Customs are all about taking something familiar and making it unique as seamlessly as possible and this 1953 Buick Special hardtop is a prime example. Subtle detailing transform the look but most guys won't be able to say exactly what has changed and that's exactly the point. You could actually get a red and white Buick in 1953 and the flashy colors really work well on the rounded Special sheetmetal. Hardtops were still a relatively new invention in 1953 with the Riviera creating the look in 1949 and quickly spreading throughout the in Buick lineup. This one sports a number of familiar body mods including some shaved door handles modified side trim and teardrop spotlights. More advanced tweaks include the 1957 Packard taillights that are so expertly grafted onto the Buick's quarters that they look like they were born there. The paint has a wonderful shine and uses period-correct colors so it looks like it could have been built back then particularly the red which doesn't need metallic or other tricks to look fantastic. And whenever you're talking about a Buick chrome is a big part of the discussion. Fortunately this '53's toothy grin and heavy bumpers have all been nicely restored and show quite well even keeping the tri-color Buick shield in the front bumper and "bombsight" hood ornament.The custom interior is even more brilliant combining original Buick details with bucket seats and a console lifted from a 1966 Ford Thunderbird. Fully upholstered in white it has a definite full-on custom vibe going on and the juxtaposition of the parts means that there's OEM durability built right in. The Special's original dashboard now houses custom Dolphin white-faced gauges and a late-model GM tilt column holds a sporty LaCarrera wheel. The center stack was Buick's trademark from the late '30s and there's still an original AM radio living up top although it's been supplanted by an AM/FM/cassette head unit underneath which actually delivers the tunes. The back seat area features the Thunderbird's wrap-around chairs that have a very inviting look and black carpets keep everything anchored. The trunk is huge as I'm sure you expect and it's nicely finished with gray fabric and a big JL Audio subwoofer and other stereo equipment.The remarkable engine bay is anchored by big time Buick power a 455 cubic inch V8. They obviously went to extreme lengths to create an underhood area that was every bit as dramatic as the body and nailed it in a big way. The smooth fenders and firewall are painted body color to highlight the engine in the middle. All the plumbing and electrical bits have been neatly tucked out of sight and the air cleaner is a Buick piece that comes from the '50s. A big aluminum radiator HEI ignition power steering and 4-wheel disc brakes mean that it drives like a modern car. The undercarriage is pretty stock with custom A-arm front suspension with power rack-and-pinion steering a trick 1-into-2 exhaust system that sounds awesome and a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission as the noteworthy upgrades. Torque Thrust wheels look right on any '50s cruiser and carry right-sized Bridgestone radials that really stuff the big fenders.Beautifully built and amazingly well detailed this slick Buick goes full custom without forgetting that driving is the best part of any cool car. Call today!