11 Ultra-Rare Buicks You’ll Probably Never See on the Road

Buick has long been known for producing some of the most stylish and innovative vehicles in automotive history. Over the years, certain models have become particularly coveted due to their rarity, unique features, and limited production. Whether it’s a high-performance muscle car or a luxury cruiser, these rare Buicks continue to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike.

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Buick Y-Job (1938)

The Buick Y-Job is not only one of the rarest Buicks ever produced but also one of the most historically significant. Created as a concept car, only one Y-Job was ever made, designed by the legendary Harley Earl. It featured groundbreaking innovations for its time, including a fully automatic convertible top and a smooth, modern design that would influence many GM models in the years to follow. Its sleek, low-slung body was ahead of its time, signaling the shift towards more aerodynamically efficient designs in the automotive world.

Because it was a prototype and never went into production, the Y-Job is highly sought after by collectors and automotive historians alike. Its status as the first-ever concept car further cements its place as one of Buick’s rarest and most important vehicles. Today, the single Y-Job that exists is kept in pristine condition and is often displayed at prestigious automotive events, adding to its allure and desirability.

Buick Skylark 400 (1965)

The 1965 Buick Skylark 400 is a standout model in the Buick lineup due to its rarity and powerful performance. Only a limited number were produced, and its inclusion in Buick’s performance series marked a shift towards more muscle-oriented vehicles in the mid-1960s. The Skylark 400 came equipped with a 400-cubic-inch V8 engine, delivering exceptional horsepower and acceleration, making it a true muscle car of its era. The design was striking, featuring a clean, sharp look that attracted both car enthusiasts and Buick collectors.

What makes the Skylark 400 particularly rare is that many of these models were either heavily modified or destroyed over the years. As a result, the original, unmodified versions are incredibly hard to find, making them a prized possession for collectors today. The combination of low production numbers, performance credentials, and its status as a part of Buick’s muscle car history contributes to the Skylark 400’s place among the rarest Buicks ever produced. (Note that a 1968 Buick Skylark GS400 is pictured above.)

Buick Grand National GNX (1987)

The 1987 Buick Grand National GNX is one of the most iconic and rare vehicles ever to roll off a Buick production line. With only 547 units ever made, this limited-edition muscle car remains one of the most coveted models in Buick’s history. The GNX was a step above the standard Grand National, with a turbocharged V6 engine that produced more than 300 horsepower, making it one of the fastest American production cars of its time. Its black-on-black styling, paired with its immense power, made the GNX a standout in the late 1980s.

Collectors are drawn to the GNX not just for its low production numbers but also for its performance capabilities. The car’s rarity and the fact that many of them have been driven or modified over the years make the remaining unaltered models even more valuable. As one of Buick’s most revered performance cars, the GNX continues to hold a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts, particularly those who appreciate rare muscle cars from the 1980s. (Note that a 1987 Buick GNX 2-door hardtop is pictured above.)

Buick Riviera GS (1965)

The 1965 Buick Riviera GS is a symbol of luxury and performance, a perfect blend of style and power that only a few lucky buyers experienced. This special edition of the Riviera featured a 425-cubic-inch V8 engine, offering impressive acceleration and speed while maintaining the refined luxury for which Buick was known. With only 1,000 units produced, the Riviera GS was rare from the start, and its distinctive styling has only increased its allure over time.

In addition to its performance and rarity, the 1965 Riviera GS featured luxury details such as leather upholstery, a stylish interior, and a smooth, elegant exterior that made it a standout on the road. Today, owning one of these original models is considered a treasure for collectors, as the limited production numbers and the car’s high status make it one of Buick’s rarest and most revered vehicles.

Buick Roadmaster Woodie Wagon (1949)

The 1949 Buick Roadmaster Woodie Wagon is a unique and rare find for classic car enthusiasts. This station wagon, with its signature wood paneling on the sides, offers a nostalgic look into post-war Americana. Buick only produced a limited number of these wagons, and their distinctive appearance and functionality made them highly desirable for families at the time. The Roadmaster Woodie Wagon was powered by a 320-cubic-inch straight-eight engine, offering both power and style in a family vehicle.

As time went on, the production of wood-panel station wagons dwindled, making the 1949 Buick Roadmaster Woodie Wagon even rarer. Many of these cars were either lost to time or no longer in original condition, further increasing their rarity. For those lucky enough to find one in good condition today, it represents an important part of Buick’s post-war history and remains a prized collector’s item. (Note that a 1949 Buick Super Woodie Four Door Estate Wagon is pictured above.)

Buick GSX (1970)

The 1970 Buick GSX is a high-performance muscle car that remains a rare gem in the automotive world. With only 678 units produced, the GSX featured an impressive 455-cubic-inch V8 engine capable of producing 370 horsepower. Its stunning design, combined with its incredible power, made the GSX one of the most sought-after muscle cars of its era. The GSX was offered in two distinct colors, Saturn Yellow and Apollo White, which further contributed to its collectible status.

What makes the Buick GSX so special is its combination of performance, design, and rarity. Its low production numbers, paired with its muscle car credentials, make it an iconic piece of Buick history. Over the years, as more of these cars have been restored or modified, finding an unaltered, original GSX has become increasingly rare, pushing its value higher among collectors.

Buick Special 8-Cylinder Convertible (1939)

The 1939 Buick Special 8-Cylinder Convertible is a rare find due to its limited production and its place in Buick’s pre-war history. Buick produced only a small number of these cars, and its sleek design made it stand out from other vehicles of the time. Powered by an 8-cylinder engine, the Buick Special offered both style and performance in an era when luxury cars were becoming more refined. Its convertible top added to its appeal, offering an open-air driving experience that was highly sought after.

Due to its low production numbers and the passage of time, the 1939 Buick Special 8-Cylinder Convertible is a difficult model to find today, especially in original or well-restored condition. For classic car enthusiasts and Buick collectors, owning one of these rare convertibles represents owning a piece of automotive history from the tail end of the pre-war era.

Buick Regal GNX (1987)

The 1987 Buick Regal GNX is another rare and iconic model from the late 1980s, following in the footsteps of its predecessor, the Grand National. Only 547 units of the GNX were produced, making it one of the rarest vehicles of its time. It featured an upgraded turbocharged V6 engine, capable of reaching impressive speeds and performance benchmarks that rivaled many contemporary muscle cars. Its design, while similar to the Grand National, was more refined and had a more aggressive look, contributing to its collector’s appeal.

The Buick Regal GNX holds a special place in the hearts of collectors due to its limited production and unique performance capabilities. As with many low-production cars from this era, finding a well-maintained or original GNX is increasingly difficult, which only adds to its desirability and value in the collector market.

Buick Century Cabriolet (1942)

The 1942 Buick Century Cabriolet is another rare model that stands out due to its limited production and elegant styling. This car featured a powerful 248-cubic-inch inline-eight engine, combining solid performance with the luxury expected of a Buick. The Cabriolet model, essentially a convertible, was highly prized for its ability to offer open-air driving while maintaining a refined and smooth ride. However, production of the Century Cabriolet was cut short by World War II, making it even rarer.

Today, the 1942 Buick Century Cabriolet is a rare find among collectors due to its brief production run and the impact of World War II on vehicle manufacturing. Many of these cars were either destroyed or no longer exist in their original form, making the remaining examples even more valuable. For collectors of Buick history, this car represents a perfect mix of luxury, performance, and rarity. (Note that a 1939 Buick Century Convertible Coupe 4 is pictured above.)

Buick Riviera (1963)

The 1963 Buick Riviera is one of the most iconic models in Buick’s history, especially due to its sleek design and advanced engineering. The car was one of the first to feature a “floating” roofline and a clean, modern look that set it apart from other vehicles of its era. While not as rare in terms of production numbers, the 1963 Riviera holds a special place in Buick’s history as it marked the brand’s entry into the luxury coupe market. Its powerful 325-horsepower V8 engine also made it a formidable performer on the road.

Rarity comes into play with the 1963 Riviera due to the sheer number that have been lost over time or modified beyond recognition. Original models, particularly those that have been well-preserved, are hard to find, making this model a collector’s dream. The 1963 Buick Riviera continues to attract enthusiasts looking for a blend of style, luxury, and performance in a rare package.

Buick LeSabre Custom Convertible (1959)

The 1959 Buick LeSabre Custom Convertible is a prime example of Buick’s post-war luxury and design innovation. With only a small number of convertibles produced, it stands out as a rare find among classic car collectors. The LeSabre Custom Convertible featured an elegant design with a sweeping, longer body and a powerful 364-cubic-inch V8 engine, combining style with performance. Its bold tailfins and chrome details made it a true representation of late-1950s automotive design, a period known for its opulence.

Today, the 1959 LeSabre Custom Convertible is highly sought after for its rarity and unique style. Many of these vehicles were either heavily modified or lost to time, making unmodified, original examples incredibly rare. For collectors, the LeSabre represents a classic Buick design, combining both luxury and performance in a vehicle that’s now a rare piece of automotive history. (Note that a 1967 Buick LeSabre Custom Convertible is pictured above.)

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.