1957 BUICK ROADMASTER 76C CONVERTIBLE
Having been in business for close to 30 years, we have seen a wide range of classic, sports and specialty vehicles. Occasionally we have the honor to represent a car that is not only a rare and desirable example, but one that has the distinction of being recognized by the AACA with a Senior First Place award and a perfect score (400 of 400 points) at the Buick Nationals. We are proud to feature this Buick that comes to us from a prestigious collection of American classic automobiles from the 1950’s – 1960’s.
This 1957 Buick Roadmaster Series 76C convertible is one of 4,364 examples built by Buick in 1957 and previously owned by one family for ~52 years. This Buick underwent a complete, comprehensive 8-year photo documented rotisserie restoration completed by Autokraft Race Cars & Restoration. The restoration saw the body removed from the frame, placed on a rotisserie, and painted back into its original black-over-red luster by Autokraft. The signature four-across ventiports lead the way and the eye across the sleek body with its two-tone color scheme. The red leather interior was freshly upholstered and restored from its padded instrument panel out to 3-spoke steering wheel. A new convertible top and rear window. were installed. The top-line Buick came fully loaded with power top, windows, antenna, dash clock and Wonderbar radio. Power steering and power brakes brought effortless road handling to the Roadmaster formula. The Roadmaster features factory air conditioning, one of the few extra-cost options for the upper-echelon Buick. The Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels ride on new Coker wide whitewall tires. A matching spare and tire joins a red convertible top boot in the spacious restored trunk. Simply stated, no expense was spared to make this rare Buick one of the finest examples in the country.
The Roadmaster has the distinction of receiving an AACA Junior & Senior awards in 2000, a perfect score of 400 points at the Buick Nationals in 2001, and an AACA Senior Grand National Award in 2013. The Buick was refinished in the factory produced Seminole Red & Carlsbad Black Paint over red leather interior, and a black power convertible top. The car’s owner indicates that he has added less than 100 miles to the Buick since his acquisition. As the photos indicate the car remains in immaculate condition in every respect including a highly detailed and correct engine compartment, undercarriage, trunk, exterior and interior.
The body panels close very well and have excellent fit and gaps, and virtually no wear or aging is visible in the Carlsbad Black and red finish, which has a rich, deep shine. The red leather interior is in exceptional condition, with a good tight fit over the cushions, and is accentuated by a red top boot, while the 40-spoke chrome wire wheels are set off beautifully by wide whitewall tires. Under the hood is a highly detailed, with proper painted details and recreated finishes throughout, including a proper Delco battery. The car has reportedly traveled a total of 68,845 miles since new, which, given its superb condition, which includes mileage covered prior to restoration. The trunk contains a full-size spare and is properly restored and carpeted. The photos support that the car remains “show ready” with the potential of receiving additional significant recognition at local and national shows. Perhaps as important, the car is fully sorted, reliable and can be used on those very special occasions in addition to be recognized at any concourse event as a truly fine example.
The car features its original numbers matching 364c.i. “Nailhead” V8 including VIN stamping on the block, the original Dynaflow 2-speed automatic transmission, and an “R” assembly coded rear end exclusive to the ’57 Buick. The Buick nailhead V-8 engine was nicknamed for its valve-train design resulting in instant on-throttle torque delivery and was rated at 300 horsepower utilizing a 4bbl carburetor.
Additional equipment includes factory power steering and brakes, factory power windows, power adjustable front seat, a Wonderbar push button AM radio, and a power antenna. 15” chrome wire wheels from a 54 Buick are wrapped with classic wide whitewall tires along with a matching wire wheel mounted to a matching whitewall tire in the immaculately restored trunk. This car features Harrison air conditioning, one of the few available factory options for the Roadmaster in 1957.
The Buick Roadmaster, the top of the line for 1957 benefited from a new body that was 10” longer with a wheelbase of 127.5” and styling cues that included a rakishly lowered roofline “sweepspear” side trim accents, front fender “venti-ports,” “Dagmar” bumpers, and fully radiused rear fenders inspired by the Wildcat III show car. The interior featured a padded dashboard with bright metallic motif and standard equipment leather interior. Under the hood was the “nailhead” OHV V8 with displacement of 364c.i. that produced 300hp when new and a Dynaflow 2-speed automatic transmission along with a wide range of factory standard equipment. Suspension was independent front, live rear axle with coil springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.
Included with the sale are photos of the car prior to its restoration, restoration photos, BCA judging sheets, AACA award plaques, a full set of steel wheels with correct hubcaps mounted to tires, and a clear California title in the owner’s name. Additional items include vintage Owner’s Guide, Owner Service Policy pamphlet, a vintage convertible top instruction booklet and accessories pamphlet.
Please let us know if you have any questions or would like to arrange a time to view this incredible 1957 Buick Roadmaster 76C convertible.
Thank you,
Classic Cars Ltd.
925-989-9547