Vehicle Description
1938 Buick Limited Model 90 Touring
You would think a respectable country doctor in the late 1930's
would own a Cadillac. Oh contrary' as most country doctors knew
their patients were astute and the last thing they needed from a
patient showing up to see a Caddy in their driveway then they would
be thought too expensive. This was remedied by that country doctor
purchasing a comparable Buick. The "thrifty" choice of many a
country doctor offering up as much if not more luxury than the
current Cadillac of the day and keeping perceptions in check. Now
you know the secret, but don't tell anyone!
For consignment, a car that had Cadillac scratching its head in the
late thirties because it was that good at keeping up with the
Cadillacs (not the Kardashians). A beauty of a 1938 Buick 90, sleek
and long, room for 8 and bathed in a Gainsborough Blue. No body
work seen, as no rust is present either. This CCCA recognized
classic is a dream to drive and still retains its original 6-volt
system which is reliably maintained over the years. Our consignor
states a weekly driver, always insured, always garaged, always
cared for, always stunning to look at and drive.
Exterior
Weighing in at 4,608 pounds and sporting a wheelbase of 18 feet 3.5
inches, we are surrounded by plenty of Detroit iron all sculpted to
perfection to produce this stunner of an exterior. Grill work is
all sculpted chrome in horizontal rib format which creates a lazy V
shape in the front. A big vertical chromed strip trims the center
and rises to the occasion of the rounded bulbous hood with side
trim venting and a trim spear which runs the length of the car at
the beltline. Round bullet style headlights with Gainsborough Blue
painted casings and more trimmings in chrome flank either side of
the grille. Just below are 2 large round fog lights which float
above the BUICK 8 badged bumper. English wheel shaped round front
fenders hang off either side and sport a bullet style turn signal
neatly attached to the top dead center of each fender. As we move
rearward, a metal and chrome trimmed spare tire cover is inserted
into the back of each front fender just prior to meeting up with
the running boards. 4 doors share the same B pillar on either side
allowing full access to front and back passengers. Windows are
carved into the roofline and all have rounded designs with an extra
rear window on the way back for the rear bench occupants. On back a
split window hovers above a humpback trunk lid which is met on
either side by the rounded rear fenders topped with a simple
taillight and curved bumper below. All paint is excellent with no
bubbles or major faults.
Interior
A swing of the doors and we see fuzzy broadcloth in tan with some
stitched own piping. Within this field are also shiny handles and
cranks all with nicely aged cream colored bakelite bezels and knobs
on their ends. Inside a button and tufted tuck and rolled front
bench spans the distance between the nice door panels. The
broadcloth is flawless and has some darker thin stripes for its
pattern. Entering through the rear doors you are greeted with an
open table like cabinet in lieu of the optional jump seats, topped
with a padded seat tucked in just behind the front bench. A big
expanse of tan carping floods the floors between the "bar"/chair
and overstuffed rear bench. This bench has the striped broadcloth
of the front bench and is overstuffed with buttoned pleats and a
padded fold down armrest is present in the center. Padded and
upholstered arms on either side with ashtrays are installed...smoke
'em off ya got 'em! Beautiful fuzzy broadcloth covers all vertical
pillars and even the headliner is said cloth. The art deco for the
dash is metal in shades of brown and has satin aluminum insert
panels for the instruments along with some chromed horizontal
ribbed accenting and a banjo style steering wheel in black
bakelite. Putting' on the ritz...super-duper!
Drivetrain
The cowled hood hides underneath it a 320ci Inline 141hp 8-cylinder
engine with a single 2-barrel carburetor and a 3-speed manual
transmission on back. 4.55 is the rear axle ratio.
Undercarriage
The engine bay has been restored a while ago and presents nicely,
and the undercarriage shows surface rust covering the X frame and
floor pans. Side rockers and body hangers are in good condition
structurally sound. No invasive rust damage anywhere to be seen.
Independent coil springs for the upfront suspension and a 3 link
with coil springs for the back. Drum brakes are all around and
Smitty mufflers have been recently installed.
Drive-Ability
This big car fired right up and off to the test track where it
produced a very smooth enjoyable ride. Good acceleration, strong
shifting and good braking are just a few of the highlights of my
experience. The radio works as it's been rewired. The heat blows
nice toasty air. All functions are working except for the
windshield wipers and clock.
This beautiful big Buick graces our hallowed halls here at the Mall
and is a real standout. In beautiful Gainsborough Blue, wonderful
trimmings, are deco inspired living room-esque interior, and
mechanically sound. Fly under the Cadillac radar without
sacrificing luxury. Documented maintenance provided of all
performed tasks whole in the current consigner's possession.
TRIM TAG
MODEL 38 91-Series 91 Saloon
STYLE 38 4919-1938 Series 91 Saloon 6 Passenger
BODY 243-Flint Body #
TRIM 623-Tan Bedford Cloth
PAINT 515-Black
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
