1957 Buick Caballero Estate Wagon, Restored by Mike Fennel, Rare & Sought-After

1957 Buick Caballero Description

 

A rarity among the output of mass-produced postwar American automobiles, the Caballero was introduced by Buick in 1957, integrating the Riviera’s four-door pillarless sedan styling into a station wagon. Among GM’s numerous station wagon models produced during this period, the Caballero is the only vehicle to feature such a design.

Also benefitting from Buick’s makeover for 1957, including a revised front fascia, the Caballero was equipped with the company’s new “Nailhead” V-8. The unusually designed vertical-valve motor was tuned for 300 hp on the Century models, and 325 hp with the optional high-performance “tri-power” carburetion, though Buick engineering avowedly prioritized raw torque more than top-end horsepower.

In 1958, Buick restyled once again, eliminating their classic fender portholes and the two-tone color treatment of the sweep spear. As 1957 was the final year to feature these revered styling cues, 1957 Caballeros are particularly desirable to Buick collectors. The Caballero was made for just two years, and surviving examples in decent condition are quite uncommon.

The story of this wonderfully restored Caballero revolves around its restorer, the late Mike Fennel, whose Saugus, California, shop restored several Pebble Beach-awarded prewar classics for noted collectors. Mr. Fennel also served as the Blackhawk Collection’s technical manager for 35 years.

The previous owner, one of Mr. Fennel’s clients, took notice of a Caballero that he had restored for his wife Juli, who managed Fennel’s business with him. Unwilling to sell the Caballero he had completed for his better half, Mr. Fennel offered to work on a similar car for the consignor, and in 2010 the restoration of this 1957 example was completed.

Having restored several Caballeros during his career, Mr. Fennel performed a comprehensive job, with tasteful modifications. To ensure more modern performance, TCI coil-over shocks were installed, and the transmission tunnel was adapted to accommodate a four speed automatic 700R4 transmission, a popular choice for retro-rod builders. The body was refinished in a deep two-tone scheme of teal over white, and a new interior of pearl white leather with blue piping was installed.

At the previous owner’s request, the car was mildly customized for a hot rod flavor, which included lowering the ride height and removing the door handles. Please note the photo of the small dent in the chrome trim near the right rear wheel. Otherwise largely stock in appearance, this beautifully finished Caballero testifies to the imagination of Buick design, and would make a great addition to any collection. Since acquisition, the Buick has resided along with American and European cars in one of the finest collections in the United States.

I am helping the owner in the sale process of this car and I will be answering all inquiries for him. The owner and the cars are new to eBay and that is why we don't have any feedback yet. Please contact me for any more info you would like, and if you need any additional photos, I am happy to provide them. We have several other listings currently for other 50s American cars.

Please call 631-764-1201 with any questions and for more information.

NOTES, TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

A $5,000 deposit is due within 24 hours of auction close.

The balance of the funds are due within 72 hours of auction close.

The vehicle is sold AS-IS, WHERE-IS, and there are no representations or warranties expressed or implied of any kind.

Buyer is responsible for shipping.

The buyer must satisfy itself as to all matters relating to the vehicle before entering a bid on the vehicle.

I take time to carefully describe the vehicle and include a substantial number of photos. However, it is very important to keep in mind that this vehicle is pre-owned, not brand new. If any statement or comment is unclear, or if you have questions, please e-mail or call me prior to bidding.

At Close of Auction

The successful "winning" bidder must telephone me within 24 hours after the auction has ended to confirm method of payment and payment details.

A $5,000 deposit is due via cashier's check or wire transfer within 24 hours of auction close.

Full payment must be received by 72 hours after the end of the auction. Payment must be cashier's check or wire transfer. If funds are not received, the vehicle can and will be made available to other potential buyers on a first-come, first-serve basis.

As soon as payment is received, buyer shall assume all liability for damage and risk of loss to the vehicle including, without limitation, any and all liability for damage during transit from seller.

Shipping

I will cooperate with buyer and assist with shipping arrangements. Any shipping is at buyer’s cost and all questions or concerns should be addressed directly with the transportation company of buyer’s choosing.

Disclaimer

The vehicle is sold with no representations or warranties expressed or implied, including particularly any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose and the vehicle is sold AS-IS, WHERE-IS AND WITH ALL FAULTS.

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