Vehicle Description
Rolling into the 1930s, Buick was riding high; their confidence
boosted after a series of highly successful years. The late 1920s
had been quite good for General Motors' cornerstone marque, readily
achieving top-five results in the sales charts. In 1929, Buick
celebrated its silver anniversary with the introduction of a line
of larger and more powerful models, styled by the recently
appointed head of GM's new Art and Colour Section, Harley Earl.
Unfortunately, the new design was not universally loved, and a
prominent bulge along the beltline earned it the nickname, the
"pregnant Buick," however unfair that may have been. Aside from the
unfounded criticisms of the styling, the 1929 models were well
built and had excellent performance courtesy of a range of
overhead-valve six-cylinder engines After the troubles of 1929,
Buick sought to restore their image with the introduction of a
refreshed model line, complete with a simplified naming scheme. The
low-cost Marquette brand notwithstanding, Buick's 1930 lineup
consisted of the Series 40, Series 50, and Series 60, with
118-inch, 124-inch, and 132-inch wheelbases, respectively. All
Buicks had overhead-valve inline six-cylinder engines, and the
Series 50 and 60 shared the larger 331.4 cubic-inch, 99 horsepower
unit. The technical improvements paired with graceful new styling
that fully redeemed the folly of the previous year. As the flagship
of the range, the Series 60 was available in seven different body
styles starting with the sporty 2/4-passenger rumble seat roadster
priced at $1,585, and culminating with an elegant factory-built
limousine at $2,070, putting the big Buick just below LaSalle in
GM's hierarchy. All Series 60 models shared the same 132-inch
wheelbase, allowing for particularly striking and well-proportioned
styling, especially the two-door styles. In 2017, the Classic Car
Club of America recognized the 1930 Series 60 as a Full Classic,
making it one of a select few Buicks to join that elite company.
Beautifully restored and presented in a handsome blue and black
livery, this 1930 Buick Series 60 is one of fewer than ten
factory-built roadsters known by the Buick Club of America. This
example was the subject of a high-quality, body-off, nut-and-bolt
restoration performed in the late 1990s, and it has been very well
maintained in the years since. In 1996, Mr. P.E. Kneedler of Rancho
Cordova, California, discovered this rare Buick tucked away at a
winery in nearby Placerville, California. Photos taken shortly
after its discovery reveal the Buick was a complete and driving car
before the restoration, albeit a bit tired with many layers of
paint on the body. After removing years of old paint, the restorers
found the body to be remarkably good, with virtually no corrosion
in the sheet metal and excellent original wood. There was little
doubt the big Buick had lived a charmed life out on the west coast.
The comprehensive, photo-documented restoration included stripping
and repainting the chassis, along with a complete overhaul of the
driveline. Following years of care and enjoyment with private
collectors, this Buick now displays a charming character and subtle
mellowing of the restoration. The main body features lovely dark
blue paint, trimmed with light blue accents and black fenders. The
paintwork has a warm luster, with fine detailing overall and a very
slight patina from care and enjoyment. It wears numerous
period-correct accessories, including dual Trippe Lights, twin
side-mount spares, wind wings, cowl lamps, Mercury mascot (the god,
not the car), and a truck rack complete with a covered factory
accessory trunk. Chrome plating all appears in good order, and it
rides on restored wood-spoke artillery wheels with whitewall tires
and chrome center caps. The sporty cockpit has room for two in
front with a rumble seat for two occasional passengers. The black
leather upholstery has taken on a rich and inviting character with
use, showing some minor creasing on the driver's side. The dash is
painted black, with a burl walnut insert and original instruments
and controls all presented in good order. Door panels and carpets
are tidy and consistent with the well-kept older restoration. A
navy-blue canvas top and matching trunk cover complement the paint
colors wonderfully, and a set of matching side screens are included
for all-weather touring comfort. Buick's 331.4 cubic-inch
inline-six is nicely presented under the hood, painted the proper
shade of dark green and detailed with period-correct hardware,
wiring, and plumbing. The painted surfaces show some wear
consistent with regular use, providing a good foundation for
additional detailing if the next owner so chooses. The chassis and
undercarriage show signs of routine running, with a moderate patina
appropriate for a tour-ready example. It runs and drives well, with
plenty of power and excellent road manners. As a CCCA Full Classic,
this Buick Series 60 Roadster is an ideal candidate for entry in
CARavan tours and other club gatherings. It is a rare, highly
attractive, and well-restored example of a very rare Classic Era
Buick that is wonderfully suited to regular enjoyment. Offers
welcome and trades considered For additional details please view
this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6578-1930-buick-series-60-roadster/
