There’s a lot going on here. The seller has a pair of 1957 Buick Centurys, a convertible and a four-door hardtop up for sale and the convertible has experienced a started, and then halted restomod conversion. The four-door hardtop appears to be just going along with the convertible but it may have its own qualities, let’s find out. Both Buicks are located in Largo, Florida and are available here on craigslist for $18,500. The convertible is being offered separately for $17,000 and the hardtop is similarly available for $3,400. Thanks to T.J. for this dual find!
The seller tells us, “The Convertible was a running, driving car before the owner brought it to do an LS swap to it. A low mileage Buick LS drivetrain was purchased including (the) engine, trans, and rear axle. (The) the owner pulled the perfectly fine Dynaflow and then installed the late model rear axle and that is where progress stopped“. Some may suggest that it’s heresy to stuff an LS motor in a standout car like a Buick Century convertible.
The original Century powerplant, a 300 HP, 364 CI V8 is included in the sale, along with the Dynaflow gearbox and the original differential – allowing the new owner to reverse the in-process conversion. Oh, and BTW, the “LS” engine is included but it doesn’t look like an LS, it appears to be a center bolt valve cover, traditional Chevrolet small-block.
Regarding the exterior, the seller states, “There is some rust in the body because the car is a 65-year-old convertible, but it is not bad. Two rust-free perfect doors come with the car“. There aren’t any comprehensive images, just partials but what can be seen looks pretty sound. There’s no mention of the convertible top and frame and there’s so much stuff piled up on top that it’s not possible to spy a glimpse. Note the wire wheels – is that a Cadillac emblem I see on the center cap?
As for the hardtop, it has that fantastic three-panel rear window that adorned both Oldsmobiles and Buicks of the era. It is claimed to be a California barn find and “would also make a perfect “patina” car with some sanding and buffing to revive the paint” if that’s your thing. While not specifically stated, the powerplant should mirror that of the convertible, and of course, it ran when parked, or more specifically, “It was a good running car when parked and should run with fresh gas and a charged battery“.
I like the convertible but lack any interest in the hardtop. As for the powerplant, I think I’d prefer the purity of the original nailhead engine though a modern transmission swap, with overdrive, would be tempting – the differential is probably immaterial. So, how about you, either one or both, for you?
The package is definitely worth $18,500..if you lop off a zero.
I wanted the wagon, this will never do. I would be willing to pay $ 185.00 maybe.
Terry you are right, the comma should be a decimal, moved to the right one space over.
Two money pits not just one. Take out the original engine for what?
Sorry. Not an Ls motor!!! About 200 hp short and about 300 lbs heavier!!! Old buick roadmaster lt 350. Looks like a throttle body with opti spark. Yuk!!!
One of my most favorite family vacations growing up was in a 1957 Green Buick Convert. with a white top. Many miles and loads of fun.
I would think that a pristine Century Conv. could be worth upwards of $100,000, looking at the side shot and seeing only 3 portholes I’m not sure that this a Century. Anyway I would ditch that late model drivetrain and do a proper restoration on this potential beauty…
3 portholes on the drop top plus no century chrome emblem in front of the rear wheel wells. 4 door has both. I have 2 57 roadmaster 75 series in the woods. Trim emblems say “75”. Not roadmaster. Both are pink. Or maybe called coral in the day. Drove the 4 door for years in the 80’s to work. 65 miles one way. Took it into northern Manitoba fishing. Sport boat Canoe on a roof rack. Motor in the trunk. Slept in the back seat. Took off across the lake. Being alone the tail was heavy and low in the water so I moved forward and steered by leaning. Only took a minute to figure out this is how you drown. Didn’t do that again. Put rocks in the front. Didn’t have a chubby girlfriend at the time.
I agree. The convertible looks like a Special.
Wow, this is a tough crowd. I actually don’t think he is far off on the price. Resto or original is a matter of taste and goals. One of the local guys here has a ‘56 Buick with a 430 Buick and a TH 400. Pretty cool car and he has turned down $40,000 more than once
Looks like the convertible was sold. CL ad only shows the hardtop.