No. 917 of just 1,690 Buick Skylarks built for 1953

 

No. 917 of just 1,690 Buick Skylarks built for 1953, this stunning convertible was the subject of a frame-on restoration completed in 2020 with special attention given to the original specifications.

It’s finished in PPG basecoat/clear coat Matador Red, and the badges and hood ornaments have been restored.

The brightwork has also been redone, including rechroming the original 40-spoke Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels and wrapping them in wide whitewall bias-ply tires, creating an eye-popping scene.

The red and white interior is new and follows the original factory design, complete with the engine-turned aluminum dashboard trim, all protected from the elements by a new, power-operated black convertible top.

Equipped with the 322 CI Nailhead V-8 engine and the Dynaflow automatic transmission, the Skylark wowed the press and public alike when it debuted in 1953 as a limited-edition flagship model celebrating both Buick’s 50th Anniversary and GM’s Design Leadership.

It was the first year Buick employed a 12-volt electrical system and a V-8 engine, which replaced the long-running straight-8 that Buick was famous for.

Skylarks were sportingly styled, with lower-than-average windshields, and luxuriously appointed with a host of standard amenities. Commanding a sticker price north of $5,000, or about $56,000 in 2023, it was one of the most expensive cars of the day.

The 1951 Olds 88 Convertible is a true icon of automotive history

 

The 1951 Olds 88 Convertible is a true icon of automotive history. With its sleek lines, elegant design, and powerful performance, this vintage beauty captures the essence of a bygone era.

Under the hood, you’ll find a robust V8 engine that delivers impressive horsepower, providing an exhilarating driving experience. Its convertible top adds a touch of glamour, allowing you to soak up the sun and feel the wind in your hair as you cruise down the open road.

Step inside the cabin, and you’ll be greeted by a luxurious and spacious interior. The attention to detail is evident, from the plush seating to the stylish dashboard, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era. Every drive becomes a journey back in time, where elegance and comfort meet.

The 1951 Olds 88 Convertible is a true collector’s dream. Its rarity and timeless appeal make it a standout among automotive enthusiasts. Whether you’re a vintage car lover or simply appreciate classic design, this iconic convertible is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.

Owning a piece of automotive history like the 1951 Olds 88 Convertible is an opportunity to experience a bygone era and relish in the nostalgia of the golden age of automobiles. It’s a symbol of elegance, power, and the joy of driving. Don’t miss the chance to own this timeless classic and make a statement on the road.

1952 Buick Roadmaster Station Wagon has a naturally-aspirated Inline 8 cylinder engine, Petrol motor, with the engine code GM Buick Fireball 8 320

 

With the Roadmaster Estate Wagon 1952 Model 79R Dynaflow Auto has a naturally-aspirated Inline 8 cylinder engine, Petrol motor, with the engine code GM Buick Fireball 8 320.

This engine produces a maximum power of 172 PS (170 bhp – 127 kW) at 3800 rpm and a maximum torque of 380 Nm (280 lb.ft) at 2400 rpm. The power is transmitted to the road by the rear wheel drive (RWD) with a 2 speed Automatic gearbox.

On the topic of chassis details responsible for road holding, handling behavior and ride comfort, the Roadmaster Estate Wagon 1952 has Independent, coil springs with ride stabilizer. front suspension and Torque-free springing. Coil Springs rear suspension.

Stock tire sizes are 8.00 / – on 15 inch rims at the front, and 8.00 / – on 15 inch rims at the rear. For stopping power, the Roadmaster Estate Wagon 1952 Model 79R Dynaflow Auto braking system includes Drums at the front and Drums at the rear.

The Roadmaster Estate Wagon 1952 model is a Estate car manufactured by Buick, with 5 doors and 6 seats, sold new from year 1952 until 1952, and available after that as a used car.

1956 Plymouth Fury Convertible

The 1956 Plymouth Fury Convertible is a true automotive beauty that embodies the elegance and charm of the 1950s era. With its distinctive styling and graceful lines, it captivates enthusiasts and collectors alike. The Fury Convertible boasts a powerful V8 engine, delivering a smooth and exhilarating driving experience. Its luxurious interior features plush upholstery and a host of modern conveniences, making it a comfortable cruiser. This classic car’s rarity and historical significance add to its allure, making it a sought-after gem for vintage car enthusiasts. The 1956 Plymouth Fury Convertible is a timeless symbol of American automotive craftsmanship and an embodiment of a bygone era.

Champion Performance Revives 1969 Buick Skylark GS 400 from Storage, Roaring Back to Life

 1968 witnessed the introduction of the second-generation Skylark, and just as expected, General Motors made plenty of changes, starting with the different wheelbases and ending with the mandatory safety features.

However, the biggest upgrade for the Gran Sport was the transition from an option package to a standalone series. The GS 400 was sold separately, with the same strategy then carried over to the next model years (when Buick also introduced further revisions, such as the GS 455 launched in 1970).

The GS 400 debuted in 1968 – and continued to be available in a similar configuration in 1969 – with a 400 (6.6-liter) engine developing 340 horsepower thanks to a four-barrel Rochester carburetor. It was only available as a convertible or hardtop.

The GS 400 that eBay seller viperpowersports has recently discovered in a barn rolled off the assembly lines in 1969 as a convertible, but as anyone can tell with just a few clicks on the photos, it needs a new top now. The existing one goes up and down manually, but due to its rough shape, it must be replaced completely.

In fact, the car itself requires a full restoration, but based on the provided pics and details, the project should be rather easy. The interior looks more than decent, as the black leather managed to survive the test of time with flying colors.

The mechanical side comes with both good news and bad news. While the Buick now needs a new exhaust manifold, the engine starts and drives beautifully – to be honest, I wouldn’t necessarily consider it road-worthy, especially after sitting for such a long time; but on the other hand, given it's the matching-numbers unit, and it still starts and drives, it makes the restoration to factory specifications much easier.

The vehicle continues to be entirely original and comes with still-working power windows.

As for the metal part, you'll find rust damage on the doors, the quarters, and the rockers. It needs a new trunk pan, and you should totally inspect the floors as well, as they're typically invaded by rust quite fast, especially on vehicles parked for a long time.

At the end of the day, this Skylark seems to tick most boxes for a restoration candidate, especially because it's entirely original and the matching-numbers engine still starts and runs.

On the other hand, the price could be a roadblock for this Buick's dream of returning to the road one day, as the seller expects to get $9,500 for the car.

The Make Offer button is also active, so interested buyers should reach out to the owner with other offers.

At this point, the car is parked in West Palm Beach, Florida, for in-person visual inspections.

"Surprising Twist: The 1971 Plymouth HEMI 'Cuda Looks Like a Million-Dollar Gem"

 Arguably Chrysler's most iconic engine, the 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) HEMI was produced from 1964 to 1971. Originally introduced as a race-spec engine for NASCAR duty, it gained a streetable version for homologation purposes. The latter arrived in 1966.

The street HEMI was similar to the race mill, but it featured an inline 2x4-barrel induction system, a lower compression ratio, a lower-lift camshaft, and iron exhaust manifolds. Rated at 425 horsepower and 490 pound-feet (664 Nm) of torque, it was among the most potent engines of the golden muscle car era.

It found its way in various Mopars, starting with the Dodge Charger and Coronet and the Plymouth Belvedere and Satellite. In 1967, Plymouth also offered it in the GTX. The Dodge Super Bee and Plymouth Road Runner also joined HEMI ranks in 1968, when the Dart and Barracuda got it in limited-edition Super Stock versions.

The availability of the 426 HEMI expanded to the Dodge Charger Daytona in 1969 and the Plymouth Superbird and Dodge Challenger in 1970.

That's quite a long list of cars, I know, but this doesn't mean that HEMI-powered Mopars are easy to come by today. Chrysler reportedly built only about 11,000 engines, but it's unclear how many of them left the factory in street spec.

All told, HEMI cars are rare and expensive nowadays, especially Mopars built in the early 1970s when the looming oil crisis and high insurance rates rendered the 426 unpopular.

The Plymouth HEMI 'Cuda is a good example of how HEMI sales collapsed dramatically in just a year. With 666 units moved in 1970, the HEMI 'Cuda found only 114 customers in 1971, the engine's final year on the market. The convertible variant is even rarer, with only 14 units made in 1970 and just seven sold in 1971.

And not only seeing a HEMI drop-top in the metal is an unlikely event, but buying one will set you back millions of dollars. For instance, a pristine 1971 example failed to sell for a whopping $4.8 million in 2021.

With HEMI 'Cuda prices now going into 1960s Ferrari territory, it's unsurprising that many enthusiasts opt to build replicas. And while some of them are easy to spot, others look impressively authentic, even upon close inspection. The blue 1971 example you see here is one of those cars.

Showcased by "Nick's Garage," the 'Cuda dropped by the shop for an engine rebuild. There's no info on what mill it got from the factory, but the convertible proudly displays a 426 HEMI behind the color-keyed grille.

The mill mates to a Tremec five-speed manual, so the drivetrain combo isn't exactly period correct, but the V8 feels authentic and sounds as it should.

And needless to say, the car looks fantastic inside and out, and the color combination is as appealing as they get. The metallic blue work great with the white billboard stripes and matching soft top, and the interior also provides a cool contrast in black and white.

It's a show-stopper and I wouldn't be surprised to hear it wins a few awards once it hits the classic car show circuit. Check it out in the video below. The Mopar pops up at the 8:00-minute mark.

The 1969 Ford Gran Torino GT is an iconic American muscle car that exudes power and style

 

The 1969 Ford Gran Torino GT is an iconic American muscle car that exudes power and style. With its sleek and aggressive design, it captures the essence of the golden era of automotive performance. Under the hood, it packs a punch with its potent V8 engine, delivering thrilling acceleration and a roaring exhaust note. The interior showcases a blend of comfort and sportiness, featuring bucket seats and a driver-focused cockpit. The Gran Torino GT’s popularity soared thanks to its appearance in the classic film “Starsky & Hutch,” cementing its status as a symbol of 1970s cool. It remains a coveted collector’s car today, appreciated for its timeless design and legendary performance.