Buick revamped its entire line-up in 1959, not only changing the design but also the names. The LeSabre was introduced as the entry-level full-size Buick, but there was nothing basic about it. Most noticeable about the cars from a styling perspective were the slanted headlights and swooping tailfins. This ’59 LeSabre is a one-owner convertible that was undergoing restoration when the seller’s father-in-law passed away. So, it’s now left to someone else to finish. The body and paint are done, but the interior is not. Located in Roanoke, Texas, this Buick is available here on eBay where dozens of bids have raised the ante to $24,300.

The LeSabre, which stands for “the saber” in French, was a Buick staple until 2005. In 1959, the car road on GM’s new B-body platform which was shared across corporate lines. As the “baby” in the lineup, the LeSabre used a smaller V8 than the Invicta and Electra, one displacing 364 cubic inches. That motor produced 250 hp with a 2-barrel carburetor or 300 with a 4-barrel. The powerplant here has been rebuilt and has the 2-speed Dynaflow automatic transmission, both of which may not take much to get running.

As the story goes, the seller’s wife’s father bought this drop-top new in San Antonio. The original title is still intact. An experienced body and paint man, he had already attended to the exterior which we’re told was clean and rust-free. Upon his passing, the auto migrated to the daughter and – apparently – there is no interest in the family in seeing the project taken to conclusion. We’re not sure that red is the original color as part of the interior is red and the other silver and the dash has been redone.

At a minimum, the interior is going to need completion and some of the materials needed are there, like replacement bucket seats for the front. Some mechanical bits are MIA and will need sourcing, like the carburetor breather, master cylinder, and power brake booster. On the other hand, the trunk is full of parts some of which are OEM and still in the box. One of the surviving options is an under-the-dash tissue dispenser!

Prior to where you see the car photographed, it lived in a barn until the restoration was started. We’re told the Buick may have been last registered for the highway in 1967. It has new tires, so the machine should roll easily onto a trailer, as long as you don’t have to sit behind the wheel. There were three Buick convertibles offered in 1959, the LeSabre, Invicta, and Electra, all totaling about 21,500 copies. Of those, about half carried LeSabre badging. Who’s ready to take this car to the next level, a spin around the block?