The Buick LeSabre debuted in 1959 as a replacement for the full-size Buick Special. It took its name from the 1951 Buick LeSabre show car, an aircraft-inspired design with tail fins and wrap-around windshield.
By 1963, the Buick LeSabre had come into its own. A cosmetic redesign sported boxier contours than previous years. The interior received a new instrument panel featuring round instruments. The options list grew to include Electro-Cruise cruise control, seven-position tilt steering, and an AM-FM radio. The previous year’s 401 cubic-inch engines were carried over, but transmission choices included the standard three-speed manual, the two-speed Turbine Drive automatic, and the brand-new four-on-the-floor manual.
Our subject 1963 Buick LeSabre is the convertible version. It is equipped with a 401 cubic-inch Wildcat V8 topped with an Edelbrock four-barrel carb (the original carb is included in the sale), and backed by the Turbine Drive automatic trans.
This Buick LeSabre has an older cosmetic restoration that seems to be holding up well. The exterior Bronze Mist finish still retains plenty of gloss. There are only a couple of very small nicks noted. The white vinyl convertible top has been replaced. It shows none of the telltale wrinkling of a top left in the down position for extended periods. Steel wheels wear factory wire wheel covers, and are shod in whitewall radial tires. Chrome bumpers and trim present well, with no notable pitting present. Stainless trim appears to be well polished. Windshield glass is clean and clear, free from wiper tracks or nicks.
Cracking is present on the driver’s side of the Buick LeSabre’s dashboard. The balance of the interior finishes is in fine nick. The bench seat shows very little sign of use. The Saddle with White stripe vinyl bench is free from the usual bolster wear associated with ingress/egress, with only faint wrinkling on the seat bottom. Aluminum dash face is clean, as are the carpets. Options include power steering and power brakes.
The capacious trunk has its full vinyl trunk liner in place, including full-size spare with cover. This full cover, complete with side and hinge panel covers, is one of the areas that shows the difference between the entry-level Chevy Impala and the step-up Buick LeSabre. Trunk lid insulation was installed after painting, not just painted over as so often is the case in lesser restorations.
The Buick LeSabre’s engine bay presents as complete and correct, save the substitution of the Edelbrock carb. The 401 appears to be the optional 325-horsepower Wildcat 445, so named for the 445 pound-feet of torque produced. Though somewhat dusty, it could be show ready with just a little TLC.
This Buick LeSabre convertible can be had for less than a two-year-old Camry, and would arguably be much more fun. Find it here at Showdown Auto for just $24,900.
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What is the origin of the strange Buick model names; Electra, Le Sabre, and Invicta?
Electra and Invicta are names of goddesses. Not sure about the LeSabre part. The names replaced Special, Century, and Roadmaster.
Whatever the origin, the names berat XT5, 300D, MX[whatever]. At least there was some imagination involved.
Nice-looking, rare car. It's good to see the nailhead still there instead of an LS. I'd be curious to know the production numbers for this model that were built with the optional 4-speed manual; I'd bet a dollar to a donut that there were very few ever produced.
When cars were cars, nice ride.
The LeSabre show car of 1951 was not a Buick. It was a GM corporate show car. Buick did have a show car, the XP-300. I’d think an entity called GM Authority would know this.
The 1951 LeSabre was a work largely credited to Harley Earl, but photos of existing exterior drawings I have studied bear the signature of Ed Glowacke and the interior is generally credited to Henri Lauve. It is debatable as to which studio Glowacke worked in when the project was first initiated. Ned Nickles is credited with the exterior of the XP-300.
My Grandfather had a '63 in silver. I remember it had a buzzer when he drive too fast. Don't know if that was an adjustable setting or what? Hey,I was 6 years old. Whew.
I have a 64 leSabre. The speedometer has a little turn knob that spins a little indicator on the speedometer dial. When the speed lines up with the indicator, it buzzes.
That was the Safeti-Guard speedometer feature, available as an option in several GM lines. It was indeed adjustabe.
Like this would love to buy
This was called a “Speed Governor Alert” to advise the driver if he exceeded a discrete speed limit. Speed limits in those days ranged in some states from 70-90 miles per hour. A Buick with a Wildcat Engine could virtually break the sound barrier on the Interstate without breaking a sweat. With the FM radio blasting and the top down, many drivers would have been oblivious to the speed and mor focused on enjoying the ride.
Too bad that Cadillac did not have the guts to bring their beautiful full size convertible with suicide doors to market five years ago. Currently, no American Manufacturer even makes a full size sedan let alone a “family size” convertible.
Who knows, perhaps someday they will return, once the public gets tired of SUVs!
Never knew a 4sp was offered maybe all but Rivera/ electras???
Nice looking car!
Is it possible the people who designed nice looking cars for GM have all retired?
A lot of the “nice” had to be sacrificed in the name of Our Betters In Washington mandating fuel economy standards, smoother less pedestrian-hostile shapes, and that sort of thing.
And to think the Electra 225 convertible was about a foot longer!!!