General Motors had all-new B and C-body platforms in 1959-60, and Buick’s styling may have been the most unorthodox. The rear end of the cars looked like a giant locust headed north (like in the B-grade science fiction movies of the 1950s). The LeSabre was a new Buick nameplate and represented the lower end of Buick’s full-size price range through 2005. This 1960 “flat-top” (aka 4-door hardtop) is a project the seller has lost interest in. Located in Ridge, New York, this car has some custom touches to the interior and is available here on craigslist for $3,450.
The name of this Buick was derived from the French word for “the sabre.” The new LeSabre shared infrastructure with the likes of the Chevy Impala and Olds Super 88. Though the seller says a 360 cubic inch V8 is in his/her car, the correct displacement was 364 CI, producing 250 hp in top form. While a manual transmission was standard, most of these big cars came with a 2-speed Dynaflow automatic. Though the cars were all-new in ’59, the LeSabre was treated to a major facelift for 1960.
We’re told this 1960 running project has 54,000 miles (which is a bit light for the age and condition). Though it runs and drives, the fuel pump is bad, and starter fluid is needed to get the big Buick to respond. So, moving it around the cul-de-sac seems to be the only rational trip you should try to take for now. There are a lot of parts of the trunk, but what are they for?
The body seems okay, and the black paint is fair. But the interior seems to have received a makeover as the red carpeting and red and black door panels seem a bit bold for a 1960 Buick. You’ll need to pick up where the seller left off with this flat-top, but the money isn’t crazy given what $3,450 will get you these days. Thanks for the tip, “Zen”.
“Buick’s styling may have been the most unorthodox. The rear end of the cars looked like a giant locust headed north” < BINGO! Good visual analysis.
And, competitor FORD was selling upscale Thunderbirds like hot cakes.
You’re welcome.
What a cool, funky, timepiece of a car. 👍
I remember my uncle, the family wag, commenting that the rear of the Chevy looked like a seagull trying to crap and the Buick like one that just finished.
When I was 9 I fell in love with the ’60 Buick, I thought it was a vast improvement over the ’59.
Seems we’re the same age.
I loved the styling, too, back in its day. I find it unappealing now.
It’s remarkable how much ageing has changed my sense of aesthetics!
not a huge market base for these and this needs work as well
A bluesman could load the whole band and their gear into that thing and look real good doing it.
And most importantly, with measly $500 a night gigs, it’s cheap!
The Dynaflow automatic transmission is not a two-speed unit. It does effect gear shifts. In fact, the only gears involved in its functioning are the fixed, planetary type, not gears that can produce ratio changes. Instead of gear shifts, the Dynaflow relies on a torque converter and turbines to propel the car smoothly without the interruption of gear shifts.
By contrast, Chevrolet’s Powerglide, is a true-two-speed transmission. It utilizes two gear ratios, a lower ratio for initial acceleration and a higher one for cruising. Gear changes are automatic, responding to road speed and driving demands.
The source of the confusion, I think, is that the Dynaflow offers two driving modes, or “ranges,” low and high, which the driver manually selects. High range (“D” on the column selector) is the normal driving mode. Low range (“L”) is for quicker takeoffs, heavy loads, or engine braking. Neither range, however, effectuates automatic shifting such as what occurs with a two-speed automatic transmission.
Never drove a Buick with their transmission,,but sounds like they were decades ahead of Nissan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLdHafv9AFQ&list=RDXLdHafv9AFQ&start_radio=1
That’s one ugly car.
All it needs is one of those toilet bowl spare tire things on the trunk to complete the look.
Guess they overlooked that, but its a good idea!
Paint it light blue and you’d have the “Cruising Vessel” from Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Silly pirate costume optional.
My Uncle had a blue one exactly like this car. I loved it! If I didn’t live so far away, I might be more interested. I’d give it a repaint