150hp, 320.2 cu. in. inline eight-cylinder engine, Dynaflow automatic transmission, independent front coil spring and semi-elliptic rear leaf springs suspension, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 126"

Buick continued its postwar success by breaking yet another sales record and producing nearly 400,000 cars in 1949. Buying a Buick had become more of a lifestyle decision and that trend would continue thanks to Harley Earl's Art and Colour Department. The stunning new Buicks featured the same new 'fuselage style' as the Series Sixty Cadillacs. Inspired by aircraft design, the 1949 Buick Roadmaster also sported what would become a Buick trademark ' side portholes. The Roadmaster was fitted with four such 'ventiports' on each front fender, a styling cue visible on the flanks of the newly launched Buick Riviera Roadmaster Hardtop which was introduced mid-year, equipped with leather and cloth upholstery as well as standard power windows. Mechanically, Buicks continued to benefit from the Dynaflow fully automatic transmission, which was introduced as an option just one year earlier on the Series 70 Roadmaster model. In fact, the Dynaflow proved so popular that Buick was quickly forced to double its schedule of proposed installations.

Formerly part of the noted Art Astor collection, this particular Roadmaster has since been acquired by a longtime member of the Buick Club of America. Shown in the Buick Registry and the Buick Bugle, it benefits from an older restoration and remains in superb condition throughout. It is finished in blue and white with a red leather and grey cloth interior. The car is in need of nothing and is remarkably period correct in every respect, from the proper tires and spare to the factory radio. What's more, it has every power option and feature, including a power front seat and windows, all of which are in perfect working order, as is the 150-horsepower V8 engine, mated to a Dynaflow transmission. The owner further encourages complete on-site inspection of this car as it is certainly an outstanding example, detailed and beautifully presented with a recent mechanical service.

Along with Cadillac, the 1949 Buick Riviera Roadmaster Hardtop began a trend that continues to this day. The pillarless Hardtop was a style practicality that swept through the American automobile industry and went on to influence automobile designs from around the world. This, coupled with the fact that 1949 was the first year for the Riviera, certainly make this particular car highly desirable to devoted Buick enthusiasts.