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?
Not for everyone, the quality of work looks very nice. I’d bet this was built in the mid-2000’s. No matter when, I hope the person that paid the bills put a lot of miles on it, which might be the case if the stated mileage is accurate.
Steve R
The seller has it listed on their website for $47,949.
Steve R
Sorry but this is one ugly car looks like a cartoon nightmare and then some.
Designer is NOT related to any Kindig.
not for me……
Weird opening picture: sprinkler looks like a cloud of smoke.
One man’s custom dream, doesn’t always make others fan’s of it. It definitely looks off in the design to me, especially the tire on the back. I know it comes down to the eye of the beholder, but honestly I think that’s what’s holding bidders back. GLWTA anyways.
Looks like something right out of ‘Who framed Roger Rabbit’ to me.
The entire back end needs a redesign.
Totaly agree – weird proportions
For sure. I’d extend the roof line back so it has a more sleek look and raise the trunk to the height of the hood and then slope it from there.
Needs more ventiports.
It looks like it’s twerking. If the hood was pancaked and the rear body was rotated down to be parallel with the road, but it’s too late to do a complete redesign. Many customizers are able to create beautiful examples that make you wonder why the factory didn’t make them. IMO this isn’t one of them. Other than that it’s a cool idea. Maybe just seeing it is a good learning example to anyone else considering it.
Owner must race cars with the tubes in the engine compartment and full racing harness built in. Not too far off roll bar and safety gear in my race cars.
Dare to be different. Question is; do you want to be seen in it?
I admire the workmanship, but the body just doesn’t work for me at all. I’m 6′-1″ tall and old… I can’t imagine trying to get in and out of this thing with the tiny doors.
Five ventiports???
The front end is basically a shaved and slammed Buick and it works pretty well. When you get past the doors, it becomes something else.
This car should have been a roadster.
If you are going to go with a roof, then the 1930 business coupe doesn’t work at all. It could have retained the Sedanette fastback look, or even a variation of the Riviera cut back c-pillar and at least kept it Buick.
Modern cut wheels on these retro-mods never seems to do it for me, and here the Continental treatment with that exposed wheel is just a total distraction. A black and polished blob just sitting on the trunk. Make it a fake hump that implies the spare.
This car is a hard sell, for sure.
This is fair-weather car for sure. Did anyone see a single roll-up window? I live in central Florida, and it is raining heavily right now!
I would rather have the 49 Super Sedanette that I drove in high school and have it restored
Okay then…Could have at least had a Buick engine…
I want to like it… but like a lot of other things, it’s just not happening. The 5 Ventiporrs are cool. 😎. 🤷🏼♂️
Not a custom/ resto-mod guy in the least. The front stance looks kind of good and unique. The cars profile and rear going away photos are not for me. It almost looks like the builder decided to down-size when halfway through.
The door opening looks tight. I am not sure I could get into the drivers seat without the fender impeding progress. Could be a trick of the camera.
Cruella de Ville’s car?
Turn it into a GASSER!
It looks like a car that belongs in a dream…really….( don’t say it!). Someone had a vision and stayed with it to completion. There is something to be said about that. It’s certainly interesting to look at from a creation standpoint, however…..it ain’t for me! I don’t think the builder will recoup his investment unless he find a buyer who had the same vision…uhh….. dream? I built AMT model cars in the 60’s and this reminds me of a George Barris wild custom version of a stock automobile….
Awful.
Wheel well on back doesn’t match. Front wheel well off center. The arse end looks like a squirrel that didn’t make it across the street quick enough.
And the continental deck lid…..ewwww……….
I don’t mind if guys say the same things about my custom, so don’t shun me for this please.
The work looks to be quality but he sure uglied that car up.
Ungainly
Lotsa $$$ poured into it but lotsa $$ doesn’t mean great taste !
All I can see when I look at it is a Buick front clip with a mk4 Triumph Spitfire rear from the doors and roof back. I don’t hate it, but I don’t love it either. It’s like the Buick version of a Kaiser Darrin.
Perhaps they were attempting to do a top chop or something and things went horribly wrong. If it were my project, I’d have stretched the frame and body, kept the horrible cockpit, put an 8′ box on the back (what, as opposed to the front??!!), 2″ receiver hitch, good old indestructible 350 with 400 turbo or 5 speed manual. And oh yeah, truck mirrors. But OMG, that cockpit is just awful! Or walk away and keep driving my newest vehicle, a rusty but trusty 250K mile ’04 Silverado 4×4 half ton.
Here’s a thought… loosely restore the car with its original inline 8. Modern interior, decent AM/FM/cassette with CD player, mild speakers and daily drive it. Of course, heater and A/C. Receiver hitch? Yeah, probably. Y’all have a good day.