Buick Roadmaster Convertible, 1948
Buick Roadmaster IV
Buick Roadmaster IV•
•51 views
Chassis No.: 24936085
Auction: Monterey 2017
Auction date: August 19, 2017
Lot No.: F47
$44,000 | Sold
- Exterior: Green
- Interior: Black
- Body: Convertible
- 1 of 11,367 convertibles built in 1948
- Fireball 320 CI straight eight engine
- 144 HP and 276 ft/lbs of torque
- Downdraft carburetor
- Dynaflow 2-speed automatic transmission
- Power seat
- Power windows
- Power convertible top
- Fender skirts
- Bumper guards
- Fog lamps
- Red painted steel wheels
- Chrome hubcaps
- Firestone Deluxe Champion Wide Whitewall tires
- Restored in 1982
When postwar auto production restarted in 1946, the Roadmaster returned as Buick’s flagship automobile. Built on Buick’s longest non-limousine wheelbase and sharing the basic structure with the entry-level Cadillac and high-end Oldsmobile, the Roadmaster was Buick’s premium model with the top appointments. Based on a Harley Earl prewar design, the sleek Roadmaster was powered by the 144 HP Fireball 320 CI straight-8 with downdraft carburetor and valve-cover decal lettering that promoted “Buick Valve-in-Head” and “Fireball Dynaflash Eight.” In 1948, Buick introduced the Dynaflow transmission, the first torque-converter automatic for an American car.
Optional for 1948, the Dynaflow proved so popular that it became the standard automatic transmission for 1949. Also in 1948, a series script was added to the front fenders, and the previously used white Tenelite steering wheel was replaced by a black version to match the change from a two-tone wood-grain instrument panel to two-tone gray-with-silver instruments, except on convertibles which used a body-color instrument panel. Interestingly, the steering wheel also promoted the engine and transmission with “Buick Eight” in the spokes and “Roadmaster Dynaflow” in the center cap. Convertibles also took a leap upscale with power windows, power seats and a power top as standard equipment.
Buick sold nearly 80,000 Roadmasters in both 1947 and 1948. Green with a black interior, this Roadmaster is one of 11,367 convertibles produced for 1948. Restored in 1982, the long-and-low Buick is equipped with the Dynaflow transmission, fender skirts, bumper guards, fog lamps, AM radio with “B-U-I-C-K” lettering on the pushbuttons and red-painted steel wheels with chrome hubcaps and vintage-correct Firestone Deluxe Champion wide whitewall tires. Recognized for interior luxury and quiet operation, there were few cars on the road like the Roadmaster during the 1940s.
https://www.mecum.com/lots/300039/1948-buick-roadmaster-convertible/
