Whether you like auctions or not, they’re a good finger-on-the-pulse barometer of what hot rods and kustoms are selling for. Our “Auction Watch” column here at Rod Authority brings you some of the coolest cars offered around the country from some of the biggest and most recognized auction houses.

This week, we check out a very nice 1947 Buick Super 8 Custom convertible restomod, (Lot #735) that crosses the auction block at Barrett-Jackson in Palm Beach, April 11-13, 2019.  This car reminds us of Icon’s Derelict Buick build, minus the patina vibe. The car was built by Don Gasiunas, out of Toronto, Ontario.

“Lot #735 – This 1947 Buick Super 8 custom convertible is powered by an LSA-supercharged 6.2-liter GM crate engine producing 580hp, 550 lb-ft of torque, is connected to a 4L85E automatic transmission. It’s equipped with a 9-inch Strange rearend, 31-spline axles, 3.70 gears, and custom 3-inch Flowmaster heat-coated dual exhaust.

“The Art Morrison GT chassis includes power rack & pinion steering, fully adjustable ride height and JRI coilovers. The braking power is provided by Wilwood 6-piston calipers, 14-inch rotors, and stainless-steel brake lines. The engine is cooled by a custom-built aluminum Be Cool radiator finished in Satin Black.

“Fuel system components are from Aeromotive and include an oversized 38-gallon, stainless-steel fuel tank with a capless fuel filler. The paint was stripped off the body with a media-blasting method, the rear fenders were welded to the body to achieve a smooth look, and the body was meticulously hand-sanded and blocked to achieve laser-straight body lines and gapping, finished off with a custom blend of Valspar paint. The frame was finished in matching colors.

“This restomod includes a matching blue Stayfast convertible top over a Camel leather interior utilizing nine hides of European leather. The interior features custom power seats for added legroom and comfort, and an Ididit tilt steering column with a custom steering wheel.

“The car was upgraded to Classic Industries gauges with a vintage font. Some of the interior features include push-button start, modern power windows, power convertible top, custom Kenwood sound system with navigation, iPhone integration, backup camera and Sirius XM radio.

“A complete modern American AutoWire harness was installed, along with a built-in CTEK battery tender and LED lighting throughout. This one-of-a-kind convertible is riding on a set of Foose 18-inch’ billet wheels, with the whitewall being a part of the rim. The build was completed in March 2018 and the car has been driven 1,000 miles since completion.”

This is the kind of build that you could drive and enjoy. Just think of cruising this down Santa Monica Blvd in LA, Woodward Avenue in Detroit, or a verdant, serpentine mountain road near you. This was a big dollar build and yet is offered with “no reserve.”

We think this thing will fetch big bucks. Most definitely six figures, based on other, similar builds of this stature.  Stay tuned to Rod Authority and Barrett-Jackson for all the updates.  What do you think this will bring when the gavel falls?