To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Arizona
event, 17 - 18 January 2019.
Estimate:
$55,000 - $65,000
- Offered from the Torque Collection
- 1950s-style mild custom
- Warmed-up straight eight
- Beautiful paint and interior
- Modern upgrades and period options
Business coupes were offered by many automakers before and after
World War II, catering to the needs of traveling salespeople. The
area behind the front seats held storage shelves for sample cases
and other items. Buicks of 1938 were quite fast and comfortable,
offering for the first time full coil-spring suspension. A big
straight eight fed a three-speed manual transmission, although a
new automatic was available.
This beautiful Sahara Silver Metallic 1938 Buick was owned for many
years by a noted Minnesota collector. While a restoration began in
2002, the project was completed by Regal Roadsters of Madison,
Wisconsin. This unusual mild custom presents a very period flavor
with many modern conveniences. What is believed to be its original
"Dynaflash" engine was slightly modified with an overbore and a
pair of Stromberg carburetors mounted on a split intake manifold.
Atop the engine is a prototype "Du Rousseau" finned cast-aluminum
valve cover manufactured by the owner of a foundry who was a
supplier to Crosley. It is the only one of its kind. The electrical
system, including the windshield wipers, has been upgraded to 12
volts throughout, including a single-wire alternator. This
intriguing Buick has been equipped with power steering from a 1975
Buick LeSabre, power brakes from a 1963 Ford Ranchero, and a Walker
radiator with electric fan.
A Vintage Air heater warms the interior, which reveals delightful
Art-Moderne touches in the fully equipped dashboard and interior.
There is a custom-built rear seat which replaced the original
storage shelf; the seats and interior panels are trimmed in
cranberry leatherette; the floor and trunk carpeting is charcoal
German loop; and there is a new English broadcloth headliner.
Stock-appearing winding handles operate the electric windows. A
modern, high-end stereo entertainment system has also been
installed.
Tasteful body modifications include grey-tinted glass, bumpers
moved closer to the body, and custom turn signals. New running
boards from Hunley Acuff were fitted, and rear skirts carry chrome
deco spears. The suspension was upgraded with modified coil springs
and GM progressive bump stops.
A detailed build sheet, restoration and service invoices, and
component manuals are included with this delightful business coupe,
which enjoyed a full service and fluid change in April 2018.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/az19.
