1957 Buick Roadmaster 75
The Roadmaster was built by Buick from 1936 to 1958, and again from 1991 to 1996. Roadmasters produced up to 1958 were built on Buick’s longest non-limousine wheelbase and shared their basic structure with entry-level Cadillac and, after 1940, senior Oldsmobile models. Between 1946 and 1957 the Roadmaster also served as Buick’s flagship. For 1957 new, lower-profile pillarless four-door sedan, two-door coupe and two-door convertible bodies graced the Roadmaster model which featured a more panoramic windshield with reverse slanted pillars.
Other distinctive styling cues included a red-filled “Sweepspear” down the bodysides and a chromed rear lower panel in the area between the wheel arch and the bumper end. The infamous “Dagmar bumpers” continued at the front, a new centered fuel filler was located in the rear bumper, at the ends of which the single or optional dual exhaust passed through. Interiors featured a padded dashboard and were cloth and vinyl in four-door, vinyl in two-door, and leather in convertibles.
A new 364ci Nailhead V8 engine was rated at 300 horsepower and paired with an automatic transmission and features 2-door pillarless bodywork.
The current red finish is accented with a black hardtop. Brightwork includes four oval VentiPorts on each fender and a chrome character line running from end to end.
All four side windows can be rolled down, with airflow further managed by the large forward vent windows. The car features a 122″ wheelbase and rides on painted steel wheels fitted with stock covers and Kirkland all-season whitewall tires.
The cabin is finished in black and grey vinyl with matching paint on the chrome-trimmed dash. Split seams are visible on the vinyl driver’s door trim. Instrumentation includes a bar-style speedometer with smaller gauges for fuel level, temperature, oil pressure, and amperage. An aftermarket temperature gauge is mounted under the dash.
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.
