First Drive Impressions: 1947 Buick Roadmaster Convertible

The abandoned 1947 Buick Roadmaster is finally ready for its first drive!

We've been told the 47 Roadmaster is the BEST Buick ever built. Today we take her on her first drive to put that to the test. Let's see just good how this luxury roadster cruises top down, 'Three on the tree', and a massive 'Fireball' inline eight under the hood.

#buick #classiccars #cars

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[bobnevala]

In my opinion replacing the Rear & Front Crankshaft Seals are a must on any car this old. I heard a short time ago that the rear rope seal can/will become hardened and wear a grove into the crankshaft. When I was 19 I bought a 53 Belair in 1984 and year later while driving on the highway the rear main seal let go. It's not fun to see so much going wrong in your rear view mirror. I was lucky to have had a rebuilt 235 to put into it, but I should have changed the crank seals. On more modern cars it would also be a great idea to do this. Seals do not last forever. Having the water pump rebuilt and replacing all of the coolant hoses are must also. Nice looking car! All The Best To You!

[andysupple]

The automatic transmission, the "Dynaflow" came out in 1948

[PeterFusco]

I don't care if they improved its mechanics as long as they didn't mod its skin. The vehicle is just beautiful, art in steel.

[John-mlx]

When I was young, my family had 1950 Roadmaster and it did not have power steering. I remember my Mom wrastling' with that giant steering wheel

[DavidSmith-ppmt]

I wish when folks buy antige cars they would preserve or restore the way they where built they are a peace of our american auto history.

[dadoodadaa]

Excellent video, and you're right, power steering in 1952 ! I had a Rivera sedan that was the last year for the straight 8, and first year for the power steering.

[TomSpeaks-vwzp]

My first car back in 56 was a 49 Roadmaster sedanette for $250. All original 52k miles, excellent condition .

[richwalling]

My dad had a 48 Super 4 door sedan. Black with standard transmission. I loved that car.

[miltonmacedo]

Meu pai comprou um Buick Super, zero, em 1949 na Mesbla, Rio de Janeiro, concessionária Buick da época , ficamos com ele 12 anos, rodamos muito, um excelente carro, 8cil em linha , vedemos o carro praticamente zero, uma verdadeira maravilaha .

[JamesJohnson-dt]

My first car was a 1953 buick special with a straight eight engine. The last of the straight eights!

[michaelbenardo]

A manual transmission was still available on the 48 Roadmaster. For the last time. What people love about the 47 is probably the ivory steering wheel and ivory knobs. The 48 had black plastic instead, and many don't care for the 46's grille. I am strongly against modifying classic cars, but one thing I would probably do is to put the Compound Carburetion setup for the 42 cars on it. Would be equal to the 49 Cad in horsepower and look hecka kool under the hood, while still using factory-style Buick components. I wouldn't cut the springs though, as you will use up your suspension travel, resulting in a rough un-Buick-like ride and maybe cause it to develop squeaks and rattles.

[johndavey]

Hi Guys . Great video and great rapport with two brothers who enjoy each others company ( and having a good tease as well !) It's a very handsome car and in terrific condition . This reminds me of the little road trip l had in my aunts '41 Cadillac convertible when l came over to America in 1997. 400 miles in a return journey from Tacoma to Hurricane Ridge and back just to see how she ran ! Thanks Nick and thanks Evan.

[Kaatu-barada-nikto]

If GM and Ford and Chrysler would build cars that looked like this they couldn't build them fast enough to meet demand.

[michaelbenardo]

There is no need to convert to 12 volts. Just use thick enough battery cables and the correct for this car Group 3 battery. Do NOT use chain store 4 gauge battery cables. You can use an 8 volt battery if you want more power. You will not have to change or replace anything, just re-calibrate the voltage regulator.

[michaelbenardo]

If your brakes go out on you, just use Buick's foot operated parking brake. It is pretty effective. Not as good as Chrysler's parking brake on the transmission output shaft, but it will slow you down.

[steveperry]

nice car, love the old buicks. i always wanted one but now it's too late. are you guys twins or something.

[OldRustySteele]

At 2:30, the gent in the passenger seat asks why 3-speed manual transmissions on the steering column (“3 on the tree”) fell out of favor.

It’s because of the influx of European sports cars with 4 on the floor, plus American muscle cars of the mid-1960’s. By then 3 on the tree was considered stodgy, not sporty, and out of date — something only your Grandpa would own.

That said, I had a ‘71 Plymouth Duster with 3 on the tree. Bought it used in 1973 when I was 19 years old. 3 on the tree and bench seats did have some other “benefits” to a young man. If ya’ know what I mean! 😍😉

[michaelbenardo]

Funny how so many under a certain age don't know what a column shift is. Many can't drive ANY manual trans cars.

[wespeterman]

You are wrong I had a 53 Buick super that had power steering. It was a great car I loved it.

[garypippenger]

As easily as the 3 speed manual shifts, it would be a no brainer to have that over the early Dynaflow--much better driving! Also, it seems odd that GM would put the hydra-matic in the Olds, and within a few years, Pontiac, plus be willing to sell that transmission to Lincoln and a couple of the independent makes, rather than supply the Buicks!