offered on EBay for $11,000 less? The more suspicious thing though (besides being unaware after a year and a half that it has a straight 8 and not a V8) is that the seller has simply cut and pasted the BaT pictures . I very nearly got stung by one of these guys on eBay once. I hope no-one else does.
Thank you, “•••”, for the cautionary warning! Never can be too careful — especially when a thing looks “too good to be true”
To Frog: I tried earlier to reply to your post, but got blocked with “Forbidden 403”, whatever THAT is. I tried again, the post showed as posted, but then it was deleted within a couple of minutes. Wonder what I said wrong?
I don’t have a clue Harrison but anything that violates their policy gets censored.
Hello, Frog! Each time I try to reply to your, I get deleted!
I don’t have a clue Harrison but anything that violates their policy gets censored.
To Frog: I wish I knew the specifics of that policy (beyond the terms listed), and that whoever deletes a post of mine would point out to me what the objection is… Another thing: as I type on my ‘phone, pop-up ads keep blocking the entire screen! Then, when I hit the symbol to remove the add, I get knocked off the site, have to get back on and locate the car that I was commenting about, and then I find that the post I had been working on is gone, and I have to start all over! This nearly always occurs at the end of my posting, or when I am trying to enter my name and email address, in preparation to send the post! I wish I could STOP this! I am not in the market for the 2025 S.U.V.s and ladies’ jewellery or elegant purses which they keep popping up BETWEEN me and what I am attempting to type! THERE! I got THAT off my chest! Thanks for listening and for understanding. I am at an age when I need to have a nine-year-old child show me just how to NAVIGATE this thing!
You could sign up for a membership and then you wouldn’t have to deal with ads anymore.
I just had ANOTHER post deleted! I was expressing frustration over those relentless pop-up ads that keep blocking my entire view of the screen while I am typing; then, as I try to get rid of them, I am knocked off the site and have to start all over. A child would know how to navigate around this difficulty, but I don’t.
Hello, Frog! One part of my deleted texts said that you are a very kind person: I hope they let that through THIS time! — for, you ARE. Your “giving back” can only be admired.
Good morning Harrison,
Thank you I appreciate that. And I can tell you are genuine as well. The direction the world is headed in with AI and spell check Alexis Siri and even autonomous cars I’m not a fan of human intervention. I just purchased a newer Volvo equipped with too much safety equipment lane assist, turns the radio down if you are about to hit something, shuts the engine off when you stop etc. I worry about these things short circuiting and malfunctioning in critical moments.
And I don’t know if you can even buy a new car without all of these things on them anymore. I like switches and buttons not touch screens. IMO that’s much more dangerous than cellphone usage because you have to search to find what you’re looking for and God forbid you hit a bump and accidentally hit the wrong thing. Ok enough of my complaining. It makes me appreciate my older cars more.
Hello, Frog! Why buy a computer-on-wheels, when you can get a 1979-1991 Ford on the Panther Platform, and enjoy trouble-free daily driving that STILL MAKES SENSE! I can’t afford a new car, neither the new college education I would need, in order to operate it! (smiles to you!)
Harrison,
I have no defense and can’t put up a valid argument with you at all. However and I’ll quote Claudio YOLO. And you can’t take it with you. By no means am I a rich and wealthy man. But i do live well within my means. And I try to live sensibly. I lost interest in American cars when they started becoming foreign mechanics with American symbols and name plates and badges. I support 100% American made products.
But outsourcing has taken its place and made it more feasible and economical unfortunately.
My mother was raised during the depression and was the oldest of 15 children. She lived a very frugal life. Every car she ever owned i bought for her. She didn’t want anything high end or fancy always worrying about costs and what ifs. That was ingrained in her. She worried about me being a risk taker. I went after my dreams at all costs. Thought outside of the box and colored outside of the lines. Don’t get me wrong I am not wasteful but pragmatic. Value has to be there.
It looks like eBay took this ad down.
Regrettably, I guess it was discovered to be a scam (that “too good to be true” rule”)…
Fortunately, this grifter was lazy and easy to spot. Some of them are harder to spot.
I think these guys are mostly looking for a $500 deposit. I can’t believe anyone is dumb enough to send them any more than that.
Too bad that they abuse our hobby and exploit our hopes! SHAME on them!
Hi, Frog! This BUICK was a “fake-out” (sadly); but WE’RE not! (smile) I wasn’t accusing you of wasteful spending! — I was KIDDING, because of all the COMPLICATIONS you referred to. My 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis was MADE IN CANADA — and its COMPONENTS might have come from most anywhere. So, if you want to add, “made entirely in the U.S., of U.S. components”; then you maybe need to drive something from about 1962 or earlier! Look at it this way: if PARTS are available, you still can WORK on a car like that! And the headlight-dimmer switch would be where it SHOULD be — a button on the floor in front of your left foot! WHO was the nut-case who decided that the dimmer-switch should share with the turn-signal switch on the steering-column? — do you have any idea how many times I’ve reached my left foot instinctively forward — only to remember that the switch is on the column? And how many MORE times have I accidentally activated the turn-signal when switching my high-beams on or off? So, your woes about the new car tickled me, rather. When my grandfather traded-in his 1926 Model T in on the latest thing from Ford — a brand-new 1939 Mercury — he had an AWFUL time with the more modern standard shift! My grandmother used to nag him, “Don’t ride the CLUTCH, John — don’t ride the CLUTCH!” If we all still drove Model Ts, that wouldn’t be a PROBLEM, then, WOULD it. The joke’s on us: the older we get, the more stuck we are in clinging to what we’re used to. Now, if you’ll EXCUSE me, please, I am going to play my 78 rpm copy of “Dear Hearts and Gentle People” by Bing Crosby. Incidentally, as with my Mercury, my copy of that DECCA record was pressed in Canada (Compo Ltd., Montreal). I got it during a visit to Canada in 1950.
Harrison, I wasn’t thinking that way at all from you. I’m of the mindset that nothings not too good for me. I’ve owned several Lincoln Town Cars 2005 and older but when they discontinued making them i was at a loss. They were all great cars nothing to put 300-400k miles on them with reasonable care. The only downside with all of them was rust. And I kept my cars immaculate. The newer German and European cars i haven’t had any problems that way.
I have some elder neighbors that I have taken out to dinner and I have observed they order the cheapest thing on the menu. Usually chicken. But I guess they worry about ordering something they might not like. Their expressions is priceless when I order a Wagyu or Kobe steak. In their mind it’s wasteful spending. To me it’s a dining experience.
My dad’s best buddy who would later be my godfather had one like this in the early 50’s and was quite a gearhead. Dad used to reminisce about them as young bucks tooling around in this and doing a bit of street racing, as it was a sleeper due to my godfather’s upgrades. He later owned a ‘68 Corvette with a blown 427, and a ‘74 SD TransAm and ‘87 Grand National as daily drivers.
Too bad the subject listing turned out to be a fake one.
Hello again, Frog! I never had a Town Car — but I have this ’88 Grand Marquis. It has seen every winter in its long life, and it still has no rust. Its problems are door-locks, power-window motors, and that switch which is supposed to warn me of a door ajar: when it goes bad, I have to drive with a constant maddening and unending, “bong…bong…bong…”. Another difficulty is, that water gets into the doors now, and the door-latches freeze internally with ice. You go shopping in 0° weather — and then, when you get back to the car, you can’t OPEN it! Time to call AAA yet AGAIN! Or, maybe the door OPENS just fine; but then it won’t latch SHUT again! Saturday morning, it was 27° below zero, and TRUST me, this WASN’T entertaining! The driver’s side door-latch is so badly worn, after 388,000+ miles, that it just BARELY will unlatch with the handle pulled up as far as it will stand. Many times, I have to crawl in from the passenger’s side, because I can’t open the driver’s side door from the outside. But mechanically, the car is “bullet-proof” — and the velour upholstery looks and feels just as it did in 1988.
Hello Harrison,
One thing I have to give to high-end German and European cars is the build fit and finish is remarkable. It’s me that is incorrigible and stubborn and unwilling to learn and adapt to new technologies. The term couch potato derived from the TV remote control. Fact check me but I’ll bet that’s when heart attacks rose. We need movement and mental stimulation. Not pressing a few keys to get the answers for us. My father would say when I was growing up, use your head for more than a hair style or hat rack.
Bali Blue 504
I like your Uncle. Your camarade not so much. Clean polished black vehicles denotes you have patience, integrity and are detailed. Dust dirt and smudges don’t care about color. I hand wash and polish my vehicles. Compliments are the pay off and
rewards. No automatic wash wax and blow dry here.
Hello Harrison,
One thing I have to give to high-end German and European cars is the build fit and finish is remarkable. It’s me that is incorrigible and stubborn and unwilling to learn and adapt to new technologies. The term couch potato derived from the TV remote control. Fact check me but I’ll bet that’s when heart attacks rose. We need movement and mental stimulation. Not pressing a few keys to get the answers for us. My father would say when I was growing up, use your head for more than a hair style or hat rack.
Hi, Frog! “Use your head for something more than a hair style or hat rack”: I like that! One that went around in the early 1950s was, “Lay something on the bar besides your elbow” — I think it was a novelty song by Jerry Lewis.