Vehicle Description
1928 Buick 116 Sport Coupe
The 1928 models were introduced on July 28, 1927, and the two
millionth Buick was built during November 1927. The new double drop
frame with deeper side channels provided a lower profile, (height
was reduced by three inches), and allowed Harley Earl's designers
new freedom to pen more stylish and modern designs. Design elements
included thinner windshield and corner posts, smooth and gently
sloping fenders, a smoother radiator shell, Wolverine bumpers, and
bullet shaped headlamps. The headlamps, windshield molding, and
radiator were all nickel plated. The Standard Six had painted
headlight shells while the Master Six chromed headlight shells. The
1928 Buicks gained four wheel Lovejoy hydraulic shock absorbers and
the engines had reshaped hemispherical combustion chambers and a
revised valve design. The Standard Six had a 3/4 floating rear axle
and the Master Six had a full floating rear axle. The gearbox was
now a standard H-shift pattern, and there was an adjustable
steering column. Gauges for the fuel level and engine temperature
were located on the dash. The Standard Six was built atop a
114.5-inch wheelbase platform while the Master Six had a larger
frame, measuring 120 inches on the Sedan and Deluxe Sedan, and all
other body styles had a 128-inch wheelbase.
For consignment, an older restored version of the 1928 Buick 116
Sport Coupe with a rumble seat still holding its own. This car has
some exterior paint issues, but does have a plush cloth interior
that begs to coddle your posterior and comes to our Hallowed Halls
with a non verifiable 44,473 miles on the odometer. The car does
run well, is a 1969 AACA National 1st winner and is a turnkey ride
that you can enjoy while you bring it back up to snuff.
Exterior
Cream paint adorns most of the body panels and shows with some chip
offs and areas where there is surface rust under this paint.
Earlier bodywork near the doors is showing some bubbling. The roof
is finished in a nicely contrasting black, also the fenders and
running boards are a contrasting black and are looking good. Chrome
trimmings include the radiator surround, headlight bezels, a triple
horizontal bar front bumper and split rear bumper, driving light
bezels on the cowl and door handles are on for dress up. This
chrome is in good condition as is the glass, and the window frames
are painted in cream and black which gives an interesting look to
the exterior. Running boards are the true sense of the word as they
are wood with nice aluminum step plates and are connecting the
curvaceous front and rear fenders. On the back, a single round tail
light and a spare tire between the bumpers is noted. Also seen are
the step ups to the rumble seat, a perfect place for your mother in
law or for when the kiddos won't stop talking about their favorite
YouTube star. 20-inch wood spoked wheels are nicely restored.
Definitely the look of the roaring 20's in its Harley Earl Design,
which is very refined and curvaceous, all accentuated with the two
tone cream and black.
Interior
Most interesting, and in very good condition considering the age of
the restoration, and if I were king I'd try to locate the same
material. Plush broadcloth in wide tuck and roll form on the seats
and colored black is virtually everywhere from the door panels to
the beautifully designed nouveau styled front bench, and even on
the side panels and headliner. The black painted dash is fairly
straightforward with simple instruments peppering the center and a
few extra knobs and pulls. A large wood rimmed steering wheel is
fronting the dash and with various throttle and spark advance
levers as well as 4 black metal central ribs. The floors are
covered in nice black carpeting and a peek in the rumble seat area
reveals slightly textured black vinyl for the seating area with
integral armrests, a very interesting use of materials for the
interior.
Drivetrain
Under the cowled hood is an inline 6 cylinder in 239.1ci form. It
has a 1-barrel carburetor and a selective sliding gear 3 speed
manual transmission. 4.90 is the rear axle on this model.
Undercarriage
Plenty of patina and some light surface rust albeit rare. All the
rest is black painted steel for the frame and gray wood underside
of the floorboards. The engine and rear pumpkin are showing some
oiling going on, but at almost 100 years old so would you.
Mechanical drum brakes are on all 4 corners and the front leaf
springs and the back a cantilever suspension design provides the
ride. A stock exhaust is on and a bit rusted but no holes. To keep
things running smoothly, our consignor states that the fuel tank
was recently cleaned and sealed.
Drive-Ability
As with the appearance of this car so goes the drive-ability, which
to sum up is smashingly wonderful. It has smooth acceleration, all
functions are performing as they should save for the brake lights
not lighting and the windshield wiper not wiping. The car handles
nicely, and stops well for a mechanical drum brakes car. While
Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at
the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions
will be working at the time of your purchase.
A nice model with a beautiful design and snappy interior coverings.
An inline 6 cylinder engine which was the Buick standard for many
years. In need of some TLC on the paint front, but in the end you
will have a stunner from the flapper era.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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