1932 Buick Series 90 Convertible Coupe

This 1932 Buick Model 96C Convertible was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held at Meadow Brook. It was offered without reserve and estimated to sell for between $150,000 - $175,000. The car is powered by a 344.8 cubic-inch overhead valve eight-cylinder engine capable of producing over 110 horsepower. It has a three-speed sliding gearbox with synchromesh and there are mechanical drum brakes on all four wheels. It is finished in a burgundy two-tone color combination with a complimentary tan colored top. The interior is ivory leather accented by burgundy piping and carpeting. It comes equipped with Tilt Ray headlamps, Trippe safety lights, twin fender lights, dual side mounted spares with mirrors, a golf door, and a rumble seat. There are four wire wheels with wide whitewall tires. The rear mounted rack is fitted with a matching trunk making this a very versatile and capable vehicle for any touring event. This car has been judged by the CCCA and is expected to earn its Senior badge.

In 1932 a Buick powered car finished in 11th place at the Indianapolis 500, reinforcing the companies pursuit of performance. The Buicks for 1932 featured new styling including new hood doors instead of louvers, a raked windshield, and a tapered radiator. The Series 90 cars were the top of the line Buicks and were built atop of the large 134-inch wheelbase. There were a variety of body styles available, including the sporty 96C Convertible Coupe. This example was originally purchased for $1,805. A total of 289 buyers purchased the Convertible Coupe in 1932; its high price tag was steep for the economy which was struggling during The Great Depression.

At auction, the low production figures and quality restoration were rewarded as bidding quickly exceeded the vehicles estimated value. The selling price for this vehicle at auction was $209,000.

In 2010, this Buick Model 96C was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company Auction held in Amelia Island, Florida. The car was exptected to sell for $90,000 - $150,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $123,750, inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2010