1940 Buick Series 80 Limited Fastback Convertible Sport Phaeton

By the late 1940s, Buicks were one of the best-selling American cars. The 1940 top-of-the-line Buicks, the Roadmaster and Limited, had become quite popular among luxury car purchasers, giving even Cadillac a run for its money. In 1940, Buick had a higher horsepower engine than the Cadillac at 141 horsepower vs. Cadillac's 140. The difference was even greater in 1941, with the Cadillac at 150 vs. the Limited at 165 horsepower making it the most powerful American car at the time. Cadillac management objected to the Buick having higher horsepower but was overruled by top GM executives. The 1940 Limited had a 320 cubic-inch 141 horsepower straight 8 overhead valve engine. It was large with a 133-inch wheelbase and shared basic body shells with Cadillac.

Buick introduced the Model 81C, a four-door convertible phaeton, on September 22, 1939. There were only 230 produced. The car sits on a 133-inch wheelbase, it has standard heaters and defrosters and seats six. All 1940 Buicks were delivered with oil filters and sealed beam headlights.

The straight-eight engine displaces 320 cubic inches and develops 141 horsepower. This car is well-optioned, sporting a front bumper guard, fog lights, and a telescoping vacuum antenna.

The current owner purchased this car ten years ago from a body shop in Delaware. The vehicle was in pieces when it was purchased. It underwent a lengthy (4,500 hour) full frame-off restoration at Prueitt Auto Restoration of Glen Rock, Pennsylvania. Analysis of the first layer of paint revealed that the original color was Bandelier Blue and this has been duplicated. Authenticity has been maintained throughout. This was completed in 2012.

This car was originally delivered to one of the DuPont families in Delaware. A DuPont crest was found under layers of paint during restoration. The car was rescued from a junkyard in 1957 and went through two more owners.