1953 Buick Special Deluxe Two-Door Sedan 50s Mild Custom Survivor Original straight 8 engine with fresh tuneup and fluids. Runs great with good power. No noises, overheating issues, etc. Original three-on-the-tree manual transmission shifts smoothly with no noises. Clutch chatters a little on gear changes, could use a flywheel refinish but very driveable. Original driveline with torque-tube and original rear end with no noises or other issues. Original suspension. The previous owner had installed new rear springs as he stated the old ones had sagged and it rode rough. It's got a great comfortable ride with no wild darting, bobbing, etc., just a smooth cl***ic 50s float. Also have a set of Jamco springs for it I'll include for HAMBers - 3" drop front, 4" drop rear. Fronts are too low for me, but rears are spot on, and installed in the pictures. Original drum brakes and all other mechanicals. I am unsure on the condition of the brakes as I have not removed the drums, but they stop well, and straight. Original wheels (painted red) with original stainless hubcaps, as well as a set of original stainless 1952 Buick Special hubcaps that are very similar to the sought after Cadillac Sombrero hubcaps commonly used on traditional customs. Brand new, less than 200 miles, Coker Tire American Cl***ic Bias-Look Radial wide whitewall tires (a brand new line Coker released this year) in the original size, 670-15. Cost over $1200 installed. Clean body with repaint to dark metallic cobalt blue pearl some time ago. I believe it's a lacquer paint due to the depth and color, as well as the way it's aged with a little spider cracking and fading. Very good condition considering it's an older respray. Some pealing paint to the original light blue color, but still shows very well. All original chrome and stainless trim is present and in good/decent condition. Chrome on rear bumper and overrider is in great shape. Front bumper and the pot metal trim pieces could use a refresh. Rare and very desirable stainless steel side trim is in excellent condition - p***enger side could use some cleaning up but again shows well and fits the car's character. Interior was redone as well in a light grey velour with felt/mohair headliner and grey carpeting. The carpet is fading but clean and in good condition. Original paint on dash and garnish moldings is in good shape, with some patina. Original glovebox holds original owners manual as well as delivery sticker from new that was never removed. Overall the car is a very clean driver and Sunday cruiser. It has a lot of character and the subtle period customization is timeless. No tacky or dated materials, paint, wheels, etc., just a clean 50s period traditional mild custom. I've turned a few wrenches to get it to a condition where I'm comfortable taking the family out for a cruise, as well as some to-work commuting. But, it's still a fairly untouched survivor. I bought it as a family cruiser with intentions of building it out as a period custom with chop, freching, etc., but can't bring myself to cut up such a clean car. And, as my family is expanding, I'm not looking to embark on a big project at this time. Available for less than my current investment at $12,500 cash. Possible trade (partial/full depending on condition/value) for family-friendly off-road toys (pre-runner, FJ40/other Land Cruiser, cl***ic Land Rover, Bronco, Blazer, CJ7/11, Scout, Nissan Patrol, etc.), Porsche 911/356 (projects ok), pre-67 Volkswagen bus (or special model beetle - oval, split, rag, vert). Click here for more images including detail of all paint imperfections I've found, as well as a video of it running after cold start/warm-up. Only rust on the car that I've found, panel under trunk lid, also some bubbling on the rear splash panel:
Lots of interest both here and local, but no money yet. Price is OBO, just looking to free up what I have in it to cover some family expenses.
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