1954 Buick Roadmaster Convertible

322ci OHV "Fireball" V8 Engine
Single Downdraft Carburetor
200bhp at 4,000rpm
4-Speed Dynaflow Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Hydraulic Brakes
Independent Front – Longitudinal Leaf Spring Rear Suspension

*A top-of-the-line example of one of Buick's most famous models
*Classic '50s color scheme
*Complete with fuzzy dice

THE BUICK ROADMASTER

From the economical Special to the prestigious Roadmaster, Buick offered a full line of automobiles from just over $2,000 to just over $4,000. Its production reached 444,609 cars in 1954. Power for the full Buick line came from Buick's new (in 1953) and unique V8 engine, offered in two sizes, the 150 horsepower 264 cubic inch Special V8 and the larger 322 cubic inch engine making 182 horsepower in the Super and 200 horsepower in the Century and Roadmaster. This was a period when each of GM's divisions built its own engines and Buick had come up with a particularly interesting and innovative cylinder head design that had excellent breathing and also let Buick employ the highest compression ratio, 8.5:1, in the industry in 1954.

As expected from Buick in the Fifties the new 1954 Buicks were distinctively restyled, most notably with a wraparound windshield – Buick called it the "panoramic" windshield – and a very different trunk and rear fenders. The interior featured a new instrument panel with aircraft-style controls and a horizontal moving band speedometer.

The most expensive and most prestigious automobile in Buick's 1954 line was the Roadmaster convertible. Buick held nothing back on this showboat, equipping it with the 322 cubic inch V8, Dynaflow, power steering (newly designed this year for less effort), power brakes, power top, power windows and even power vertical adjustment of the front seat. The Roadmaster announced itself to the outside world with rear fender emblems but most importantly and visibly the Roadmaster had four ventiports on its front fenders. The Special, new Century and Super all had to make do with only three ventiports. Only 3,305 Roadmaster convertibles were built in 1954, just 6.4% of total Roadmaster production of 51,767.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The 1954 Buick Roadmaster Convertible offered here is finished in Condor Yellow over matching black and yellow interior. Someone thickly repainted with the panel in-situ, and likely reupholstered at some point, the engine bay and dash appear to be largely original. The acres of chrome appear to be in good condition. Complete down to the fuzzy dice hanging from the mirror, this Roadmaster still commands plenty of respect and attention.

Although built in greater quantities than the Skylark convertibles, today Roadmasters seem to be available much less often. Rarely seen in the first place, they are even more rare and desirable in this wonderful combination of arresting colors and excellent preparation and presentation.