1957 Buick Special Convertible
The Buick Special was an automobile produced by Buick. It was usually Buick’s lowest-priced model, starting out as a full-size car in 1936 and returning in 1961 (after a two-year hiatus) as a mid-size. The Special was built for several decades and was offered as a coupe, sedan and later as a station wagon. When GM modernized their entry level products in the 1960s, the Special introduced the modern Buick V6 that became the core engine for GM for several decades and lives on in current upgraded V6 products.
1957 Buick Special Convertible. This is one of the nicest frame off restorations that you will ever see. The car looks like it just rolled off of the assembly line. Every detail is perfect and it runs perfect. Some tidbits about the 1957 Buick are as follows. The 1957 wheelbase remained 122 inches. In the June, 1957 issue of Popular Mechanics, the Special was rated with a 0-60 mph time of 11.6 seconds, fuel economy of 17.4 mpg US (13.5 L/100 km; 20.9 mpg imp) at 50 mph (80 km/h), and ground clearance of 6.9 in (175 mm). 1957 Buick Specials had three Venti Ports while more senior Buicks (with the partial exception of the Buick Super, which switched from three to four in 1955) had four. Earlier versions had a Sweeps pear inspired character line alongside the body, while later versions had the Sweeps pear molding attached to the side of all models.
The design was very pleasing and accepted by many willing buyers. Under the hood was a proven 364 cubic-inch V8 engine that provided ample power to match the vehicles luxurious appointments.
Finished in stunning Seminole Red with red and ivory leather interior, this magnificent motorcar has been beautifully restored with no expense spared. This Super convertible is one of only 2,056 built and one of very few known to exist today.
Some design features of the 1957 Buick recalled the past — bodyside sweepspears and portholes, open wheel wells — while a lower beltline, newly hidden fuel filler (in the back bumper), and more angled A-pillars addressed the future.
Ipso facto, Buicks used more fuel than ever, too. Ragsdale pulled a boner at a debut press conference when asked about the poorer fuel economy: “Well, we have to keep the gas companies happy.” (Imagine how that lead balloon would go down today.)
