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1950 Buick Series 70 Roadmaster LWB Riviera Sedan

  • Chassis Number: 16340056
  • Engine Number: 56639356
Harlow Curtice came to General Motors from Champion Spark Plugs in 1933. He eventually would become GM Executive Vice-President in 1948 and President and C.E.O. in 1953. In 1950, he was offered a new Cadillac limousine for his personal use; instead, he requested a similarly modified Buick Roadmaster built by the shops where Harley Earl's GM Motorama 'dream cars' were built. The car they produced was a one-off example - this vehicle. Using a stock sedan on the 130.25-inch wheelbase, GM technicians installed a custom roofline with a sloping rear profile, with rear-door windows and their frames custom-modified to fit. The car was given many luxuries including power-operated exterior windows, hydraulic vent windows (a GM first), and a custom division window.

The chauffeur's compartment is upholstered in dark blue leather while the rear seats are upholstered in light blue broadcloth, surrounded by woodgrain trim with a green tint. Floor-ducted heating was provided to warm the passengers' feet.

It is believed that Mr. Curtice used the car for at least two years, during which time it is believed to have been updated in both 1951 and 1952 with that year's styling cues. Thus, it currently has the appearance of a 1952 model. The updates extended under the hood, where the engine has been fitted with the four-barrel carburetion standard on 1952 Roadmasters, as well as an 8:1 compression ratio and a special camshaft.

It is believed that after Mr. Curtice's use, it was then sold by General Motors to Lynch Buick, of Chicago, where it was displayed in the showroom until 1988. Mr. Joe Bortz then acquired the car and retained it until 2005. It made its way into the collection of Nicola Bulgari before being acquired by the Kughn collection.

Several years ago, the car was stripped to bare metal and refinished in its present shade of dark cobalt blue. It has a padded top and new period-correct wide whitewall tires.

2015 RM Sotheby's : Motor City Auction

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $35,000-USD $40,000 
Sale Price :
USD $44,000

1950 Buick Series 70 Roadmaster Auction Sales

Recent Sales of the Buick Series 70 Roadmaster

(Data based on Model Year 1950 sales)
1950 Buick Roadmaster Convertible
Sold for USD$72,600
  2021 Mecum : Chicago
 
1950 Buick Roadmaster Convertible
Chassis#: 15757065
Sold for USD$60,000
  2021 RM Sothebys : Hershey
1950 Buick Series 70 Roadmaster image  1950 Buick Series 70 Roadmaster image  
1950 Buick Roadmaster Convertible
Chassis#: 15757065
Sold for USD$67,100
  2020 RM Sothebys : Auburn Fall Auction
1950 Buick Series 70 Roadmaster image  1950 Buick Series 70 Roadmaster image  
1950 Buick Roadmaster Convertible Custom
Chassis#: 15697347
Sold for USD$55,000
  2020 Worldwide Auctioneers : Scottsdale Arizona Auction
 
1950 Buick Roadmaster Riviera Deluxe
Sold for USD$13,750
  2019 Mecum : Kissimmee
 
1950 Buick Roadmaster Limousine
Chassis#: 16340056
Sold for USD$44,000
  2015 RM Sotheby's : Motor City Auction
1950 Buick Series 70 Roadmaster image  1950 Buick Series 70 Roadmaster image  
1950 Buick Roadmaster Convertible
Chassis#: 15848949
Sold for USD$55,000
  2015 RM Sotheby's : Motor City Auction
1950 Buick Series 70 Roadmaster image  1950 Buick Series 70 Roadmaster image  
1950 Buick Roadmaster Convertible
Sold for USD$42,000
  2015 Mecum - Rogers'Classic Car Museum 2015
 
1950 BUICK ROADMASTER
Sold for USD$24,000
  2014 Mecum - Chicago
 
1950 Buick Roadmaster Convertible
Sold for USD$96,000
  2014 Mecum : Indianapolis
 
1950 Buick Roadmaster Series 72 Sedan
Chassis#: 45800844
Sold for USD$13,750
  2013 Russo & Steele - Scottsdale
 
1950 Buick Roadmaster Woody Wagon Sold Price:
Sold for USD$23,500
  2012 Mecum - Dallas, TX
 
1950 BUICK ROADMASTER WOODY WAGON
Chassis#: 15883626
Sold for USD$37,400
  2012 Barrett Jackson - Orange County 2012 Auction
 
1950 Buick Roadmaster
Chassis#: 45800844
Sold for USD$16,000
  2011 Silver Auction - Carson City
 
1950 Buick Roadmaster 4-door Sedan
Sold for USD$14,000
  2010 Mecum - Dana Mecum's Original Spring Classic Auction
 
1950 Buick Roadmaster Two Door
Sold for USD$15,768
  2007 The Florida Collector Car Auction
 
1950 Buick Roadmaster Ambulance/Hearse
Sold for USD$34,240
  2005 Michigan International Fall Classic Car Auction
 
1950 Buick Roadmaster Sedan
Sold for USD$13,750
  2003 Carail Museum
 

Buick Series 70 Roadmasters That Failed To Sell At Auction

1950 Buick Series 70 Roadmaster's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
VehicleChassisEventHigh BidEst. LowEst. High
1950 Buick Roadmaster Series 70 Estate Wagon 2022 Mecum : Dallas$75,000  
1950 Buick Roadmaster 2016 Mecum : Chicago$20,000  
1950 Buick Roadmaster 76C Two Door Convertible 2009 Boca Raton, FL Kruse$90,000  
1950 BUICK ROADMASTER458008442008 Silver Auction Hot August Nights$18,500  
1950 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon 2003 Vintage Motor Cars in Arizona$40,000  

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1950 Buick Series 70 Roadmaster

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