Forum asks me to post something

Well here goes, I do not like to toot my own horn, but in 1984 my wife and I decided to restore a wagon as a grand-kid hauler. After looking throughout the west and Hemming's Motor News we decided on a 1957 Buick Caballero Century Riveria Estate Wagon. We loved the title. We begun a body-off restoration and quit smoking the day we disassembled the engine. That is a story in it's self. for the next few years we learned the inside and outside of the details that come with a full restoration. In 1991 the project was completed and the car took its maiden voyage to Sacramento, Ca. That was the first year of the Buick Club of America's 400 point judging. The car received 387 points and a Gold award. We did have problems on the return trip, there was a casting flaw in the #7 Cylinder that allowed the engine to consume coolant over a couple of hundred miles. With the engine out, that cylinder was sleeved and re-installed to serve us for about 25,000 miles. The results of the restoration were so good that the Caballero served as a grand-kid hauler very little. We did take one with us on three different Buick Nationals and attended a total of five nationals driven to each. I like to feel that this car helped to bring car collectors attention to the Caballero. We sold this car to help finance a second body off restoration, also a 1957 Buick. This Caballero is now owned by a good friend, James Sears of Denver. He was invited to show the car at the 2011 Concours d'elegance of America in this year's tribute to the colors and styling of the 1950's. The link below shows the car in the gallery at the top left corner of the group of photographs.

http://www.sportscardigest.com/concours-delegance-of-america-2011-report-and-photos/?nggpage=3

Dan

 

Dan, that is an aboslutely beautiful wagon. That Caballero and Olds Fiesta are two of my all time favorites. Congratulations on a sterling job. I'd like to see some pics of the '57 you own now.
Great introduction, by the way. Welcome.

 

Wow, very nice, we appreciate you tooting your horn for us.
That's what this place is for! Horn tootin'!!

 

Hi Dan, welcome to the forum. Those late 50's GM wagons are about my favorite I think. Could we trouble you for a few more pictures please?

 

Toot away Dan! That wagon is beautiful!

Do you have any more pic you can share with us?

 

she is definitly a beautiful wagon

 

They don't get much better than that!

 

Great story, great car. I've often wondered why folks spend years restoring a car then sell it. I guess it's just a journey and the desire to do another. I'd love to have a ride in that car. It's gorgeous. Love the color.

I wonder if James is related to me. I don't suppose he grew up in Chicopee, Ma. I had cousins there. I grew up in Walpole, Ma.

 

Ok, more photos...
James grew up in Iowa and also has a beautiful fully restored '57 Buick Special Riveria Sedan and a nice original '59 two door hardtop.
Oh, we did drive the car for fifteen years, as life evolves other interests redirect you. We still have a wagon, but probably does not fit well in this forum, it is a 2010 VW Sportwagon Turbo Diesel. But....we have just finished a twenty year effort on a 1957 Buick Roadmaster Convertible. Photo in next post. Dan

 

Additional Photos

Here is one of the Roadmaster. And Thanks for all the kudos.
Dan

 

Well that is difinitly worthy of a toot...actually let's give two..toot toot! You have done a fabulous job, you should be proud of your efforts. Congratulations in deed!


Some day my Fannie...

 

Your current wagon fits fine here. It's about all wagons but we do get carried away by the classics. We don't hear near enough about the new wagons.

 

Welcome Dan! What magnificent Buicks! You should toot your horn every chance you get! :2_thumbs_up_-_anima

Your Caballero is most certainly a Grand grand-kid hauler! Selling it must have been a bittersweet experience.

Your Roadmaster convertible is gorgeous!

As for your VW wagon, while the newer cars don't make us all swoon, we know they are pretty dang wonderful to drive and use.
Post pics of the VW. I'm sure we will enjoy them too!

David

 

Oh I love your Caballero!!!

#1 on my list of dream wagons.

Love those other Buicks as well. Very nice.