1949 Buick Roadmaster Convertible

Motorcar Studio in partnership with JFrazar Motorcars is pleased to offer this 1949 Buick Roadmaster Convertible, exquisitely presented in Sequoia Cream with a black canvas top over red interior. Under present ownership since 2008, this Roadmaster was restored to a very nice standard under prior ownership and presents as a well-maintained, garage-kept example. This is the exact same year, make, model, and color as the one made famous by the classic 1988 film "Rain Man" -- the '49 Roadmaster was featured so prominently that it was often referred to as the third lead along with Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman.

1949 marked the first year of the post-war redesign of the Buick line and brought the marque into the modern era. At the top of the lineup was the '49 Roadmaster, available in several sedan and two-door configurations, with the convertible perched as the most luxurious and most expensive -- which holds true today moreso than ever. It's estimated that only 8,000 convertibles were produced; far fewer survive, and it's rare that one comes on the market. Longer and lower than its pre-war forebears, many consider it to be the zenith of Harley Earl's designs for GM.

Paint and body present very nicely with only a few marks consistent with light use; chrome bumpers and trim are particularly nice (see close up photos). Convertible top is likewise excellent; power top and power windows are fully functional. Interior presents beautifully with red leather seating surfaces, plus very good door panels, carpets, steering wheel, dash and gauges (all of which are working). The AM radio was disconnected due to one overheating tube. Although this car has never been driven in the rain under present ownership, the vacuum-operated windscreen wipers are working.

This Roadmaster starts easily and runs and drives well. It's nicely detailed under the hood, and the the 320 cubic inch "Fireball" overhead valve straight eight is silky smooth; it's mated to a Dynaflow automatic transmission. Steering, suspension and brakes (which stop straight) all feel as they should. Included with the sale are two framed '49 Buick posters plus an original owner's manual and Dynaflow driver's guide. For more information about this 1949 Buick Roadmaster Convertible for sale at Motorcar Studio in Savannah, please call 912-235-0435.