Convertibles sported fine imported “Cape Buffalo” leather in a wide variety of colors.Ĭosmetically outrageous styling was evident in every aspect of the Limited’s appearance.
![1950 buick roadmaster convertible 1950 buick roadmaster convertible](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/64/d4/0c/64d40cda81df06b6c469e88f8c20ef53.jpg)
As reintroduced for 1958, the Limited was basically an upgraded Roadmaster, but with an extended rear deck decorated by chromed chevrons on the fenders. Because it was much too late to bring about a major modification of the basic body contours, the 1958 Buick Limited restyling efforts had to revolve around superficial changes in trim. A new team, with a new outlook, would be responsible for guiding General Motors’ oldest division successfully into the Sixties.īuick knew that radical changes would have to be made if the 1958 models were to have any chance of achieving widespread acceptance. So did corporate president Harlow “Red” Curtice, followed shortly thereafter by Buick chief Ed Ragsdale. Harley Earl, GM’s styling director for more than 30 years, retired that year. The re-launch of the Limited model also marked the end of an era at Buick. Curtice, the former design chief at Buick had his efforts to establish the Limited model as a competitor to Cadillac torpedoed and now was the time to bring it back. Limited was revived in 1958 by GM President, Harlo Curtice after it was dropped in 1942. Buick was in dire need of rejuvenation and The Limited was to be car that would rebuild the image and bring back the sales. The “fabulous fifties” were giving way to the “sensible sixties”.īuick sales were suffering due to the economy and internal quality control issues. The celebration after WW II was described by some as the era of “wretched excess” and it was coming to an end. Millions of ex service personnel returning to civilian life after WW II spawned a fast growth economy that responded by producing record numbers of houses and automobiles.
1950 buick roadmaster convertible series#
And in the 50’s, perhaps no other car was more reflective of the industry than the 1958 Buick 700 Series Limited Convertible. Perhaps no other industry is more reflective of the times than the automotive industry. This masterpiece of automotive history and art has gone on to win awards from some of the most prestigious Concours d’Elegance events in the country. Known for his painstaking attention to even the most minute detail, taking care to disassemble every nut, bolt and screw and recondition or replace with NOS parts, Bob and his master craftsmen took three years to complete the stunning restoration.
![1950 buick roadmaster convertible 1950 buick roadmaster convertible](https://live.staticflickr.com/5538/14363689915_81b6ffc0bf_b.jpg)
Ken Immediately commissioned Bob Kuehn Auto Body in Stanton, NE to undertake the restoration. "He wanted to restore it but never did." As part of the deal, the seller included $10,000 worth of hard to find, new old stock parts he had been collecting. Only one owner responded to say he was ready and willing to part with his Limited convertible. He asked if anyone had one and was willing to sell. To find this special drop top, Ken wrote letters to 25 different members of a national Buick club. Today less than two-dozen of them are known to exist. Only 839 Limited Convertibles were ever produced. Finished in “Sable” black with contrasting red “Cape Buffalo” leather interior and flawless chrome, the exquisite example displayed in Ken’s collection represents the pinnacle of luxury and styling excess of the 50’s era automobile.