LOT 285 •
1938 Buick Special Convertible Chassis no. 13352342
Estimate: US$55,000 - US$65,000
Lot 285•
1938 Buick Special Convertible Chassis no. 13352342
The Greenwich Concours d'Elegance, Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia|7 June 2009, 12:00 EDT|Connecticut, Greenwich
1938 Buick Special Convertible
Chassis no. 13352342
Chassis no. 13352342
Before World War II, there was no blurring of the hierarchy at General Motors. The ladder built by GM boss Alfred P. Sloan started with Chevrolet, with Pontiac a rung up, followed by Oldsmobile, Buick, LaSalle and Cadillac. Although positioned between Oldsmobile and LaSalle, there was nothing inexpensive or bare-bones about the Buick. It was a very good car that held a fair bit of status in its own right.
Within the Division, Buick had as hierarchy of its own, consisting of four series: Special, Century, Roadmaster and Limited. As a result, Buick was able to offer cars for as little as $900 and as much as $2,300, which helped considerably to broaden the company's appeal.
The long hood of the Buick made it clear that power came from a straight-eight. In the case of the Special, it was a 248 cid, overhead-valve unit producing 100 horsepower. It was mated to a three-speed manual transmission with a floor-mounted gearshift lever. The chassis was fitted with General Motor’s "Knee-Action" independent front suspension and solid rear axle. Hydraulic drum brakes were fitted at all corners.
It is reported that the Flint-built Buick Special here was formerly the subject of a body-off restoration, which on inspection was found to have worn fairly well. Its chassis, bodywork and interior trim all remain in good order, with only a few minor signs commensurate with use starting to show. We are told that mechanically it has received a new water pump, generator, starter and ignition, which we believe was carried out to recommission the car after a period of Museum storage. The car has the original period options of heater, dual sidemounts and whitewall tires.
A handsome and usable Buick, which could be an excellent car for an organized tour.
Within the Division, Buick had as hierarchy of its own, consisting of four series: Special, Century, Roadmaster and Limited. As a result, Buick was able to offer cars for as little as $900 and as much as $2,300, which helped considerably to broaden the company's appeal.
The long hood of the Buick made it clear that power came from a straight-eight. In the case of the Special, it was a 248 cid, overhead-valve unit producing 100 horsepower. It was mated to a three-speed manual transmission with a floor-mounted gearshift lever. The chassis was fitted with General Motor’s "Knee-Action" independent front suspension and solid rear axle. Hydraulic drum brakes were fitted at all corners.
It is reported that the Flint-built Buick Special here was formerly the subject of a body-off restoration, which on inspection was found to have worn fairly well. Its chassis, bodywork and interior trim all remain in good order, with only a few minor signs commensurate with use starting to show. We are told that mechanically it has received a new water pump, generator, starter and ignition, which we believe was carried out to recommission the car after a period of Museum storage. The car has the original period options of heater, dual sidemounts and whitewall tires.
A handsome and usable Buick, which could be an excellent car for an organized tour.
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| • | Exempt from tax |
| Zero rated for tax, no tax will be added to the Hammer Price or the Buyer's Premium. |