Vehicle Description
1936 Buick Series 40 Special 4 Door Sedan
Buick introduced the 'Special' name to the Series 40 for 1936,
continuing as the entry-level model within the Buick range. Buick
began using the 'Series 40' designation in 1930 for its entry-level
six-cylinder model. The six-cylinder powerplant did not make it out
of 1930, replaced in 1931 by three new straight-eight engines. The
overhead-valve six-cylinder engine of the 1930 Series 40 with
257.5ci delivered 80 horsepower while the new entry-level 220.7ci
eight delivered 77 horsepower, (two extra cylinders but a smaller
displacement). Buick's model lineup for 1931 was absent from the
Series 40, comprising the Series 50, Series 60, Series 80, and
Series 90. It would remain this way until 1934 when the low-priced
Series 40 returned on May 12th of 1934. Its 117-inch wheelbase was
longer than that of the 1933 Series 50, however, it was both much
lighter in weight and less expensive. Prices began at $795 for the
two-door business coupe and rose to just over $900 for the sedan
with built-in trunk. The Series 40 was the only Buicks to receive
dual exterior-mounted horns in 1934. Buick added new color options
and additional exterior trim to the Series 40 for 1936, along with
a lockable glovebox, and dual windshield wipers. A new convertible
coupe body style joined the lineup, and mechanical updates included
an improved timing chain to combat the durability issues of the
previous unit, along with updates to the clutch. The painted
headlight shells were one of the most visual differences separating
the Series 40 with its siblings, which had chrome headlight
shells.
This 1936 marque mid-size Buick entry level vehicle is a wonderful
running vehicle that has undergone a comprehensive restoration
including a Doug Meyers rebuilt engine, new clutch, new brakes, and
a host of other new and rebuilt parts. It is wearing beautiful
black paint, stainless trim and chrome bumpers. A beautiful example
with very few faults to be seen, an honest version of what Buick
had to offer in 1936.
Exterior
Imperial Black covers this 4 door sedan with nary a flaw or
imperfection to be seen without using a magnifying glass or jewels
loupe. The chrome bumpers and brightwork retaintheir charming
beauty and show well. Deep set black bullet style headlights, and
fender mounted turn signals adorn the front of the car along with
bumperettes attached to the blingy front bumper. All of this
lighting is mounted around the split horizontal bar grille which
also looks lovely with its red Buick 8 badge. Black running boards
integrate to the fenders which holds a fully encased spare tire
cover mounted within the sweeping driver's fender. A wonderful hump
back trunk compartment gives the car a nice finishing line to the
back of the car. Art Deco style brightwork and handles are all in
wonderful condition. Like new medium white sidewall tires wrap
black painted steel wheels and are capped by Buick nameplate moon
style hubcaps. All of the glass is showing nicely with no signs of
delamination and I can't get enough of the large and in charge
design and split frame windshield.
Interior
A fresh new interior is installed in gray Bedford cloth, a change
from the original color and material, and there is plenty of it on
both front and rear bench seats, door panels, headliner, and even
door jambs have a hint of it next to the wind lace and beading. The
upper door panels and dash are painted a beautiful black and
highlight the gray cloth nicely. The dash presents perfectly with
the Art Deco style cream colored instrumentation and the original
banjo steering wheel all working together to create the "look". A
glovebox clock, as well as chrome knob covers, and symmetrical
panels coordinate with lush gray carpeting all in very good
condition complete the interior.
Drivetrain
The Buick Valve In Head straight eight which is touted as silent
oil cushioned displaces233ci engine and stretches the length of the
engine bay and looks clean as a whistle in striking dark green.
This engine was rebuilt approximately 2,000 miles ago by Doug
Meyers and we note a single Stromberg dual downdraft barrel
carburetor, topped by an oil bath air filter to feed the air and
fossils. A selective sliding gear 3-speed manual transmission with
a new clutch, pressure plate, and throwout bearing put plenty of
smooth power to the 4.40 geared rear axle. Not a high-speed
cruiser, but a solid combination that allows you to go forever and
at a reasonable pace. Our consignor notes that the generator and
starter were treated to a rebuild, a new water pump was installed,
the radiator was cleaned and rebuilt, and a new fuel pump was
installed to ensure trouble free operation.
Undercarriage
The undercarriage was not overlooked during the restoration as it
presents with strong solid steel for the framing and floors with
just a touch of surface rust here and there. Side rockers and body
hangers are in good condition and structurally sound. No invasive
rust damage anywhere to be seen. Independent coil springs for the
upfront suspension and leaf springs for the back are seen. Drum
brakes are all around and have recently been fully rebuilt with a
new master cylinder, lines, hoses, shoes and hardware. A stock
replacement style exhaust system is in charge of the exhale and is
looking just dandy.
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. Not a frown or hiccup was to be noted during my time
behind the wheel and frankly I enjoyed myself so much I took a few
cool down laps around the track so I could soak in all the Art Deco
perfection.
This beautiful big Buick graces our Hallowed Halls here at the Mall
and is a real standout. Beautifully restored in original Imperial
Black, wonderful trimmings, Art Deco inspired living room-esque
interior, and mechanically sound. Fly under the Cadillac radar
without sacrificing luxury in this preserved and restored "entry
level" sedan.
TRIM TAG
1936 MODEL 41-Series 40 Special Sedan
STYLE NO 36 4419-Series 40 Special 4 Door Sedan
BODY NO 34901
TRIM NO 246-Taupe Mohair
PAINT NO 420-Imperial Black
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.
