For Sale: 1931 Buick Series 90 in Saint Louis, Missouri

While Cadillac sat at the top of the General Motors corporate hierarchy, Buick was a close second, comfortable in the role as GM's venerable Elder Statesman. For 1931, Buick committed fully to offering eight-cylinder engines across the line, introducing all-new motors featuring Buick's signature "Valve in Head" overhead valve design, pioneered by David Dunbar Buick's early associate and engineering genius, Walter L. Marr. The new Buick eights were unique to each series, sharing almost no common parts, excepting only the upper-level Series 80 and 90 - both powered by the big 345 cubic-inch unit rated at 104 bhp, and more importantly, 250 pounds-feet of peak torque at just 1,400 rpm. Performance was robust by early-1930s standards, establishing a Buick hallmark that would continue through the 1970s, when GM homogenized engines across brands.
The range-topping Series 90 rode on a grand 132-inch wheelbase chassis, to which buyers could fit an array of eight open and closed body styles. The glamorous Series 90 signaled Buick's confident intent to lure buyers from prestigious competition, including its corporate sibling, Cadillac. Styling, overseen by GM design Chief Harley Earl, is a Classic Era� masterpiece by any standard, subtly incorporating elements that made Earl's 1927 LaSalle and contemporary Cadillacs so appealing to buyers. In fact, some Fisher- and Fleetwood-built bodies from Buick's Series 90 line were even shared across the GM range with Cadillac, making the big Buick an even more enticing value to many buyers.
Finished handsomely in Everglade Blue with Ebony Black fenders and Normandy Grey feature lines, this rare and elegant Buick Series 90 features the factory's marvelous Sport Roadster coachwork. This is one of 843 sport roadsters built in 1931, representing the sporty side of Buick. Exuding Classic Era� elegance, it is a fully restored example offered from long-term ownership by a marque enthusiast, and for many years it sat alongside a matching 1931 Country Club Coupe in the owner's stable. Befitting a prestigious flagship of the era, this car is well equipped with a host of period accessories which includes dual side mount spares, wind wings, cowl lamps, Buick's famous Hermes mascot, dual Pilot-Ray driving lamps, a radiator stone guard, wire wheels, and a trunk rack supporting a super cool reptile-skin trunk.
The subject of a detailed restoration some years ago, this Buick remains in fine condition throughout. The paintwork and chrome were finished to high standards and have been well maintained, and the car has lost little of its visual impact. Occupants enjoy lovely light tan leather upholstery, which carries over to the rumble seat. There's also a superbly crafted tan canvas roadster top, and gorgeous woodgrain-effect detail in the gauge cluster.
Buick's big 345 cubic-inch inline-eight is well detailed overall, displaying some light signs of use while retaining its authenticity. Touches like Buick-branded hoses, a period accessory oil can, and period clamps and hardware demonstrate the quality and attention paid to all parts of the restoration.
With abundant power and torque from the refined overhead valve eight, a smooth-shifting 3-speed manual transmission and a well engineered chassis, the Buick Series 90 is a superlative driver's car for the era. And since it is one of very few Buicks to enjoy Full Classic� recognition by the Classic Car Club of America, it is eligible for their prestigious touring and concours events, as well as a host of Antique Automobile Club of America gatherings. With its sporty and elegant 2/4 passenger roadster body and beautifully detailed restoration, this marvelous Buick Series 90 will undoubtedly make a fine - and rarely seen - addition to any grouping of Classic Era automobiles, proudly representing one of America's most venerable marques.

Offers welcome and trades considered.