1953 Buick Series 70 Roadmaster Sedan

The year was a big one for the brand that served as the foundation for the General Motors empire. Established in 1903, Buick celebrated its golden anniversary with the introduction of the Fireball V-8, its first, ending a long tradition of inline eights (although the straight eight remained in the inventory until 1954). The new engine was mated with a new Twin Turbine Dynaflow automatic transmission, and a 12-volt electrical system replaced the old 6-volt - much more likely to awaken sleeping Buicks on sub-zero winter mornings.

Buick celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1953. It was fourth in sales with nearly 8-percent of the United States car market. This is one of only 1,450 Buick Roadmasters built in 1953 with factory air (by FrigidAire, which was introduced that same year). This Buick, which was chauffeur-driven, also featured power steering, power brakes, floor controlled radio, and factory half-wire wheels.

Power was supplied by Buick's new overhead valve V-8, which replaced the company's legendary overhead valve in-line eight. The new V-8 produced 164 horsepower from its 322 cubic-inches. Most Buick Roadmasters came equipped with Dynaflow transmissions.

Factory air conditioning by Frigidaire, was yet another first for Buick in 1953, and power steering and power brakes became standard equipment. The 322 cubic-inch (5.3 liter) overhead valve V-8 was available in three states of tune, ranging from 164 to 188 horsepower. At its most potent, the Fireball eight had a compression ratio of 8.5:1, tops in the industry at the time. Roadmasters continued to be the prestige end of Buick lineup, and this sedan served as a chauffeur-driven limousine for its original owner in Indianapolis. The Roadmasters rolled Indy's streets and byways for 50,000 miles over its first 33 years. It was acquired by its current owner in 1985.

As a testament to the care lavished on the car during its Indianapolis years, the Roadmaster required only an early 1990s exterior restoration, performed by Autowerkes in Cleveland, to keep it show worthy. The interior, including the air conditioning system, is in original condition.