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1947 Buick Roadmaster Series 70 Vin #24721346.<br />
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Considered by motoring aficionados to be the most stylish of all 1940 s American luxury sedans. A design that was inspired by aerodynamics and became the iconic look and high fashion statement of 1940 s America.<br />
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In Los Angeles California, this actual Buick has long been regarded as the world s very finest example of a 1947 Roadmaster. A genuine one owner example from new, with the most amazing provenance. This flagship model offering from Buick in 1947 has recently arrived in the UK after many months of research and failed attempts to secure. Recently released by the Executors of a deceased estate, this car has a swathe of history, legal documentation and testimony s to verify its history. This incredible car is a must for any serious collector of early post-war Buick.<br />
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Enter Dodo Dominick Louis Miretti, born 1932 in Paso Robles Southern California to immigrant Italian-American parents who arrived Los Angeles from Europe in search of a better life. Having been given a small portion of the family s ranch/ small holding, a young entrepreneurial Dodo harvested beans and amassed a fortune in cash, prompting him to walk into a Buick dealership in 1947 and purchase this top of the range, brand-new, flagship model. <br />
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This was an astounding achievement.....not only because a Buick Roadmaster was one of America s most prestigious, expensive and luxurious models of the time, but more astonishing was the fact that Dodo was a mere 15 years old. Yes you read that right....he was 15 years old! Of course he was the talk of the town. Soon thereafter, he drove from Paso Robles in the Buick and began a new business venture on the waterfront of Long Beach, Port of Los Angeles. The Buick became infamous as the young man quickly became one of the most senior and respected figures in the Los Angeles shipping/freight industry, a career which was to extend 50 years. At age 63 Dodo s significant influence in Los Angeles business circles was further galvanised by a Doctorate in Geography. As Professor Miretti, he worked tirelessly to advocate the importance of the Port of Los Angeles in World Trade and to bridge the gap between Dockers Unions and the American Government.<br />
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A very influencial and highly regarded figure in the LA business world, Dodo Miretti was a man of enormous financial wealth. Despite this phenomenal success, in all that time he never parted company with his infamous 47 Buick Roadmaster. The car was as infamous and well known as he. As a statement of success, the Buick was an iconic sight to behold on the Long Beach waterfront, with an amazing history to boot. <br />
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In 2005, at age 72, Dodo commissioned a no-expense-spared complete restoration of the car, employing the finest automotive craftsmen and engineers in the Los Angeles area. What you see today is a truly unique example of a 1947 Roadmaster. It has had over $100,000 of expenditure and an unbelievable programme of works, the likes of which we have never seen before on a 1940 s American sedan, and will probably never see again. The end result is a top of the range Continental touring big series Buick, prepared meticulously and modified to be driven with ease and comfort, with the aid of modern technology. Never have we seen a 1940 s Buick prepared to such a high specification or such exacting standards. The vehicle is absolutely unique and wholly deserves the title of being the World s best example of it s kind. <br />
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Programme of restoration works carried out 2005 include;<br />
Original 320 cubic inch/5.2 litre big series Fireball Straight Eight overhead valve engine and complete drive-train removed. Every mechanical component, bearing and bush, completely refurbished.<br />
New brakes, clutch, steering joints, bushes, suspension coils, exhaust, fuel tank, alternator, compressor etc etc etc. All still shiny and new.<br />
All outer body-panels removed for preparation and repaint. Complete body tub and floors stripped to bare metal and found to be 100% rust free, as expected with a SoCal original. No welding or metal repairs affected whatsoever. Body fully repainted in House of Kolour 2k system.<br />
All chromium removed and triple-plated, all stainless steel body-mouldings re-formed and mirror polished.<br />
All glass removed and replaced with new laminated and tinted units.<br />
Complete interior removed and 100% restored. Absolutely everything. Re-upholstered in the finest European hides, Wilton carpeting, Bedford cord headlining, hydro-film walnut dash fascia and door cappings, re-cast steering wheel, bakerlite switches recast, all Mazak fittings rechromed, all gauges and instruments refurbished to exacting standards, including the beautiful art-deco copper dial facings. Original valve radio and carriage time clock refurbished too.<br />
Complete new cloth-wrapped wiring loom/harness...from front to back.<br />
Every nut, bolt, and screw has been removed, replaced or refurbished on this vehicle. Every rubber seal has been replaced with new. Every badge has been replaced with new.<br />
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Programme of modification works carried out;<br />
Power Steering fitted, all General Motors with electric assistance.<br />
Power vacuum-servo operated brakes, with powerful GM vented discs and calipers.<br />
Full professional 12volt conversion, with high ampage alternator and original style mouth-organ battery.<br />
Electric thermostatically adjustable engine cooling fan.<br />
Fully Air-Conditioned and Climate Controlled with high output retro-look system running A124.<br />
Impressive Alpine high output, amplified stereo system retro-fitted inside the glove compartment and trunk, with remote control.<br />
Modern Radial-pattern BF Goodrich tyres fitted with retro style wide-white walls.<br />
All glass tinted to withstand the brightness of Southern California sun.<br />
All lighting upgraded with high intensity 12volt units.<br />
12V high-torque electric starter fitted.<br />
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This iconic 1940 s sedan has been prepared in a way that we have never seen before from an American restoration. Our engineer assessors have been simply blown-away. The car can be observed on a ramp to reveal that it is equally as fabulous underneath as it is on top. Showing a nice patina from 12years of light use and storage, the car has recently been re-commissioned following the passing of the owner in 2016. Please note that it bears current California registration tags until June 2017. The car drives absolutely effortlessly and is superb on the road in every way. It is off the button and mechanically faultless. A most imposing and impressive motor-car, that simply must be viewed to appreciate. This beautiful piece of history is now ready to tour Continents in style. It truly is a once in a lifetime find. Like it says on the badge, this car is indeed the Roadmaster of 1940 s America.<br />
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Please note that the car has only recently been released from the Miretti Family Trust in California. All supporting documentation from the Executors, the State of California, and the Miretti family are present. <br />
Now owned and located in the UK, Registration with DVLA and V5C are applied for and will be supplied with the vehicle to its next owner.<br />
29,995.<br />
Viewings c/o Ian Kellet @ IK Classics/Oil Can Cafe Huddersfield HD9 1AF. tel 01484 688678 / 07775 603706.<br />
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Date written: 01-May-2017
Price: £29995 As stated
More about this vehicle on carandclassic.co.uk
ID: 7634
