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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.
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 Roadmaster Convertible Chassis#: 15757065 Sold for USD$67,100 2020 RM Sothebys : Auburn Fall Auction | |
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 Roadmaster Convertible Chassis#: 15848949 Sold for USD$55,000 2015 RM Sotheby's : Motor City Auction | |
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.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. 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 ROADMASTER | 45800844 | 2008 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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