56k Original Miles: 1960 Buick LeSabre Hardtop
It is often said that if something appears too good to be true, it probably is. I don’t believe that to necessarily be true in the classic world, because we have all seen vehicles that have been cared for and protected by dedicated owners, often presenting beautifully decades after rolling off the line. This 1960 Buick LeSabre is a perfect example of that approach, only accumulating 56,000 miles on its odometer in over six decades. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting a classic guaranteed to draw crowds whenever its next owner slips behind the wheel. The Buick is listed here on Craigslist in Los Angeles, California. The seller set their price for this stunning beauty at $40,000 OBO.
Buick unveiled the LeSabre badge in 1959 as a full-size model replacing the Special. The First Generation model only graced showroom floors for two years, with our feature Hardtop rolling off the line during the second. Sales totals in 1960 were pretty respectable, with 152,082 buyers handing over their cash to drive away in a LeSabre. However, with only 26,521 selecting the 2-door Hardtop, this is a relatively rare beast in a “big picture” sense. It is a stunning classic that the first owner chose to cloak in Pearl Fawn and Cordovan, paint shades that accentuate its good looks and swooping lines. The fin craze may have been declining by 1960, but the ones on this car are an integral part of its styling and aren’t as radical as those that dominated the market the year before. The paint retains a mirror shine, and although it isn’t stated specifically, the listing seems to suggest that this Buick is an unrestored survivor. If the paint is original, its condition is noteworthy for the lack of significant flaws and defects. The trim is in as-new condition, and the tinted glass is free from scratches and other issues. The first owner selected the Deluxe wheel covers, and, when teamed with a set of wide whitewalls, they help to emphasize this classic’s classy appearance.
The interior shots reveal one of the few visible defects with this Buick. However, since it is confined to scuffs on the kick panels, the problem is hardly earth-shattering. I performed a brief online search and had no trouble locating replacements for under $100 per pair. Therefore, addressing the perceived shortcoming would be cheap and easy. Otherwise, this interior appears to need little. The dash and pad are spotless, and the upholstered surfaces look excellent, although the carpet might be marked or stained on the passenger side. One cool innovation introduced on the LeSabre was the “Mirromatic” instrument cluster. An adjustable tilt mirror reflected the speedometer, odometer, and other information in a way that reduced glare for the driver. The only factory option is the “Sonoramic” radio, but the condition of this interior guarantees that any journey would be special, even without luxury touches like air conditioning.
The seller doesn’t supply any engine bay shots, but plenty of information on this car’s mechanical specifications and health. Lifting the hood will reveal a 364ci V8, teamed with a two-speed Dynaflow transmission. Throw in power assistance for the steering and brakes, and this Buick should offer a relaxed motoring experience. The engine should produce 250hp and 384 ft/lbs of torque, making the LeSabre an effective open-road cruiser that should sit at 70mph all day. The seller claims that this classic has a genuine 56,000 miles showing on its odometer without mentioning verifying evidence. The vehicle’s condition seems to support this, although I would prefer a paper trail to remove any doubts. They state that the car has been meticulously maintained and that it drives like a dream. Therefore, flying in for a Californian vacation before driving home behind the wheel of this Buick seems a realistic expectation.
Some classics possess the “wow” factor and are guaranteed to draw crowds wherever they go. This 1960 Buick LeSabre falls into that category, carrying the hallmarks of a vehicle that has been treasured by its owners. The seller’s price is above the market average, but this car is anything but ordinary. It has no apparent needs and should offer the buyer years of motoring enjoyment. This Buick has only been on the market for a few hours, and I suspect it will find a new home relatively quickly. Do you agree?
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Comments
Oh sweet Jesus what a car! WOW!
Beeeeeautiful!
What a find. Good write up Adam!
Goners. 😢
I’m no GM person. But these 59-60 Buicks are spectacular. Especially in this condition. When I was a little kid, the neighbor across the street had a ’60. I always came around when he pulled it into our drive for a visit. I thought it was a spaceship!
Back when a Buick was really something special. Don’t go to a current Buick dealer after seeing this car – it’s enough to make you cry.
Jelly beans in fwd or awd lol.
You wont even find a true car at a Buick dealer now, let alone a 2 door anything.Good thing Olds & Pontiac died when they did.
All the cars today look like turtles.
They all look like turtles now.
Can you imagine what it would have felt like to pick this car up at the dealer and wheel it onto the street for the first time back in 1960. I think you would have felt like you had it all.
What a unique dash.
I could almost become a big Buick fan in this. Definitely the nicest one of this era that I have ever seen. Windows down on a perfectly fall day cruising down a two lane road would well be the price of admission.
What a beautiful work of art!
Wow! Art you can drive. Perfect colors for the design. This one is a stunner.
It’s one of the most beautiful cars I’ve ever seen. Sensational. Like a fine watch or bespoke suit, this car elevates the owner. Whoever ordered it had exquisite taste. These are so rarely seen anyway, and never in this absolutely perfect color combination. Listing already removed, somebody got a bargain.
I think with all certainty, we can agree what a beautiful car it is, however, ( here it comes), $40grand, if that was the actual selling price, is a crime in itself. I read, the price for this magnificent car new was about $2800, or about $300 more than an Impala. Remember, this was kind of the bottom Buick( as if) and I’m sure fancier Buicks cost over $4grand. Still, this car was for the person who got a promotion, and it was goodbye Chevy( or Pontiac) and just like Brooks Stevens predicted with his “planned obsolescence” ( not meant to sabotage cars purposely, but to advance up the ranks) and the LeSabre was clearly the biggest seller.
My typical gripe here, as always, in 1960, a LeSabre was indeed on every successful persons radar. It wasn’t for Joe Lunchpail, but most bosses we worked for had Buicks. Their wives and kids got to drive it too. At $40 grand, it limits the pool of buyers severely, to the “I have one, you can’t” mentality, and I hope they go to Hades for it!
Didja see what the owners of some Chevies are asking for their lesser cars?
Yea, well it sold didn’t it?
I think it was GM’s Alfred Sloan with his hierarchy of ascending brands not Brook Stevens.
I read, Sloanes phrase was “Dynamic Obsolescence”, of similar content. It was Stevens that instilled the buyer to want something better. It was “planned” the newer models offered something better.
With a steering wheel that size and power steering it must be extremely quick response!!
MSRP was $2870; in 2024 dollars it works out to be about $31,000.
Actually a good investment?
I don’t know, Nev, it seemed $2870 was a lot easier to come up with in 1960 than $31,000 of today. See, that’s how our society turned. Rather than sell 150,000 at $2870, they would rather sell ONE for $30,000. I just don’t get it, and probably never will.
There are two videos of the car online, one from two years ago when I guess it wasn’t for sale and another one listed a week ago when it was, both posted by a fellow named Charles Phoenix. The top comments in the earlier video were from family members. Wonder if one of them bought it??
“ This was my grandfathers car! He bought it brand new in 1960! I have a picture of me sitting in that car somewhere. Glad to see it’s still around!”
“Took many a trip in that car when I was kid. Those collections of service stickers were my Dad’s. He and my Mother paid cash for it on their honeymoon at Bailey & Graham in Portland, OR., new off the showroom floor. They owned it for years, finally selling it in I suppose late 90’s.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO7ExskoN1M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdTB1OdW12M
What a beautiful 1960 Buick LeSabre! If the exterior and interior are this spectacular, why not show us that engine? Im sure its equally impressive. It’s definitely out of my range, but if it were mine I’d have to add vintage air to this luxury Buick and maybe add front disc brakes. And neither would be cheap options.
Beautiful car, 40K these days is a pretty good deal. Or you could but a Mopar needing a full resto for the same money
Daaaaaaaaaaannnnnngggggg!!! 😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳What a Dream ride! They surely will never make cars like this again!
Very nice car if it was slant eyed I would be very interested
Sweet.
Beautiful Buick, would be proud to own it. The radio is a Sonomatic, not “Sonoramic”, we had a few Buicks when I was a kid.
I owned one in 1972 as a teen. It was a red two door hard top. It had a few problems. The rear springs had lost their tension so it hung low in the back. It needed shocks. The red and white upholstery was shot. The starter switch, attached to the two barrel carburetor had been disconnected and I didn’t know what it was for. A previous owner had installed a pushbutton on the dash to start it. The speedometer was broken and not working. When I got it, I had to replace the freeze plugs. The timing for some reason was way off and the motor would overheat in a matter of minutes until I consulted a mechanic and got the information on the timing and how to correct it.
Jeff sounds like you had one of the first low riders. Or possibly a no rider.