I have a very hard time looking at any 1950s car, especially ones with fins, and equating them with raw power and speed. Yes, even such examples as a fuel-injected 1957 Chevy and the Chrysler Letter Cars. Sorry, but what I see is a mix of 1950s American optimisim, doo-wop music, and an era where dressing up in what I would consider a full suit and a hat was a necessity to be accepted in society and not looked at as a rare day. Late 1950s cars were cruisers, not violent racers. I’m sure many of you that lived nearer to that time than myself can and will correct me, but that’s just how I usually see things. The closer the car is to stock, the more likely I want to just find a nice straight bit of road along a Californian beach to roll down.

But take a look at this 1957 Buick for a moment. It’s not too built up outside of the wheels and the rake, but it looks a lot more aggressive than I’d expect one of these cars to be. Overall it’s a mostly stock setup…a 364ci mill, DynaFlow, power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning is all that it’s got. But it looks like it’s got plenty more in store. What do you think…does this look like a precursor or am I just seeing things?

Mecum Auctions’ Kissimmee 2019: Lot E158.1 – 1957 Buick Special