9 minute read
FEATURE: John & Debbie Williams’ 57 Special
JOHN & DEBBIE WILLIAMS’ 57Special
You are bound to be getting used to me rave on about the awesome styling built into the 1950’s automobiles by now.
If you aren’t and you are wondering what all the fuss is about, take a good long look at this gorgeous piece of autoart from 1957. The auto designers back then must have had full creative licence when given a new car to design. The only stipulation being to make it look more awesome than the competition. The influence from the space race and the aeroplanes built during war time being the main influence in the designs, after that, it was all about comfort and grunt! To me, Buicks have always been amazing when it comes to building a classy automobile. The extra detail they put into every model they built is incredible for the era. A lot of the technology they built into cars back then doesn’t even appear in a modern car now which seems crazy really. John and Debbie’s 1957 Buick Special is the 46R 2 door version and is a prime example of the awesome design work with detailing and style that Buick put into their automobiles back then. The exterior styling fully taking on the fighter jet appearance with the moulded replica jet engine intakes mounted each side of the front bumper bar. The side trims replicating the side exhausts of a war time fighter plane. The huge high guards allowing for the roof line to seem lower giving an incredibly sleek appearance, yet still having the amazing roomy interior that Buick wanted as part of their standard of comfort. With the wide bodies and the mechanicals centred more there was no need for flared wheel arches with these models. Wide rims and fat tyres easily slipping in under the guards giving a staunch appearance to what is actually a factory car. The manufacturer of these cars is truly an art form that has been lost in most part. The front guards with the mouldedin indicator lights and swage line at mid pint on the headlight trim being handmade and lead filled to create the smooth aerodynamic flow to that of a fighter-plane again. You can fully imagine one of these bearing down on you in your rearvision mirror with that huge grill and air intakes as if about to fully dominate you on the road. The sides of the car formed with flowing curves as if straight from the
wind-tunnel then highlighted with a red graphic encased in a polished stainless trim to enhance the flowing bodies design. The interior of the Buicks are always outstanding. The polished stainless bezels and trims reflecting the aeronautic design again. The light switch and air conditioning blower switch gear designed to look like jet intakes and the heat control as if the power slide levers of an aeroplane. The interior trim flowing with curves to match the exterior and every corner of the cabin formed with curved glass. These are an incredibly classy looking automobile to say the least. Of course you couldn’t have a staunch looking car that couldn’t back up it’s looks. Buick slotting in their Nail Head 364ci V8 engine to power this automobile along the road at a fair rate of knots. Backed with an automatic transmission as comfort was still the name of the game with these models. The fifties is certainly the era of cool curves and style. Graceful yet staunch in appearance this “Special” of John and Debbie’s is an awesome example of “cool”.
MAKE/MODEL: 1957 Buick 46R, 2 Door Special
COLOUR: Calitweiss White - repainted 5 years ago
ENGINE: Matching numbered 364 Nail Head. Fully reconditioned
TRANSMISSION: Original Dynaflow Auto Reconditioned 2 Years ago
DIFF:
Original Torque Tube
SUSPENSION: Cobra springs
BRAKES: Factory Power Brake Drums
WHEELS/TYRES: Mags 15 inch Halibrand replica 15/6 front and 15/7 on the back
INTERIOR: All factory. Still has factory stereo in it but have put a cd player in the glove box
EXTRA MODS: Flexi fan and electric fan
What are you into apart from the car? Biking, camping, water sports, fishing, car shows, family and socialising
So how long have you owned the car? 28/07/2016
Where did you find it, import or around NZ? Found it in Gisborne
What made you pick this car? The look and the sound got us
What would be your favourite car to have? John - I’d have a Cuda. Debbie - I’d have an XR Falcon again (had one and sold it)
What car would you like to test drive? John - I’d do a Bentley & Giggle’s Falcon (hahaha, get in line)
Any other cool cars in the shed? Nope
What other cool cars have you owned? John - 64 Valiant, 1954 FJ Holden. Debbie - 1967 XR Falcon Fairmont, 1968 Nochback Mustang
Any you wish you still owned? Mainly the Fairmont
What cars are on the wish list? None at the moment
Favourite style of car ie. Coupe or Wagon etc? John - XA Coupe for me. Debbie - 1957 Buick Station Wagon
What do you love about the car scene the most? Meeting people with the same interest
Favourite car movie? Cobra
What’s on the stereo right now? Fleetwood Mac
Favourite band / singer to go cruising with on the stereo? Bon Jovi (Giggles - definitely not my Coupe then)
Did you buy the car as is or build it? As is, we just gave it a tidy up and made it ours
Anyone you would you like to thank for helping with the car? Tony Mace for letting us know it was up for sale, Derek Williams, Dan McGarvey and Tony Bamford for a helping hand
Anything else you would like to add …..Love the car and love drive. Big thank you to Giggles for doing this photo shoot and write-up. You are such an inspiration to the car scene. (nawww)
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HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO SHINE...
We check out another stunning build from the award winning Sawyer cave. Keith’s stunning blown 1947 Chevy Fleetmaster
If you think your ride deserves to be in here, drop us a photo and let us know about it. Every issue we will be picking a random car to show off. Plus, we may just stop in and do a full photo shoot for you and for us to feature.
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