1949 Buick Series 70 Roadmaster Convertible Coupe

For 1949, Buick produced nearly 400,000 cars, thanks in part to the styling talents of Harley Earl's Art and Colour Department. The new Buicks features the same new 'fuselage style' as the Series Sixty Cadillacs. The styling for the 1949 Buick Roadmasters were inspired by aircraft designs. They were fitted with the Dynaflow fully automatic transmission, which was introduced as an option in the prior year on the Series 70 Roadmaster model.

This Roadmaster Riviera was once part of the Art Astor collection. It currently has an older restoration which remains in superb condition throughout. It is painted in blue and white with a red leather and grey cloth interior. It has its proper tires and even a factory radio. There is a power front seat and windows, and a 320.2 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine offering 150 horsepower.

In 2009, this 1949 Buick Riviera Roadmaster Hardtop was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Amelia Island Auction presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $55,000-$65,000. Bidding reached $40,000 but was not enough to satisfy the vehicle's reserve. The lot was left unsold. This was the first no-sale of the auction. Bidding had begun at $20,000, then increased by $5,000 increments until it reached 35,000. Then bidding rose by increments of $2,500 until peaking at $40,000.

In 2009, this Roadmaster Riviera was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $40,000 - $60,000 and offered without reserve. The lot was sold for the sum of $41,250, including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2009