We encounter 1953 Buick Super 8s and Specials from time to time, but a convertible version? That’s a rare bird and the seller states as much, claiming this Super 8 convertible as being one of only 6,701 produced. With that thought in mind, let’s review this seldomly seen drop-top. It’s located in Galion, Ohio and is available here on eBay for a current bid of $7,600 with 30 bids tendered as of this writing.

In 1953, Buick came in fourth place in domestic car production with a total output of 488K units. Divided among Roadmasters, Skylarks, Super 8’s, and Specials, that means that this Super 8 convertible was responsible for just 1.4% of output.

Right up front the seller states, “I am just the listing agent on this very rare car” That disclosure is appreciated as it level sets expectations and the disclosed knowledge base regarding this Buick’s particulars. And those particulars are light. The body is in reasonably good condition though there are few dents and contusions visible and there is some possible rust in the passenger side fender lower leg. The underside images are dark and not real clear but there may be some floor pan corrosion going on adjacent to the frame rails. The upper grille trim looks to have been “replated” with a brush and a silver can of paint but the chrome is in better shape than one might expect. I’m on the fence with the finish, it appears to be an inexpensive repaint but that’s just speculation. I always examine the condition of convertible tops and this one appears to be fair. But even if it’s not, the important thing is to have a sound and solid folding frame.

Under this Super 8’s hood is a Super 8! What else would you expect right? It’s a first-year, non-running, 170 gross HP “nailhead” 322 CI V8 connected to a “Dynaflo” automatic transmission. The engine is referred to as a nailhead because with the valve covers removed, the valves stand up perfectly vertical and look like “nails” sticking out of the top of the cylinder head. It’s a bit of a stretch just like Chevrolet big-block engines were originally referred to as “porcupine head” engines because the spring-wrapped valves stick out at all different angles, just like a porcupine’s quills  – I’m thinking the overactive imagination of a copywriter at work here.

The front and back seats don’t match so it’s likely that the front seat has been reupholstered in a similar, but not exact pattern. The rear seat is cracked the way leather does over time and its condition could be the result of lots of top-down time or just the ravages of age. The instrument panel, while notable with its chrome-plated accouterments, isn’t elaborate as some Buicks of this era but it’s still impressive. The original rubber floor mat is broken-down in places but a comprehensive view, and the floor’s overall condition, are unknown. Floor and trunk integrity is always more of an issue with a convertible but that’s certainly not an indictment of what can’t be viewed here. Actually, there is an image of the trunk, and it is showing minor signs of distress but nothing that would be considered major.

This Buick Super 8 is a rare bird and a great find. As to what it would take to perform, as the seller suggests, “a complete restore” is hard to say. But sometimes a complete and thorough restoration of a car in this apparent condition isn’t necessary. Mechanical issues are what they are, and they need to be managed, but a pristine restoration, ah, maybe not. Make it safe, usable, and just enjoy it right?