1958 was the last year for the Roadmaster, as Buick abandoned the nameplate until 1991, when the resurrected model smiled in front of the public as a 4-door sedan and a 5-door station wagon.
The original Roadmaster was replaced by the Electra as the largest model in the Buick lineup, with the yearly sales confirming the carmaker made the right call.
Buick sold only 14,000 units in 1958, down from 33,000 units in the previous year, and a continued decline from their predecessors. The Roadmaster was no longer an intriguing model for American buyers, despite Buick focusing on styling refinements, equipment upgrades, and engine tweaks.
The 1957 and 1958 Roadmasters were offered with a new 360 engine developing 300 horsepower. It was paired with a 2-speed Dynaflow automatic unit.
The same powertrain is available in this head-turning Roadmaster, but despite the great shape, the car has a hard time finding a new owner. Sure, the selling price could be a good reason for most people to walk away, but considering a Roadmaster is a rare sight, I wouldn’t expected this 1958 model year to receive more attention.
The car landed on eBay courtesy of seller druk_auto_sales, who does not reveal if it’s still original and unrestored. I have doubts in this regard, though, as the Roadmaster doesn’t exhibit the metal problems you typically expect on a car this old. The undersides are clean and rust-free, and without restoration, it’s hard to believe a vehicle born in 1958 would have resisted the test of time with flying colors.
The 364 engine under the hood starts, runs, and drives properly. It’s still paired with an automatic Dynaflow transmission, but it’s unclear if they have already been rebuilt.
It doesn’t mean this Roadmaster is a perfect ten, as it still shows its age, including a couple of flaws in the paint and some non-working systems (including the radio). However, it’s one of the best Roadmasters I’ve seen lately, despite not answering several important questions.
Finding a new home has proved extremely challenging for this Buick, and the selling price is likely to blame. The owner listed the car on eBay with a $34K Buy It Now price, but the 16 bids didn’t get anywhere close. The top offer was $14,000, and considering a reserve was also enabled, the Roadmaster failed to receive another chance.
The car will probably get re-listed on eBay after the New Year, so you get a few more days to go see it in person if you believe it fits your collection. You can find the Roadmaster in Anoka, Minnesota, and theoretically, you can drive it home anywhere, considering its shape. Towing it home is probably the better choice if you’re a long way from home.