1964 Buick LeSabre

Description

The '60s were pretty conservative and few automakers were as conservative as Buick. This clean, elegant, and very original 1964 Buick LeSabre sedan is a great example of the no-nonsense styling of the period, and to be honest, it has an undeniable appeal that still works today.

Make no mistake, this is a big car, but the clean, purposeful styling masks its sheer size. Buicks were expensive machines and part of that was a lot of sheetmetal to demonstrate that you'd well and truly made it. The handsome LeSabre styling offers an upright greenhouse on a slender body, like a 9/8 scale Impala sedan, a look that really works well. The color is pretty close to Coral Mist, a factory offering in 1964, and just about the only part of this car that's a little extroverted. In a field of staid blue, gray, and green Buicks, this one will truly stand out and it really is quite handsome. It has likely been repainted at some point in its life and the finish still has a great shine that could easily be bumped up a notch by a talented hobbyist. The chrome is very good and the long strip of trim that runs down the flanks remains in excellent shape. Given how well all four doors fit, we're also confident that this car has never been seriously wounded.

The brightly upholstered interior is a bit extroverted for Buick, but since it's almost entirely original, we're willing to forgive it. The seat covers are that cool mix of simple patterns and funky fabrics that worked so well in the '60s and you can see what they meant by "full-sized comfort." The gauges are in excellent shape, arranged in two large round pods ahead of the driver, and the steering wheel is remarkably well preserved. The carpets are a little discolored but it would be a mistake to replace them, and all the bright trim on the dash shines up nicely. A later AM/FM radio has been installed in the dash, but other than that, the interior is almost exactly the way Buick intended. There's cavernous storage space in the trunk, which is outfitted with traditional mouse fur fabric and a full-sized spare up on its own shelf.

Buick's famous 300 cubic inch all-aluminum V8 was revolutionary in the early '60s, and survived into the 21st century under the hoods of Land Rovers. In 1964, it made 200 horsepower and a rather stout 355 pounds of torque, and probably had the best power-to-weight ratio in the industry. The engine bay is very nicely detailed, looking as if it's been restored rather than simply maintained, and it's the highlight of the entire car. It starts easily and runs smoothly, pulling the big sedan around without working hard. Power steering and brakes are welcome additions on this big cruiser, and thanks to a correct transverse muffler, it has a pleasant V8 burble that's suitably muted for a Buick. The underside is quite clean and with a 2-speed automatic transmission and highway-friendly gears out back, this is a car practically designed for your next family vacation. Original wheel covers live inside a set of 7.10-15 bias-ply tires that accurately replicate the original driving experience.

Affordable, stylish, and rather unusual, this neat Buick will bring you into the hobby in a big way without breaking the bank. Call today!