Chassis No. 7A1169768

Body No. 1431

This fascinating Buick was acquired in December 1986 by Buick Club of America member, Harry R. Strong. While it outwardly resembled a 1955 model, Strong was informed that the car had been built as a show car, a prototype version built to display the upcoming 1955 styling features at GM Motoramas and other events.

Inspection showed that the chassis of the Strong car was based upon a 1954 frame, extended by seven inches to suit 1955-style bodywork, and retained a 1954-specification hydro-electric assist unit for the power brakes. The car was and is fitted with a 1954 firewall data tag with two soft metal tabs inserted over the trim and paint codes, stamped 55-35 and 55-1BR, identifying Dover White and Titian Red paint with red leather interior, and a stamped code BX279B. In an article for the August 1992 edition of The Buick Bugle, Mr. Strong noted that he had spoken to a retired employee of the Buick experimental department, who noted that the 1955 prototypes were built on 1954 chassis, and that the stamped code on the data tag identified that particular engineering project. No fewer than eight upholstery tags were found on the seat springs, lettered 'Show Body 55,' with similar markings found elsewhere throughout the interior. The grille is a non-standard thin, rough casting, with no finished edges, as would be expected of a prototype. Interestingly the car appears to have been upgraded during 1955 with that year's oil filler caps in the valve covers.

Mr. Strong completed the Buick's restoration with all the aforementioned features intact, including the original color scheme, although the original hot-press technique used on the factory leather proved impossible to duplicate. A 'Continental kit' spare was added to please the owner's sensibilities. Mr. Strong then retained the Buick until his death in 2005. Subsequently it passed to collector Bob Wicker, then in early 2007 to Jim Taylor.

The car's restoration is mellowed somewhat but still extremely attractive, with a red top boot and Daytona-weave carpeting nicely accenting the paint and interior, and features a clock, AM radio, day/night mirror, power steering and brakes, power windows and seat, and Skylark-style chrome wire wheels and chrome body trim. It appears that the engine compartment is original and unrestored, though quite tidy. At the time of cataloging the car had recorded 1,867 miles since restoration. Accompanying the car is a small file including vintage show display boards and a small but significant album, describing the unique features and including original upholstery tags and trim samples.

There can be few more fascinating 1954 – or 1955! – Buicks than this one, a lucky survivor of the crusher which devoured most of its prototype brethren.