Highlights

Classic and collectible ‘Jet Age’ convertible
EU duties paid and carries Canadian registration certificate
Recent mechanical overhaul including removing engine and gearbox
New convertible top, hydraulic cylinders, and reupholstered seats
All major bodywork, upholstery, and mechanical work recently completed

The Appeal

Harley Earl was a busy man in the 50s, producing era-defining ‘Jet Age’ cars like this handsome Series 46-C Special Convertible. Aside from their sheer size, the Buick’s appeal lies in the array of neat details, all of which, because this was sales-led Detroit, had names. Check the photos, and you’ll spot this car’s ‘Sweepspear’ side moulding, ‘Redliner’ speedo and, of course, that distinctive trio of ‘Ventiports’ on each side.

Equipped with Buick’s new 264CI 4.3L ‘Fireball’ V8, the 46-C was good for 100mph, which earned it the marketing strapline ‘the hottest Buick in history.’ These were high specification, very expensive cars, and just 10,009 were built - a handful by Detroit’s high volume terms.

This car was bought by the seller in Atlanta. We’re told that the previous keeper acquired it in Canada. Since bringing it to Europe, the seller has undertaken an extensive but sympathetic mechanical and cosmetic restoration. The work has included removing the engine and gearbox to check for and repair leaks. There has also been work on the brakes and a new water pump. Aesthetically, it benefits from renovated lower bodywork and paintwork, retrimmed two-tone Turquoise interior and a new folding green electric roof with replacement hydraulic rams.

The car still carries Canadian registration but we’re told that the European duties have been paid. The buyer is responsible for re-registering the car in the country of their choice.

The vendor says:

“This is an older restoration, all the expensive work such as bodywork, upholstery and mechanical work has been done. Suitable for everyday driving. Overall the car is in good condition. The new owner does not need to make any investments.”

Key Information

Mileage: 70,824 miles (not warranted)
Country of registration: Canadian registration certificate present; EU customs paid
Technical inspection status: unknown
Technical specs: 4.3L 264CI ‘Fireball’ V8, 3spd Dynaflow automatic
Paperwork: Canadian registration certificate present

The Detail

Long list of recent maintenance and improvements provided below
Tidy-looking car in white with green roof and bright chromework
Lower bodywork and white paintwork has received localised renovation
Some chips and bubbling to note to paintwork shown in photos
Extensive original chromework in good order
Some light tarnish to note to some chromework as shown in photos
Corroded sheet metal and rocker panels replaced
Vendor reports the underside is in good condition
We are told that the chassis is in good condition with minor surface rust in places
Steel wheels with matching spare in boot
White banded tyres on road wheels and spare
Retrimmed two-tone Turquoise 6 seat interior in good order
Matching door cards and dashboard showing light age
Green carpets in good condition with some light age to note
New green folding roof in good condition with recently replaced hydraulic rams

Summary of recent mechanical work provided by seller:

New brake cylinders and master cylinder
New water pump
Replacement engine and transmission mounts
Stabilizer bar bushings and links
New king pins
Engine and transmission removed and oil leaks fixed
New oils
Modern engine temperature sensor and gauge
Driver side hand brake cable

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.