1957 Buick Roadmaster Series 75 4-Door Hardtop
2021.0033.0006, Generously donated by an anonymous donor
Engine: 364 cu. in. (6L) Cast-iron block, OHV, V-8
Output: 300 HP @ 4,600 RPM
Transmission: 2-Speed Dynaflow Automatic
Wheelbase: 127 in.
Overall Length: 215 in.
Weight: 4,539 lbs.
Top Speed: 110 MPH
No. Produced: 12,250
Original Price: $4,483
Manufacturer: Buick
The year 1957 marked two milestones for Buick. On the plus side, the nine-millionth Buick was produced on July 7th of that year. The new design was longer and lower. General Manager Edward T. Ragsdale called the cars “the greatest value we have ever offered the motoring public.” He declared, “My God, they’re beautiful.” He praised the “New ‘dream car’ styling.” The dream, however, turned out to be a nightmare.
On the downside, Buick slid to fourth place in the industry behind Plymouth’s third-place finish. Plymouth’s parting shot at Buick’s new feature, the three-piece rear window treatment, was “Suddenly it’s 1949!” Called “derriere garde” by its critics, one California dealer, after previewing the new line, suggested dealers buy all the used cars they could get because that was all they would be able to sell. Beauty was only sheet metal deep, and plummeting sales told the real story.