Buick’s cars were all-new for 1959 and had new model names to boot. The LeSabre became the division’s entry-level automobile, followed by the Invicta and Electra. It was by no means stark and would keep its position in the Buick hierarchy through 2005. “LeSabre”, which is French for “the sabre,” applied to all body styles including this ’59 convertible which has been off the road since 1983 and is in rough shape. Someone wanting to bring it back from the brink can find the car in Saugerties, New York, and here on eBay where the Buy It Now price is $9,500 (offers will be considered). Thanks for another interesting tip, Larry D!
The ’59 LeSabre rode on GM’s new B-body platform shared with similar machines in the other divisions. New styling included slanted headlights with a chrome-laded square grille similar to the ‘58 models, and “Delta-wing” fins out back along with round taillights. Unlike its upscale companions in the lineup, the LeSabre used a 364 cubic-inch V8 which carried over from 1957-58. Depending on carburetion, the engine’s output was either 250 or 300 hp. We don’t know which version of the motor is in the seller’s car and no photo of the engine compartment is provided. The seller says a 401 is present, but that motor was reserved for the Invicta and Electra, so was a swap made at some point?
Though the seller says all parts to resurrect the drop-top are there, it’s certainly hard to tell by its condition. Everything is going to need attention, from the body, paint, chrome, top, interior, and almost everywhere else you might look. Out of 285,000 Buicks built for 1959, nearly 10,500 of them were LeSabre drop-tops back in the day when convertibles were still in big demand. This car spent much of its time in the State of Missouri where it was last registered 38 years ago,
This era of the big Buicks doesn’t seem to attract collector interest as a ’59 LeSabre shouldn’t go for more than $22,000 for the nicest example on the planet. Let’s add 10% for the drop-top, so that’s $25,000 or less. The cost of restoring this once-proud car will far exceed the spread between that and the acquisition cost. So, you’ve got to have your heart set on one of these 1950s wonders to go this route.
What I like about this is, it’ NOT a `59 Impala cvt.!! And you don’t see these survive in any big numbers anymore.
Why anyone would store a drop top for 38 years uncovered and in a damp environment is beyond me. Wheel wells rusted out, undoubtably floor pans and more. When even the turn signal stem is rusted you can just imagine how poor everything else is.
A $10K car? Maybe a $2K car. Only options at this point are as a parts car, or maybe a low end resto with painted bumpers, etc. if you really always wanted a ’59 and have too much spare time on your hands.
I’ve always wondered why Buick didn’t bring back the Invicta name. It’s just so cool…
It change to Wildcat
Where are you getting your value figures? The guides I checked all list the best LeSabre convertible in the world at over $100K.
$26,200 (in Hagerty) for a concours condition Electra 225. A LeSabre or Invicta would go for less.
Please indicate the link where one sold for $100,000. I’d love to see it. cd/
My neighbor had one of these new in 59. Red with a red cloth interior. She took me to my elementary school pancake breakfast in it.. Still remember how roomy the inside was and how we talked all the way to the school and back in it.. Very comfortable.. But,,,,,, That was then..
As for todays value, it all depends on how badly you want it and how much you’re willing to spend.. It’s sad that this one was left out in the open to the point where rust and rot has taken it’s toll..
I’ve always loved this 59 Buick convertible along with the 59 Catalina convertible (like Ma’s). The sharp edges always looked cool to me and the grill insert was gorgeous. Unfortunate that this baby is from the salty rust belt (Saugerties…I know…I grew up in Ossining) and is clearly suffering from serious dissolving metal. I’d worry about the frame rot in this one too. Such a pretty car…such a shame. Forget the price. Someone could restore it…you can restore almost anything…just don’t plan on it being a profitable venture.
Such amazing sculpture. Such an embodiment of a spirit and time in American history. 58-60 Buicks were my first love of the fin era, and have so many neat things to recommend them. I ultimately defected to finned Mopars, but still love these. Be still my heart.
He has two other 59 Buick ragtops listed on Ebay that are even worse than this one – between the the three cars I dont think you could build one good one . . .
Good Lord….where did you store this thing for the last 38 years…the bottom of a lake or ocean! That nasty tin worm has gotten the better of this one!
I had a ’59 Electra. Semi first car. I worked on a ’59 Invicta which looks just like this one. I recall the La Sabre a bit smaller. Man, that grille, still makes me smile. I drove the Electra through the gas embargo and became very good at knowing where the gas stations with the shortest lines and always seemed to have gas were. The only car that used more gas, was my ’63 Imperial. I could SEE the gas gauge go down as I was on a highway. Man I loved the ’59 Electra/Invicta. But I would NOT give you much for this one. I would need the rest of my life to restore this one. Being 70, I am not sure I have enough life left to do this car. Nice to see it though.
22K for a really nice convertible?
Where? I will take all of them.
I like these and 70 coronets, they always look pissed off.
mine is in restored condition, with a 455 cid engine out of a 73 Centurian, turbo 450 trans, disc brakes on the front, American racing aluminum wheels, new interior, nos stainless mouldings and on a nd on and on and insured for 60K. Couldn’t restore it for that at todays prices.