1948 Buick Series 70 Roadmaster Convertible Coupe

Prior to World War II, the hierarchy at General Motors began with Chevrolet, followed by Pontiac, then Oldsmobile, Buick, LaSalle and Cadillac. Although Buick was positioned between Oldsmobile and LaSalle, it was a high quality car that was neither inexpensive nor lacking in power or amenities. As the 1930s came to a close, Buick adopted an all eight-cylinder range that would continue for years to come. The Buick Roadmaster range was available in three distinct series through 1941. The fourth-generation Roadmaster was ready for the 1942 model year, but the onset of war meant that only a few thousand were produced before production came to a close. Production did not resume again until 1946.

For 1948, the Roadmaster Model 76C Convertible Coupe was very well equipped, with power windows, seat and top. New for this year was GM's Dynaflow transmission, the first torque-converter transmission fitted to a passenger car. It could be added as an option on the 1948 Roadmasters; many buyers had the option installed which convinced GM to make it standard equipment for the 1949 model year.

This Buick Model 76C Roadmaster Convertible was formerly a part of the collection of Charles Cawley. While in the collection, the car was restored in-house to show condition. It is currently in period color combination of dark blue over red upholstery, and rides on period-correct wide-whitewall BF Goodrich Silvertown bias-ply tires. It has a black top with red piping.

The car is powered by Buick's 'Fireball Dynaflash Eight' with correct style lettering on the valve cover promoting the 'valve in-head' engine design. In the trunk is a spare tire and jack. Inside is an original tube-type radio, 120 mph speedometer, and a clock.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2015