Vehicle Description
Vehicle to be offered for Auction sale WITHOUT RESERVE and SOLD to the highest bidder January 19th - 22nd, 2017 at Russo and Steele's 17th Annual Scottsdale Arizona Auction at the Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Please contact us for more information.
As the cornerstone division of the giant General Motors, Buick updated its model line for 1923 with substantially improved styling cues including crowned fenders, cowl lights, and new drum-shaped headlamps. A fresh new grille design would remain virtually unchanged through 1927. Comprehensive technical improvements delivered greater durability and ease of operation. Among the changes were repositioned rear spring hangers, a lowered suspension, and a transmission lock. Increased engine life was achieved through a hardened cylinder-block casting, and a larger crankshaft, plus strengthened connecting rods, pistons, and main bearings. Organized along four- and six-cylinder lines, Buick's Series 23 cars were available in a wide range of 15 open and closed body styles, virtually assuring a Buick model for virtually every possible purpose and price point.
While long known for solid engineering and excellent value, Buicks were among the fastest cars of the era. In particular, both its four- and six-cylinder engines benefited from the engineering prowess of Walter L. Marr. A close associate of company founder David Dunbar Buick, Marr devised the sophisticated "valve in head" OHV cylinder heads that set Buick engineering far above the competition, both before and after World War II. To prove the point, a modified Buick Series 23-Six Sport Roadster was timed at 108.24 mph at California's Muroc Dry Lake. Sales were healthy too, with Buick posting model year production of nearly 182,000 cars and building its millionth passenger car on March 21, 1923.
This beautifully finished 1923 Buick Model 23-39 2-Passenger Sport Roadster is quite rare as one of only 1,971 cars of its kind originally produced, in comparison to the far more common Series 23-45 Touring, of which some 45,000 were built. It clearly benefits from a total nut-and-bolt restoration costing in excess of $50,000 and performed on a well-preserved car. Features of this Model 23-39 Sport Roadster include Buick's 170 cubic inch overhead-valve four-cylinder engine that develops 35 horsepower on a trim 109-inch wheelbase chassis that weighs in at 2,445 pounds. Other highlights include correct leather upholstery and a quality Stayfast canvas top. Optional Tuare disc-type steel wheels and front bumper are fitted to this exceptional model. All mechanicals have been restored and the car runs and drives very well.
Quite rare when new and even more so today, this 1925 Buick Sport Roadster is a highly attractive and desirable alternative to the much more common Fords and Chevrolets of the era. Accordingly, it is well suited for continued enjoyment by its next fortunate owner. This outstanding early American car is eligible for AACA (Antique Automobile Club of America) or BCA (Buick Club of America) events and it is very well suited for the discriminating collector or museum.
Offered Without Reserve.
