1960 Buick LeSabre Sports Coupe

OVERVIEW:This 1960 Buick LeSable 2-Door Hardtop represents the first generation of the LeSabre model which was initially introduced the previous year.Built in Wilmington, Delaware, it is one of only 26,521 units produced and is equipped with its original numbers matching Nailhead 364 ci. V8, and a 2-speed Dynaflow automatic transmission as well as power steering and brakes.This car is very complete, quite solid and straight, runs, drives and handles well.It is presented as originally built without modifications and finished in Titian Red Iridescent and Arctic White.Odometer reads 82,372 original miles.

 

   Although prior history is unknown, it was last titled in Missouri before being brought into Canada, passing inspection, and being registered in Alberta in 2009, at which time the odometer showed 81,910 miles, indicating less than 500 miles driven since, primarily due to the owner having multiple cars.  Owner's manual has notation from Lancaster, PA that the car had 81,080 miles in 1991.It was purchased in St. Louis along with a 1963 Buick Riviera Sport Coupe, also being offered for sale by the same owner.

 

   The frame is very solid, and overall the body is as well, although there are a few very localized and relatively small areas of rust blisters evident.  Given the number of years passed since being repainted in 1994, it does not appear to have suffered any serious ravages of rust or rot.  The recently polished paint is very smooth and shiny.  The gray interior appears to be as originally equipped, with all seats in very nice like new condition, and the rest of the interior presenting as original and unrestored, with only a new headliner being an obvious requirement.   Regular maintenance and routine mechanical work over the years has kept it in reliable and roadworthy condition.

 

   This LeSabre hardtop is very presentable and road worthy, with only a few minor issues and improvements that can be addressed over time while it is being enjoyed.It is an attention getter at show & shines due to its unique styling and it has great curb appeal.

  This listing provides many more details as you scroll thru.  Near the end of this listing under Payment Terms you will find a link to a photo album of 188 pictures, and a brief startup video.

 

  As of this writing, the US-Canada border is open to Americans wishing to come into Canada with proof of vax.  We are also able to ship cars into the USA from Canada by way of commercial carrier and can assist with all those arrangements.

     

DRIVETRAIN:The 364 ci. V8 Nailhead engine is rated at 250 hp.  It starts easily, sounds good, does not smoke, and is in good running condition, fueled by a Carter 2 bbl. carburetor.The engine is numbers matching stamped with the VIN of the car, and the engine code (3G89470) also confirms it to be the standard 1960 364 ci. engine.

 

   Other mechanical components on and around the engine appear as original equipment and in serviceable condition, as does engine bay wiring.Belts, hoses, and radiator all appear in good condition.The engine compartment is overall quite clean and tidy.

 

   The Dynaflow 2-speed automatic transmission shifts as it should under driving conditions.  Some wear is noted in the parking pawl as it will roll a bit in ‘park' position when on an incline until he pawl clicks in, a common nuance of these units.No unusual sounds from the rear differential.Underside of the engine and undercarriage is overall dry and shows no evidence of serious leaks, only the usual ‘sweat' of a driven car.

 

     

CHASSIS:The frame is very solid and straight in all respects.  There are no signs of collision damage or rust issues.  Shows as a combo of original undercoating, black paint and light surface rust.All chassis components appear as original equipment, and display just the typical road dirt and grime of their miles.Overall appears as one would expect of an original unrestored drier climate car which has been maintained and driven.

   Equipped with power steering and brakes in good order.  Correct finned brake drums at all wheels.Suspension components still providing a smooth ride and maintain the car in a proper stance.

 

   Single exhaust system in very good condition.Fuel tank also looks in nice condition, still protected by factory undercoat and no signs of ever leaking.The tires are USA made General 800-15 bias ply wide whitewalls in good condition with good tread remaining.  Mounted on original rims sporting correct full wheel covers.Non matching spare and jack located in trunk.

 

     

BODY & PAINT:All floor pans, trunk pan, inner and outer rocker panels, and rear drop down panels are very solid with no rust rot, same for door bottoms.  Quarter panels for the most part very solid with only a few blisters noted and shown in photos.

 

   Overall fit and alignment of panels is good, and there is no evidence of collision damage.   This appears to have been a relatively clean, straight, and solid car prior to repaint by previous owner in 1994.The repaint was done in 2-stage base/clear and has been color sanded and recently polished, it is very smooth and shiny.

 

  With 27 years passed since paintwork was done, any serious issues of rust or poor repairs would have surfaced by now.  Those which have are limited to specific areas and not extensive, and all areas of concern are shown in the photo album.  A bit of paint peel is noted across the front edge of the roof next to the upper windshield molding.  Other issues are pretty much limited to some blisters on the roof edges next to the drip rails, bottom of the left fender, above right rear wheel, and a couple on the flange behind the left rear wheel.

 

     

ELECTRICAL:All wiring appears to be in good serviceable condition.Original ‘Mirromatic' instrument cluster features the speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge, and warning light indicators being reflected off an adjustable tilt mirror inside the dashboard, thereby providing viewing comfort and the ability to reduce unwanted glare and reflection.

 

   Original clock and radio are not working, clock lens is foggy, antenna is broken.Horn and wipers working, new wiper blades installed.Hand brake indicator light located above brake release.

 

   All lenses on the car are intact.  Park, back-up, and license lenses are all very good, right tail light lens is new, left one has some crazing and a hairline crack.Dome light not working, maybe the bulb, bezel has spots of light surface rust.

 

   

INTERIOR:The front and rear seats are in beautiful condition.The LeSabre scripted door panels are nice originals, with only a couple of tiny holes noted near the bottom of the driver side.  Arm rest pads are good, back ends have had paint touch ups.Rear side panels are in real nice condition, and windlace at latch posts is good.

 

   Dash pad is nice with no cracks or blemishes noted.The steering wheel has numerous cracks.  Nice shiny horn bar has a few small pits and a very nice center emblem.

 

   Headliner has several split seams and will need replacement.  Sun visors look OK and it has a day/night mirror.Rear package shelf stained.

 

   Original carpeting faded and discolored but is not torn or frayed.  Original cardboard kick panels somewhat warped, right one is loose.  Original sill plates good.Accelerator pedal is loose off its retainer pins.  These Buicks are started by depressing the pedal.Door seals are intact but worn.

   Shaded windshield is very good with no chips or cracks noted.  Door glass is in good condition,Vent window and rear quarter window glass have some very minor delamination along edges, and bottom rear corner of right quarter window a bit frosted.

   

  The trunk pan is very solid and retains all its original liners and mat.  Trunk seal is soft and serviceable but has wear.

 

   

BRIGHTWORK:All trim items are present on the car, nothing noted as missing.  Overall in very good to excellent original condition.All interior brightwork is in good original condition as well.

  The front bumper is nice and straight but has peeling and surface rust at side of the left fender.  Rear bumper is nice original with no damage and only minor rub marks of age.

 

   The grille and all its vertical pot metal bars are very nice and straight with no damage or pitting, and a nice center ring and emblem on grille and trunk lid.Headlamp rings are very nice with only some small fine pits on lower areas of the inner ones.  Tail lamp rings also very nice original chrome.Very nice original pot metal ‘Venti-Ports' on both front fenders, same for all LeSabre scripts and BUICK lettering on hood and trunk.

 

   Bright molding at center of hood shows some minor dings.Door mirror has pitted chrome.

 

   Windshield, rear window, and drip rail stainless moldings are nice and straight with no damage or dings noted.Chrome window frames are all very nice.All bright stainless belt line moldings running from doors back and around rear quarters, as well as the lower mid-section moldings, are in nice condition, straight and shiny, with only about 5 very small pings noted overall, the most notable being one on the lower left door molding, and 2 above the right rear wheel.    Correct wheel covers in very nice condition.

 

     

SUMMARY:The original Owner's Manual is still with the car, as is the paint formula from 1994.If you dig the in-flight look of a long and lean LeSabre hardtop then please consider this one.  Buicks have long been known for their quality in both comfort and long lasting mechanical aspects, and this first generation LeSabre backs that up!

   Buick's ‘nailhead' horsepower moves this hardtop along with ease.  Its complete and roadworthy condition, along with overall solid structure and sheet metal, as well as welcoming seats, mean you won't be spending years or tons of cash looking for missing parts or performing extensive mechanical and body restoration.The few minor rust issues can be addressed without a major body or paint teardown, and a new headliner with a few interior touch ups will quickly render this a hop in and go ride.

  Now in retirement mode and with other collectible cars in his stables, the owner has decided to make this hardtop Buick, along with his '63 Riviera, available to their next caretakers.  Offered with very reasonable reserves.

  The following is a brief start-up video where you can see and hear the engine and exhaust running.

 

1960 Buick LeSabre 2-Door Hardtop - Cold Start-Up

Video will open in a new windowUsing the eBay App? Paste link into a browser window:

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PAYMENT TERMS:

This '60 LeSabre is being listed on behalf of the owner.  Please email ‘[email protected]' or phone Rick at (403)534-2222 for additional honest and accurate information from a professional auto restorer.  All information listed has been gathered from discussions with the owner, a test drive, and a visual inspection.  A total of 188 pics are available for viewing at www.jpegbay.com/gallery/008373679-.html#0 .  Additional specific pictures are available upon request.   No warranties expressed or implied.  Successful bidder to make a minimum payment of 50% of closing bid amount (US funds) within 5 days of auction closing, with the balance payable upon vehicle pick up within 21 days (international) or 14 days (US/Canada).Payment must be in certifiable form such as cash or wire transfer.  PayPal for deposit only.  Other forms of payment only acceptable with time allowance for instrument to clear bank prior to vehicle being released.  Any deviation from, or changes to the preceding terms must be reasonable, and should be requested, discussed, and agreed to prior to bidding and auction closing.   

IMPORTANT OTHER:

Please submit all inquiries prior to bidding, and please only bid if you are able and willing to conclude the transaction should you be the winning bidder.This vehicle is being sold with a Bill of Sale, the State of Missouri Certificate of Title, and Alberta Vehicle Registration Certificate.The car is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, about 3 hours north of the Montana border.  Please be aware of your shipping costs before bidding, quotes can be provided upon request if necessary.  We can help make this a smooth, hassle free experience by arranging all-inclusive international transportation and brokerage for you.  References relating to similar transactions are available. Cars Gone By has sold and shipped numerous collector vehicles to the USA and worldwide, the majority through Ebay transactions.Please do not ask us to disclose the reserve price.  In fairness to all bidders we will not do so and request that you simply place a bid that is comfortable for you.Thanks for looking!   

NOTICE REGARDING BID RETRACTIONS:

Placing a bid to simply uncover the reserve price, or how high another buyer has bid, and then retracting or cancelling the bid is not allowed as it violates Ebay's Invalid Bid Retraction Policy.Such bids are considered as ‘Unwelcome and Malicious Bidding' as they contravene the seller requirements stipulated above, that you only bid with the intent to buy, and that you do not bid without the intent of concluding the transaction.Such bids are not in the spirit of a reserve auction.  They ruin the experience for serious buyers and sellers, can cast doubt on the process and subject vehicle, and are a nuisance to the seller in general.Ebay rules stipulate, if you retract a bid for reason of ‘entered wrong amount', you must re-enter your correct bid amount right away, and that changing your mind does not qualify as entering wrong amount.If you retract your bid as ‘wrong amount' and fail to re-enter your correct amount, your bid will be considered ‘unwelcome and malicious' and it will be immediately reported to Ebay, and they will investigate, and you will be placed on a blocked bidders list.

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