1953 Buick Roadmaster

To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys Paris event, 4 - 5 February 2025.
Offered Without Reserve 50,000 - 80,000 EUR

• Powered by its matching-numbers 5.3-litre Fireball V-8 engine that produces 188 horsepower
• One of 3,318 examples of the Roadmaster Convertible made for the 1953 model year in 76C form and to the 4767X body style
• Equipped with power steering, windows, and soft-top convertible roof
• Presented in restored condition and accompanied by photos of its workshop overhaul
• Delivered new to Paris; single family ownership from new to 2010
• Acquired by The Curated Collection in January 2010

The classic, 1950s American styling extravagance of the Series 70 Roadmaster Convertible is perhaps best encapsulated by the VentiPorts . The four chrome flourishes that sit on each of the front wings are reminiscent of exhaust stacks on fighter aircraft. For the best effect, Buick designer Ned Nickle added orange lights to his car that flashed in time with the spark plugs.

First registered in September 1953, as Buick celebrated its golden anniversary, the example offered here is understood to have been sold new in Paris via General Motors concessionaire, Auto-Hall. According to The Standard Catalog of American Cars by John Gunnell, the Buick was one of 3,318 examples of the 76C Roadmaster Convertible built for the 1953 model year to the 4767X body style. Boasting single-family ownership for almost six decades, this Roadmaster was restored in the late 1990s before being sold at auction in January 2010, when it was acquired by The Curated Collection.

Understood to have been built new in Seamist Grey, the Buick is now presented in Ivory over Burgundy upholstery with matching fascia, while the car is equipped with power steering, windows, and soft-top convertible roof. Meanwhile, under the bonnet rests an overhead valve, 322-cubic-inch (5.3-litre) Fireball V-8 engine that delivers 188 horsepower via a Dynaflow automatic transmission, which is controlled by a column-mounted shifter. The car is accompanied by its owners guides. It is extremely rare to find an American Classic like this in Europe, especially one with this provenance, so it would make a fine addition to any collection.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/pa25/.