Lead Sled Potential: 1953 Buick Roadmaster

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After spending some time in storage this Buick Roadsmaster looks just as menacing as it did new. With an elaborate front end, and a lengthy 4 door sedan body, this Buick would be an awesome lead sled. Complete and original, this Buick is bid up to $510.00 with the reserve unmet. Find it here on ebay out of Shirley, Arkansas.

Under the hood is a 322 cubic inch nail head V8 and a 2 speed automatic transmission. Both are in unknown condition, but the nail head does turn over, although it is “tight”. The engine bay is complete minus a few minimal items, and the condition is decent. Paint still graces the firewall, and the inner fenders areas are not rotted. The nail head itself looks clean enough, with no apparent flaws. Some patience and fresh fluids may revive the 322 V8.

Looking at the interior of this Buick is a bit of a hit in the stomach, but it is original. The seats, and door panels definitely needs some work. The dash and steering wheel aren’t too bad off, but are by no means prefect. The door jambs look pretty solid, but the seller has explained some rust in the floors, and a license plate patch job which can be seen in the photos.

The exterior of this Buick is certainly more inspiring than the interior. The exterior looks mostly straight with a few minor dings in the trunk lid, the roof, and a small crease in the driver door. The paint finish appears to be original with paint, and mild surface rust peppering the exterior of this Buick. All of the trim and chrome work is accounted for, though the chrome is rusty, and the passenger side lower trim is dangling, partially attached to this Roadmaster. Overall this Buick is solid enough to do something with it, but the question is what could be done with this dusty Buick Roadmaster?

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Comments

  1. Rich

    Gorgeous car when restored, but frankly this one is probably worthy of restomod or rat rod status. Indian blanket, get her running and stopping, drop it a few inches and drive it.

    Like 1
  2. Rando

    WASH IT! Let’s see how it really looks. I like!

    Like 0
  3. Bingo

    This particular year and model was one of my first AMT model kits to assemble with my father. Dad actually cut the roof off and chopped it. I’m 50 years old and still have that model sitting in my garage workshop.

    I would love to own one of these for dad.

    Like 0
  4. nessy

    Gee this car will really clean up. Another foolish seller who is either too lazy or thinks the filth will bring it more money. Wash the car, some polish to that paint and some steel wool to that chrome will do wonders for this fine Buick.

    Like 1
    • Grem

      I’m the seller and I’m by no means foolish or lazy. When I listed this car, it was about 20° outside and has been ever since. I’m not going to stand out in that weather spraying water and getting soaked by doing so. If you would like to see the car clean, I suggest you buy it and clean it. Thanks. Have a nice day!

      Like 1
      • Eric Dashman

        That made me laugh out loud. Thank you, Grem! A little lesson in that devilish word “assume”. We all should take that lesson to heart and cut folks a bit more slack than BF commenters sometimes exhibit. What fun!

        Like 0
  5. Mike H. Mike H

    “The dash and steering wheel aren’t too bad off, but are by no means prefect.”

    Is this an obscure reference to English Fords, magistrates, or perhaps a slightly less obscure reference to The Hitchhiker’s Guide?

    Douglas Adams. . . Even in death you contribute to us sociologically. May you rest in peace.

    Like 0
    • Jamie Palmer JamieStaff

      Mike, it should scare you that we had the same thoughts, although The Hitchhiker’s Guide came before the British legal system in my case…

      Like 0
      • Mike H. Mike H

        Mine too, but I wanted to give the appearance that I considered more mainstream options prior to invoking The Guide.

        Like 0
  6. Eric Dashman

    Interesting how identical the body is to the Cadillac of the same vintage. They really did use the same jigs on these 2 models. I think a separate set were used for the Olds, Pontiac, and Chevy models, but that they were also similar to one another. Someone with more knowledge (and perhaps a better eye?) might comment.

    I think that the instance car would be a great project as is, albeit a heavy one…5K Lbs?

    Like 0
  7. jeff6599

    Sorry, wrong again on the part of the editor and seller. The Dynaflow was a single speed transmission with torque converter. It had a low range position which switched the converter pitch. This basic design was used through 1964 on most models, except the Riviera.

    Like 0
    • Oldog4tz Oldog4tz

      Commonly referred to in period as a “slushomatic”

      Like 0
  8. Dave Wright

    This is a body style I find much more appealing as a hardtop. The early Riverias are magnificent. This is a nice car that in typical Buick style is several cuts above a common Ford or even Chevy. Closer to a Packard.

    Like 0
  9. Brad C

    The bad news is, it’ll likely never look like this photo again… not many people are willing to take out a second mortgage for new chrome on a 4 door sedan.

    The good news is if you wash and wax it, and get the mechanicals working… once you’re behind the wheel, you won’t care.

    Like 0
  10. jeff6599

    Bumpers and front and back trim is all. ALL the side trim and window trim (All of it) is stainless. Polish that yourself during the superbowl

    Like 0
    • Brad C

      Good point – still plenty o’ chrome, but you’re right about it being concentrated on the ends!

      Like 0
  11. rustylink

    if it was a 2 door it might make a nice lead sled – but as a 4 door – it’s probably better off being as a cleaned up as a runner..

    Like 0
  12. Larry

    Brings back memories as a teenager. Got one of these passed down to me from my Dad. Believe me, this car is bullet proof…we put it through hell and it just kept right on ticking…

    Like 0
  13. cyclemikey

    Mmmm. I can smell that interior from here.

    Like 0
  14. Pollo

    That engine used a Carter 4 barrel with a vacuum operated switch. To start the engine, turn the key to on and step on the accelerator. Once the engine started it would create vacuum and pull the switch to the off position, then you simply back off the accelerator and it idles. My 1953 Super had the 322 V8 and the neutral safety switch was defective or bypassed. You could start the car in drive…ignition switch on, step on the gas and go!
    Dynaflow is nicknamed Dynaslow (http://www.v8buick.com/archive/index.php/t-129213.html)
    The oil bath air cleaner had a silencer/muffler section between the carburetor and the radiator which is missing in this car. I cut mine off a Roadmaster intake setup I mounted on my 1953 Super…added a nice intake sound!

    Like 0
  15. angliagt

    50th year for Buick – they had a round emblem
    in the top middle of the front bumper.

    Like 0
  16. Grem

    Reserve has been met. One of yall could own this car if you wanted.

    Like 0
  17. PatrickM

    Listing expired. Dang, man!!

    Like 0

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