When it comes to 1950s Buicks, I can’t tell which one I prefer. Customizers like the ’50, which always looked grotesque to me, but lately I’ve been warming up to them. The ’53 Skylark is legendary and has been a traditional high point, but it’s also an anomaly of sorts. I don’t like the ‘55’s taillights, but the ’56’s are much improved, yet the ’56 Buick looks like a fish up front.
Even though the ’57 pales in comparison to, say, the all-new Forward Look Chrysler, it was a fine restyle, with many things falling into place. (I like the ’58, but it’s not the best of the decade. And I prefer the ’60 over the ’59, so nix that one!) One of this week’s AutoHunter Picks is a 1957 Buick that’s had a mid-1960s injection, but there’s several more — one of them “furrin” — to keep the rest of ya happy.
1957 Buick Century Convertible
Though Centurys can be confusing since some model years have three Ventiports, while others have four. But through it all, the Century shared the smaller wheelbase of the Special with the larger engine of the Super and Roadmaster.
In the case of this Century, the 364ci “Nailhead” V-8 has been replaced by a 425 (aka “Wildcat 465”), the largest Nailhead available during its tenure. Aside from the engine and the TH400 automatic upgrade, this Buick looks quite stock.
1940 Chevrolet Master 85 Business Coupe
Around 1986, Collectible Automobile magazine had a covers story on the 1941 Chevrolet and mentioned how much they looked like Buicks from the year before, but I somewhat see a ’40 Buick influence in this ’40 Chevy.
Plus, it’s a business coupe, which always is a looker in my opinion (is this opinion shared?). Sure, you get a six when you could get a V-8 in a Ford, but the six offered almost as much horsepower — speaking of horsepower, the original 216ci six has been upgraded to a 235.
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG Roadster
It’s not difficult being a muscle car fan because America’s hasn’t been the only country producing powerful V-8 — Germany is another! And while V-8 Mercedes-Benzes tend to be on the pricey side (often an understatement), the used car market is a different story.
This 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG is powered by a supercharged 5.4L V-8 that puts out almost 500 horsepower, and chances are it’ll be cheaper than the asking price of your average ratty muscle car on Facebook Marketplace. Is there a denser value than this stormer?
1961 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
When I lived in Boulder, Colorado post-college, my roommate had inherited his grandparents’ Cadillac, which looked similar to this. I had to educate him that this wasn’t just any ’61 Cadillac convertible, but an Eldorado.
His car could have been any model year but, influence of otherwise, these days the 1961 remains my favorite Cadillac of the decade. Although not as celebrated as the Lincoln Continental, the 1961 Cadillac is an equal to these eyes.
