Vehicle Description
Limiteds were the top of the line Buicks built in 1940. They were
so nice that Cadillac was lobbying GM execs to stop production of
the car because it was competing effectively with their much more
expensive models. Buick's counter argument was that they didn't
plan to build that many of them, so Caddy could go pound salt. (Or
something along those lines). So, what you have the opportunity to
purchase today, is a very nice example of a very special, and
appropriately named, Limited Buick.
These cars were built for families that wanted to travel in comfort
and style. And stylish they are. This one is presented in a rich
shade of Burgundy, which is the perfect color for this
distinguished car. The long piano hinged hood reaches out from the
windshield and narrows toward the front with a line of chrome
running down the center and an ornament proudly perched at the
front. From there it cascades down with Buick Eight in script
appearing just above the split chrome grill of horizontal lines.
Fenders flow smoothly out from there with the headlights and
markers perched on them, and everything is underlined by a simple
chrome bumper. Twin side mounted spares add some nice pre-war charm
and saves enough luggage space in the trunk for extended family
vacations. The split windshield is matched at the back by a split
rear window and a chrome accent runs front to rear along the
side.
The doors open toward each other which is another charming old
school feature of this car and offers easy access to a plush Tan
cloth interior. The door panels are simple with wood and metal
trimming out the windows. The upholstery on the bench seats has
been nicely restored and is quite comfortable while the dash has
more of an original look and feel to it. There is a three spoke
steering wheel with a full circle horn ring and a Buick center
button. A machine turned dash panel has the speedometer in the
center with a battery and water temp gauge on the left and fuel and
oil on the right. There is a Sonomatic radio in the center below a
chrome speaker grill and a clock in the glovebox door on the
passenger side. The back seat is particularly luxurious with a rear
quarter window insuring great sightseeing for the passengers on a
long ride and there is even a footrest bar for extra comfort.
Open that long piano hinged hood and you will find Buicks 320 cubic
inch straight-8 engine. It was designed to provide smooth, quiet
power and accomplished that quite well by providing plenty of
torque and about 140 horsepower which was quite respectable in
1940. The sounds that it does make is especially entertaining these
days as it is not like the sound of a modern V8. The engine is
completely stock with signs of new gaskets which suggest that it
has probably been rebuilt at some point. The power it makes flows
back through a 3-speed manual transmission to the solid rear axle
which is located by trailing arms and mounted on fresh coil springs
with air bags added for extra ride control. Up front a control arm
suspension, also with fresh springs as well as a sway bar give this
Buick its signature luxurious ride and good handling
characteristics. Burgundy steel wheels with polished trim rings and
hub caps completes the picture.
This is a shining example of a top-or-the-line pre-war Buick that
was built in very limited numbers. Come on down and check it
out.