I came across this forum by chance and glad I did. My name is Steve and I live in Melbourne, Oz. Been over here 4 years since emigrating from the UK. I was never into American vehicles in the UK but have changed that view since moving here. I now own a 1970 Super bee, a 1973 440 Challenger and am in the process of restoring a 1950 Chevy truck with my son. I came across this site as I was looking at a 58 buick station wagon. I had it inspected and it turned out to be almost rust free having sat under cover in California for 30 years. It may be known by some people on here. The seller is attached to the vehicle and wants what I believe to be too much. Its complete with nothing missing, a couple of small dents, solid with original paint. It doesnt run and the electrics havent been checked. Could anyone indicate what it may be worth based on this description as I may be way off the mark with its value and it could actually be a good buy. I havent seen any of these over here. If I dont buy this one I now have found a good source of information and leads on other cars. How rare are these cars. My preference would be a 57 station wagon so if anyone has any leads let me know.
HI and Glad you found us. Any 1957 station wagon in decent shape will not be cheap. You didn't say whether you now live in California or where. That would help in your intro. Altho it may not matter if you are willing to wander all over looking for a wagon. Sounds like you have some nice cars. we love pictures. So add some when you get a chance.
I am stll in Melbourne but have a friend in Edmonton and I have bought 2 cars off of a guy in california. I will add pics tonight of my cars when I get home.
Below are a few pics of the cars. I imported the superbee and challenger myself. The truck was already over here but since we have had it we have altered the running gear so my son can drive it. Over here 18 year olds cannot drive a V8 or turbo engine. Its also now on air bags and running a Jaguar front end. The last one is a 1974 Holden Torana nearly at the end of its resto. Its a small Australian muscle car which now has a 355 motor in it. I am selling the challenger to make way for a Buick wagon
Welcome, Steve to the SWF. That Holden is really cool. As to the Buick you are looking at, we need a bit more information, and maybe a pic or two. Is the wagon you are looking at a hardtop wagon or a 'sedan' type (only half of a center post and frameless door glass vs. full center post and framed door glass). The hardtops are worth quite a bit more, compared to the 'regular' type. I've see showroom condition Caballeros sell for more than $100,000........ And I've seen 'sedan' versions in relatively good shape (drivers) going around $20-30,000. Like you, I too prefer the '57 version. The '58 is 'over-done'. Marshall
looks like a hardtop version to me. Can you confirm for me. I have had the car inspected and it looks pretty rust free but hasnt run since 1975 and cannot confirm what electrics work either. It has all its trim and chrome(a bit too much on the rear quarters for my liking hence I prefer the 57). Can the rear quarter trim be removed to look like the 57 and if I was to do that would it devalue the car much?
WOW Steve, nice collection. Is that a Firebird on the hoist? Maybe you could keep us updated on the truck resto. Glad you found your way here, good luck with the 58 or 57 which ever way it goes.
yes the car on the hoist is a firebird. The truck has to go through engineering here so every step has to be reviewed and signed off by one of very few engineers so its an expensive process. I will post up progress shots as it goes. I am still interested to hear about the Buick I am considering. Here are a few more photos of it. Any advise on what you think it may be worth as a non runner would be helpful.
