Mecum Auctions often throws up a few surprises. The car auction giant often has a few classic car gems hidden among its classifieds, and some of the rarest cars on earth too. This 1996 Buick Blackhawk Factory Custom is one of those rare cars. It’s a one-off build complete to celebrate Buick’s centennial anniversary, and this is everything that you need to know about this incredible piece of history.

The Details Behind The Buick

1996 Buick Blackhawk Factory Custom Rear Quarter View
via Mecum Auctions

The Blackhawk is a retro 2+2 convertible concept built back in 1996 to help celebrate the centennial anniversary of the Buick motor company. The car is the work of Steven Pasteiner. At the time he was a consulting engineer for AAT as well as being a former Buick designer himself.

For its powertrain, the Blackhawk has a 463-hp V8 engine that, remarkably, was a 1970 Buick 455 cubic inches engine with electronic fuel injection. This ensured that retro would be very much at the heart of the car. That engine's power goes through a 4L80E four-speed automatic transmission.

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Corvette Suspension At The Front And Rear

1996 Buick Blackhawk Factory Custom Interior View
via Mecum Auctions

For the suspension, Buick looked to their friends over at Chevrolet. As such, the car has Corvette-sourced independent front and rear suspension, to help give it some real sporting credentials. The nods to the past continue throughout the car.

The grille on the Blackhawk is from a 1939 Buick. The sheet metal used on the car is actually from 1941 and 1948 Roadmasters, and the interior of the car is contemporary from its build year of 1996. That interior being from a 1995 Buick Riviera. Despite all the nods to the most, there are still plenty of modern amenities and features on the car.

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Modern Features Bring It Up To Date

1996 Buick Blackhawk Factory Custom Side View
via Mecum Auctions

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The Blackhawk has power steering power brakes and cruise control, to show this is about blending old and new. Power windows, top, flipper and deck controls are all present on the Blackhawk, and hiding in the center console.

The car becomes even more remarkable when we learn that it went to various Buick events and was a star in the film Bad Boys II. Hidden headlamps and a carbon fiber hardtop, as well as MSD ignition are further features of this remarkable car. Given its blend of past and present and one-off nature, this should fetch a pretty penny at auction.

Source: Mecum Auctions