Some might say the car has not been restored "the proper way". However, working on a budget, sometimes the "right way" is too darn expensive! Needless to say, the car has received four trophies over the last two years - it's nice to see hard work appreciated.

The car was found by Phil White, while on holiday in Virginia. He had it shipped over in 1991 where it was re-sprayed, re-trimmed inside, and the mechanics overhauled to a high standard. Mark Venner then bought the car and drove it to Switzerland, where it remained with him for three years. Mark had to modify the speedometer to read kilometres to comply with Swiss regulations. On returning to Romford, he had to sell it, which is when I entered the Buick's life. I bought the car at the Damn Yankees Mayday show. The complete history of the car has yet to be uncovered; hopefully this article might lead to some more information. Mark contacted me after reading about the car in CA Readers' Rides in January 2000. Mark informed me that he would like to see the old girl again and that he still had the original speedo display, along with a set of keys, and more important, he had two robe cords, (one original and one replacement not fitted in the re-trim). The robe cord fits behind the back of the front seat; I had been trying to source one from the States - now he had two!

I have started to collect various items from shows, such as a spare wheel trim, always handy and pamphlets publicising the '58 range. Finishing touches include number plates from States Plates, and a technical decal package has been obtained from Ultimate Spares of America who deal with Phoenix Graphix. The kit contains all decals for the trunk, engine and glove box. I haven't much left to do on the car, but maybe re-chrome sections I'm unhappy with, and replace the tyres with wide white walls instead of its current inch-banded set.

In April 2000, the Buick, along with other members' cars, was used in a film set in 1960s America. As well as film work, wedding hire is also being sought to help keep a part of the American Dream on the road for others to enjoy as much as its owner.

My Buick has not been on the road since the end of last year, as I am waiting to put the dash back together after fitting a new radio and voltmeter. As stated above, the previous owner contacted me in January 2000, saying he had spare parts for the car he would give me. Most important was a speedo display showing MPH. He had changed the original to KPH to comply with Swiss law. I have been in contact with him lots of times this year, but still no display. Luckily, one of the members of the register has a number of the spares I require which I will be collecting this week. Then I will be able to drive without keep trying to remember what the kilometre reading should be at each time I see a speed limit sign.

After reading Chris Richards' (Chevrolet Club secretary) article on carpeting his trunk space, I had to have a go. Five and a half yards of carpet later, one carpeted trunk. Probably not as good as a professional, but not bad for a beginner - cheers, Chris.

I have had the bumper and overriders re-chromed, after coming to an arrangement over the price. Seemed they wanted to add nearly £300 to the quote. The quality of the chroming is not as good as I have seen on other vehicles. They informed me that due to the shape of the bumper and its size, a perfect job was out of question in this country. I was told that chroming processes in the States are different - done on an industrial scale using higher currents etc. They tried as hard as they could, but still the bumper has nickel blow (where the chrome has not covered the base coat of nickel). The overriders have been repaired with completely replaced bottom sections and are as good as new. So apparently, size does matter!

I suppose apart from general up-keep and any problems that can occur whilst owning a classic car of this age, the renovation is complete. Lets go cruisin'...


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