Amazing Custom: 1949 Buick

The danger with project builds is that costs can rapidly spiral out of control. When that happens, a builder will either cut corners or plow on, regardless of the financial penalties. This 1949 Buick Custom graphically demonstrates this, costing its creator over $100,000, but no aspect escaped their attention. From the wild panels to the bespoke chassis and the 502ci Crate Motor under the hood, it is genuinely unique. Its next journey could be to a new home, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Nevadahalfrack for spotting this amazing Buick listed here on eBay in Ocoee, Florida. The auction opened at $9,589.80, but no bids have been placed so far.

Some classics write their own story, but it is hard to know where to begin with this Buick. The builder threw caution to the wind and fabricated a custom chassis from tubular steel. It is heavily triangulated, ensuring excellent torsional rigidity. They attached a Super Sedanette body with some unmolested Buick panels and trim pieces, while other items are modified or bespoke. It looks low and svelte, and although nothing in the background provides scale, I suspect the roofline sits well below average shoulder height. All Buicks from this era featured the distinctive Ventiports, but the fact that this car features five per side is an interesting but subtle touch. It features shaved door handles, but retains plenty of original Buick chrome trim pieces. The Blue Metallic paint is in good condition, and the arrow-straight panels have consistent gaps. The comprehensive image gallery confirms the car’s rust-free status, and if you want to draw crowds wherever you go, this classic should do so effortlessly.

This Buick could never be accused of being a triumph of style over substance, because its mechanical specifications are mighty impressive. The engine bay houses a 502ci big-block Crate Motor, complete with aluminum cylinder heads and a Tri-Power induction system. It hits the magic one horsepower per cubic inch mark, generating 502hp. There’s no point having a mountain of power if it doesn’t effectively feed to Planet Earth. This Buick features a built Turbo 400 automatic transmission, a Coleman quick-change rear end, coil-over suspension on all corners, enormous Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes, and power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. That’s best described as a “total” package that combines performance with safety. Although not stated specifically, the impression given is that this potent beast runs and drives well, ready for action with its new owner behind the wheel.

Considering the scope of this build, there was never a chance that this Buick’s interior would be standard. Trimmed in Gray leather, it features body-hugging six-way power bucket seats, a custom machine-turned aluminum dash fascia, an array of white-faced Speedhut gauges, air conditioning, a tilt sports wheel, Simpson four-point harnesses, and a Kenwood Double-DIN touchscreen CD stereo. The seats show minor edge wear, but a competent leather specialist could easily address it; there is also outer carpet edge wear, which might be harder to fix because of the car’s bespoke nature. Those shortcomings may lower the sale price, but they aren’t insurmountable.

Regardless of whether or not I actually like this 1949 Buick Custom, I admire the thought that went into the build and how it was executed. Some readers will find it irresistible, but it will leave others feeling cold. The auction’s opening figure is far below the build cost, and we can only speculate about the seller’s reserve. What surprises me is the lack of interest it has generated, because the listing statistics are remarkably low. Still, it only takes two people who want it badly enough to start the ball rolling. Do you think it will happen, or is this classic too extreme to cause a bidding frenzy?