I was looking on the Internet a few
years ago for a 1957 or 1958 Cadillac to purchase for my daily driver.
Somehow I clicked on the Buick section by mistake and there was a Roadmaster
76R, so I clicked on it and there was a picture of the most beautiful grille
I've ever seen. My wife and kids, Matt and Samantha, looked at this beauty
and we all fell in love.
I was told the car came from California in 1980 and was restored
by Albert Yaccarino of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He sold it to Bruce Leffler of
West Allis, Wisconsin in September 1994. He told me it once won 1st place at
the BCA Midwest Regional. He deserves a lot of credit for keeping this
Roadmaster in such good condition. Anyway, I sent a company to do an
appraisal in March of 2000, and it came back very favorable to the asking
price. The deal was struck and I arranged covered transportation. It arrived
on April 10, 2000.
The car was assembled at the Flint plant in Michigan. There were
8,432 76R's produced in 1950. Manufacturer's suggested retail price was
$2,764. It has a 320 cu. in. "Straight 8" engine that has 152 hp. and a 7.2
to 1 compression ratio. It has the famous "Dynoflow" transmission. The car
has the following options: Sonomatic radio, spotlight with integral rear
view mirror, electric clock, sun visor and exhaust pipe trim. The exterior
is the correct metallic maroon, and 2-tone leather and cloth interior.
Wheelbase is 126 ¼'' with an overall length of 208 ¾''. This Buick is
equipped with coil springs on all four wheels, which was not the industry
standard at the time. And of course it has the popular "Gunsight" hood
ornament.
Since purchasing the car I have had replaced the following:
stainless windshield belt molding, hood cowl lacing, hood insulation,
voltage regulator, in-line fuel filter, fuel line and antenna. The trunk
light switch (mercury relay) has been repaired and the hood latches (left
and right side) were repainted. I've made sure all repairs were done to
original specs. I strive to keep this Buick as she was made, a beautiful
1950 cruiser. Oh yeah, did I mention the grille!!
Steve and Beverly
