1957 Buick Roadmaster

For 1954, Buick completely redesigned the Roadmaster and shared its new C-Body platform with the Super Line. Both were wider and lower than previous models and came with eight-cylinder power in a 127-inch wheelbase, larger than the 122-inch platform used by the Skylark, Super, and Century. Roadmaster and Special styling were similar, highlighted by stainless sweep spears along the bodysides, rectangular rear wheelhouses (the convertible and Riviera hardtops had rounded rear wheel openings), and blunted tail fins with dual bullet taillamps. The Special had three oval ventiports and the Roadmaster had four, Roadmaster script, a more luxurious interior, a Dynaflow drive transmission (the Special used a three-speed manual), and a 322 cubic inch eight-cylinder engine shared with the Century but with a higher 8.0:1 compression (the Century had 7.2:1 compression) and an output of 200 bhp at 4,100 PRM.

Major styling arrived a year later, with new front fenders, a new oval grille opening, new round ventiport designs, and new rear fenders with 'tower' taillights. Minor detail changes took place for 1956 and 1957, which was the final year of this generation of styling.

Benefitting from their involvement in NASCAR competition, Buick introduced the 322 cubic-inch 'Nailhead' v-8 in 1953. This evolved into a 364 cubic-inch, 300 bhp powerplant for 1957. This engine was shared with the Century line and featured a 10.0:1 compression ratio, and fitted with either a Carter or a Rochester four-barrel carburetor.

The 1957 Buick Special and Century used a 122-inch wheelbase, and the Super and Roadmaster measured 127.5-inches. The Special was the most affordable with prices that ranged from $2,660 to $3,170, and the Century listed for $3,320 to $3,830. Both the Special and Century had a versatile list of body styles that included two- and four-door configurations, a convertible coupe, and a station wagon. Bodystyles on the Super included a four-door hardtop priced at $3,680, a two-door hardtop at $3,540, and a convertible coupe at $3,980.

The 1957 Buick Roadmaster was the most well-appointed and luxurious within the lineup. In 1957, the Roadmaster received a new body, 10 extra inches to its length, and a rakishly lower roofline. Two versions of the Roadmaster were offered this year, the Series 70 and the Series 75. Both versions had a one-piece rear window, 'Dagmar' bumpers, fully-radius rear fenders (inspired by the Wildcat III show car), and four ventiports per fender. The four-door body styles had a Roadmaster emblem within the sweepspear dip while the two-door body styles had a trio of Chevrons on the rear quarters. Initially, there were three-piece rear windows, but due to consumer complaints, the bars were later substituted with a one-piece rear window. The Series 70 and Series 75 were differentiated by nameplate script, and the Series 75 came with a plusher interior and nearly every power assist feature, except for air-conditioning, as standard equipment.

The Series 70 Roadmaster had a padded dashboard, several options of premium upholstery choices, and a bright metallic overall dash motif. The 76C Convertible Coupe models were even more luxurious, with rich leather upholstery. The Series 70 two- and four-door Riviera hardtop were priced at $4,050, and the convertible coupe at $4,065. The Series 75 four-door Riviera hardtop sedan listed for $4,480 and the two-door Riviera hardtop coupe at $4,375.

11,401 examples of the four-door Riviera Series 70 were built, along with 10,526 of the One-Piece rear window Series 70 four-door Riviera hardtop. 3,825 were two-door hardtops and an additional 2,812 had the one-piece rear window. 4,364 examples were Series 70 convertibles.

12,250 examples were Series 75 four-door Riviera hardtops and 2,404 were the two-door body style.

The Roadmaster name had been part of the Buick lineup since 1936 and would continue through 1958 before entering temporary retirement and replaced by the Electra 225. Buick revived the name in 1991 and it would continue through 1996.

by Daniel Vaughan | May 2020