Fooled By eBay: 1948 Buick Super Convertible – $26,900

We love finding clues in seller’s descriptions in Craigslist ads that help us play detective to uncover a car’s bigger story. Our latest example highlights eBay’s fundamental flaw; there is no buyer accountability if they fail to make good on their winning bid. That appears to be the case with this stunning light blue-over-bright red leather 1948 Buick Super Convertible currently listed here on Craigslist in Hickory Hills, Illinois on March 23 for $26,900. A check of the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool confirms the asking price falls between this guide’s #4 “Fair” estimate of $19,700 and its #3 Good” appraisal of $34,400.

Normally, we would quickly dismiss this car to feature on Guys With Rides as a little digging revealed the seller is likely a broker posing as a private seller. However, in the seller’s Craigslist description of their ’48 Buick, they wrote, “This is no reserve auction.” That sent us looking for where the car might be on auction. While we intended to find an auction in progress (many sellers use Craiglist to further advertise their auctions – no harm, no foul), imagine our surprise when we confirmed the eBay No Reserve Auction on this Buick ended on March 20, three days before the seller posted their Craigslist ad.  The winning bid was $25,150. So, one of two things happened here: either the seller wasn’t happy with the final high bid (as evidenced by their $1,750 higher asking price now on Craigslist) and refused to sell the car for that price or the winning bidder reneged.  Since the winning bid seems market-appropriate and is close to the seller’s asking price, We lean towards the latter.

Unfortunately, the lack of commenting ability by either the buyer or seller on eBay leaves us fooled into thinking this pretty Buick convertible sold when in fact it hasn’t.

Sellers, don’t be fooled by eBay’s low auction rates to list a car on this site.  The reality is that you have very little recourse to go after the bidder who refuses to make good on their high bid.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“For sale amazing 1948 Buick Super Convertible.

The Buick Super is a full-sized automobile produced from 1940 through the 1958.When introduced in 1940 the new series Super featured the cutting-edge torpedo C body.

Under the large side-opening hood of this 1948 is period correct number matching 248 CID Fireball inline 8 cylinder engine that purrs into life and performs with smooth efficiency at speed.The 3 speed manual transmission with three on tree gives this ride authentic feeling and experience.Blue exterior looks great in combination with red interior.Chrome looks great and shiny with plenty of luster.Convertible top looks very nice too.This machine is center of universe everywhere it goes.Underneath looks solid without any rust.Looks better then most 3 year old cars.Frame,rockers,floors look very good.This vehicle was fully restored in late 80’s and still looks amazing.There is many new parts that come with it + old parts that were replaced.Always stored in dry storage.

2 antennas,plenty of moldings,super emblems,rebuilt carburetor,air filter box and many,many more.

This is no reserve auction

No trades

Open to offers

Clean title.

More pictures available upon request

Video of car driving available upon request

I can assist with shipping (domestic, international)but you have to pay for it. Some countries as low as $800“

Seller or Buyer: Who do you think reneged on this Buick?  Comment below and let us know!