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1953 Buick Special 2 Door Coupe<br />
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Absolutely beautiful unrestored and all original survivor car in incredible condition.<br />
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Imported from Yarmouth, Massachusetts in 2014 we have owned the car since then (first UK owners).<br />
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This stunning car shows no sign of having been restored other than some new chrome. This car has obviously been deeply loved all it"s life and meticulously maintained. The car is entirely original having been maintained as required and drives just like it would have done in 1953. There is no evidence the car has ever been welded. Every panel fits to perfection and she"s as straight as an arrow. The paint looks great and really shines but does have a few imperfections as I guess it was restored some time ago. <br />
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The 80,700 indicated miles just has to be genuine, the car rides like new, is super smooth and incredibly quiet. It steers and corners like a big old fifties car should and stops well and straight. The power steering makes steering a one finger job and the Dynaflow transmission does exactly what it should. This car defines the expression "cruiser".<br />
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The car was registered January 1953 which must make it one of the last straight eight engine cars. The engine is Buick"s legendary OHV Fireball Eight 263Ci (4315cc). The smoothest and most refined engine you will ever sit behind. The engine is perfect, smooth, quiet and starts on the button every time hot or cold. It has never run hot and shows very strong oil pressure with no oil leaks. These torquey engines are remarkable for their time and just go on and on. The engine drives through Buick"s Twin Turbine Dynaflow transmission which provides seamless power delivery right through the rev range. There is a manual selection low range for hill starts if required. The transmission has been modified with an oil to air cooler that is much more efficient than the original oil to water cooler. The engine is fired by a magnetic trigger system replacing the troublesome points. The car"s electrical system has been faultless during our ownership as has the cooling, suspension, brakes. The only work I have had to do is replace the HT leads.<br />
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The interior of the car is original (blankets aside). The headliner is a bit discoloured but is sound. The seats are all good with good foam and covers. Carpets and the rest of the upholstery is not new but considering some of it is now over 60 years old it"s remarkably good. The dash looks stunning and all works except the time clock, which is the only thing on the car NOT working. Even the interior light works when you open the doors. Original valve radio installed and still working. Door hinges are all nice and tight with no drop. Glass all round is very good with no scratches or chips. The windscreen rubbers are a little perished but are readily available. It looks like the bumpers were all re-chromed in the past and only the front hood emblem and moustache need doing now. The car rides on whitewall cross plies which are in good condition with loads of life left in them, the original spec of tyre for this car. These make for a great smooth ride if not great handling in the wet.<br />
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Overall this "survivor" car must be one of the very finest unrestored examples of it"s kind available. Step into the car and you are instantly transported back to 1950"s America, nothing has changed, it"s a very cool place to be. The car is super reliable and will take you anywhere you need to go in style and with very reasonable running costs for a car this big. We have been seeing 20mpg and with no tax or MOT and low insurance motoring today does not come any cheaper. Cruises comfortably on motorways at 55-65mph. The bodywork of this car is second to none, it"s straight, solid and with a shine to swim in it"s ready for the show circuit. During my ownership I have not found any rust on the car above or beneath. This is not a project car it"s a driver, just get in and go. Unless you want to bring the car up to concours you can just enjoy owning and driving this car, a little piece of 1950 history that stops people in their tracks as you glide by!<br />
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I have a small number of bits and pieces including a new boot rubber seal, front brake linings, a new oval chrome emblem for the hood and a full set of dealership workshop manuals. Subject to separate negotiation.<br />
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Happy to consider a PX with a Yank motorcycle or British bike up to 8k total.<br />
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I have a V5 in my name. Viewing is by appointment only by calling Graham on 01493 781834 9am to 6pm only.<br />
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Date written: 01-Jun-2016
Price: £12995 As stated
More about this vehicle on carandclassic.co.uk
ID: 3676
