1975 would be the last year for the General Motors B-body (full-size) convertibles. That new may have generated interest in getting a last-of-a-breed kind of car as sales picked up that year. In Buick’s case, that would equate to about 5,300 LaSabre Custom convertibles. And 33 of those would be chosen to participate in festival activities at the Indianapolis 500. This edition appears to be one of those cars and we’re told it runs well but has some body damage to be attended to. It’s located in Eagle, Colorado and available here on craigslist for $8,000 OBO. Thanks, Gunter Kramer, for bringing this tip our way!
“Wouldn’t you really rather have a Buick?” was the company’s marketing slogan back in the 1970s. But that didn’t necessarily equate to convertible sales across any of GM’s divisions. They had seen a steady decline in demand since peaking in the 1960s. With a downsizing coming for their full-size cars in 1977, GM got out of the convertible business a year early (although the Cadillac Eldorado would be fielded for the last time as a drop-top in 1976).
While a Buick Century with T-tops was chosen to pace the field at the Indianapolis 500 in 1975, the LaSabre convertible was placed into service during festival activities. The build-up to the annual IndyCar race is always a big deal, and that includes the 500 Festival Parade which regularly draws 300,000 spectators. The festival includes more than 50 events and programs celebrating the Indy 500, including the 500 Festival Parade the day before the race. For the parade, 33 “princesses” are chosen for the parade and to ride around the track before the start of the big race.
According to the seller, this ’75 LaSabre was one of those cars and has the appropriate graphics used that year. It has about 70,000 miles on it and is said to run and drive well, although the body itself is only in fair condition. The paint is pretty tired, there is a dent in the rear left quarter panel, and the rear bumper is currently chained to the car. But there is no evidence of any rust. Fixing that damage and restoring the car shouldn’t be a big deal, although we don’t have any photos of the interior to determine its condition. The seller is getting ready to move and can’t take the car with him. He says this can be a $25,000 car when refurbished (NADA says $20,000, but that doesn’t include the Indy connection).
LeSabre
The Buick Sword!!
Front bumper looks kind of flimsy.
Ha,Ha.
IKE the front bumper on these GM’s are not flimsy,,dont know where you came up with that,,but I worked on these cars and they are heavy as hell, with the chrome outside and the re inforcement behind it and the crash absorbing shocks,, its not a one man operation putting them on
Jeff- Next time there is a Barn Find Sense of Humor for sale, grab it!!! Work with me here Jeffo. That bumper could sink the Bismarck.
Always gotta be one guy who ruins the joke.
I restored a ’74 LeSabre Convertible back in the early 80’s. Got it from the original owner for a case of beer. Was sitting in a field where it died (ran when ‘parked’, right?) It should have cured me from ever doing a full restoration (body, interior, top, engine, trans) again, but sadly it hasn’t. I remember the original front clip was in such bad shape I got a ’75 hard-top donor car and used it’s front clip. Lined up pretty well! A nice memory overall, wish I had taken some pics….
If you want to know how to fix that rear bumper, watch the movie “Used Cars”. Kurt Russell will show you.
I could have bought one like this for $16,000 at Hershey a few years ago. Didn’t pull the trigger. Have always loved the big GM convertibles from the 70s. Worked at a Chevy Olds dealer from 75 to 77. Got to drive the owner’s red and white 75 Caprice convertible many times. He had a New York vanity plate LAST ONE. He sold it as a demo in late 77. Never saw it again. Yeah, the comment about front bumpers being flimsy. HA. You must have never had one off these cars. Weighs more than some new stupid GM car. I would far rather get hit in a 75 Buick LeSabre than a 2021 Buick. This one would be expensive to restore and never really worth that much, but what a ride. Yet, idiots on here spend $30,000 for a rotted out 68 Dodge, that needs $50,000 worth of work and that is doing it yourself. Priced paint lately? It’s about $600 a gallon for not even top quality stuff. The listing was pulled. Hope it went to someone who is going to properly fix it.
ACZ… You stole my thunder. lol. I was going to mention the movie, “Used Cars”
Great minds flow in the same channel.
I have a 72 olds and let me tell u it’s a tank ,if I hit one of the cars they make today I would definitely total it…. removing and installing any of the front end will be your workout for the day not easy doing urself let us all know if u ever have a chance to do it,lol
IKE now youir talking,yes it is heavy duty
I have this car without damage. Been in my family for 30 years. Always garaged.