• Year of manufacture 
    1957
  • Car type 
    Other
  • Lot number 
    r0057
  • Reference number 
    AZ25_r0057
  • Condition 
    Used
  • Location
    United States
  • Exterior colour 
    Other

Description

To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Arizona event, 24 January 2025.

  • One of the most sought-after fifties wagons, with dramatic hardtop styling
  • Custom teal and white two-tone livery over matching interior
  • 401-cu.-in. Nailhead V-8 and four-speed automatic transmission
  • Restored in 2012 by the noted Mike Fennel
  • A magnificent highway cruiser, perfect for scenic drives

One of the most dramatic American station wagons ever produced, Buick’s four-door hardtop Caballero boasted sporty “pillarless” styling, combined with the crisp yet muscular lines that defined Flint’s finest in this era. It was produced for only two seasons, 1957 and 1958, which only added to its allure by ensuring rarity.

The 1957 Century Caballero offered here was, according to the consignor, restored for a previous owner in 2012 by the late, well-respected craftsman Mike Fennel of Saugus, California. Select custom touches were incorporated into the build, enhancing the Buick’s already striking appearance: The body was subtly lowered, its door handles shaved, and the hood and tailgate badging deleted before the whole car was finished in a custom teal and white livery.

White upholstery with teal piping echoes the rakish color scheme on the interior, which features a stock dashboard enlivened with engine-turned detailing, a more ergonomic, later-model steering wheel and column finished in complimentary colors, as well as air conditioning for modern comfort. The stylish interior is also versatile, accommodating six with its front and rear bench seats, the latter of which can fold flat to expand cargo capacity.

A triple-carbureted 401-cubic-inch Nailhead V-8 engine supplies abundant power and is paired with General Motors’ 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission for effortless cruising. Coil-over shocks at all four corners provide a more modern ride, while front disc brakes much improve this Buick wagon’s stopping capabilities.

With carefully considered custom elements enhancing a rare and incredibly desirable mid-century Buick, this tastefully executed Caballero custom represents a unique opportunity to cruise one’s favorite driving road in relaxing style with updated safety and comfort features seamlessly integrated, making it perhaps the ultimate iteration of Buick’s greatest station wagon.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/az25/.


RM Sotheby's
5 Heron Square
Richmond
TW9 1EL
United Kingdom
Contact Person Kontaktperson
Title 
Mr
First name 
Augustin
Last name 
Sabatie-Garat

Phone 
+44-2078517070