 1937 Series 40 | 1939 40 Special  |
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1938 Buick Series 40 Special news, pictures, and information | ||
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 | Convertible Coupe Coachwork: Fisher Chassis Num: 43521879L3340099 | |
| Sold for $61,600 at 2007 Gooding & Company. | ||
The design of the 1938 Buicks were similar to the redesigned 1937s. They had long, swept-back lines, scalloped hubcaps, and a very distinctive grille. High-quality upholstery and trim could be found in the interior, with a state-of-the-art radio in the center of the dashboard.
This Model 46C convertible was designed for open-air driving. Its original owner was Bertha F. Cox of High Point, North Carolina and delivered on December 21st of 1937. The second documented owner was Ray Elkins of Marion who took ownership around 1942. The car would remain in his care for the next 50 years until 1994. It was sold to Ned Pellell who commissioned a restoration which took two years to complete.
The engine was rebuilt and the car was stripped to bare metal. Many of the mechanical systems were rebuilt, including the brakes and electrical wiring. A new clutch was installed. The interior was treated to the same treatment, with the upholstery including the rumble seat being restored. New trim was added and the top was redone by Jenkins and Vaughn.
The car is powered by a Dynaflash 8 and is equipped with factory side mounts and a rumble seat. There is a three-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel hydraulic brakes. The 248 cubic-inch engine produces 100 horsepower and powers the rear wheels.
In 2007 it was brought to the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, California and estimated to sell for $50,000 - $70,000 and offered without reserve. Those estimates proved nearly accurate, as the lot was sold for $61,600 including buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2010
 |  |  | Convertible Phaeton Chassis Num: 13279428 |
| Sold for $77,600 at 2007 Worldwide Auctioneers. | |||
This car is finished in formal black with burgundy stripes and a burgundy leather interior. It has a Haartz cloth top that was custom fitted for this car, is finished in black with red piping. There are four doors, split windshield, side-mounted and covered spare, and whitewall tires.
Offering a car without reserve means the car will be sold regardless if it meets the estimated value. In this case, the high bid fell within the estimated value, selling for $77,600 including buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2007
 |  | Drop Head Sport Sedan Designer: Lancefield |
The car is all original, with only 24,000 miles. It has a three position disappearing top, picnic tables, and Art Deco coach work. It has an all aluminum body with a straight eight 248 cubic inch engine.
The owner has successfully driven the car in many tours and has plans to participate in the Classic Car Tour of Alaska in July 2005.
 |  |  | Special Opera Coupe Chassis Num: 33307949 |
| Sold for $33,000 at 2007 RM Auctions. | |||
It is equipped with two fold down jump seats, dual side mounted spares with hard covers, radio, clock, twin driving lights, windshield wipers, and red steel wheels with chrome covers and rings wrapped in whitewall tires.
For 1938 Buick offered a broad line of vehicles including the Special, Century, Limited, and Roadmaster. This wide range of vehicles catered to many buyers' requests that ranged from engine size, price, bodystyle, and type of vehicle. Even during the market stagnation of the 1930s, Buick was able to sell 170,000 examples of their vehicles in 1938, and earned an overall fourth place within the American automobile industry in sales.
This Special Opera Coupe did find a new owner at auction with a winning bid of $33,000 including buyers premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2010
 |  |  | Convertible Coupe Coachwork: Fisher Chassis Num: 13272028 Engine Num: 2878284 |
| Sold for $66,000 at 2010 Gooding & Company. Sold for $59,400 at 2010 Gooding & Company. Sold for $57,750 at 2012 Gooding & Company. | |||
The engine is a 248 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine with dual downdraft carburetors and offering 107 horsepower. There is a three-speed semi-automatic gearbox and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. In the front is an independent suspension with a semi-floating rear axle and coil springs.
In 2010, it was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company Auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was estimated to sell for $60,000 - $80,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the lot was sold for the sum of $66,000, inclusive of buyer's premium.
It returned to auction in 2010, at Gooding & Company's sale held in Amelia Island, Florida. The car was estimated to sell for $60,000 - $80,000 and offered without reserve. The high bid of $54,000 (prior to buyer's premium), was enough to secure new ownership.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2010
 |  |  | Convertible Phaeton |
Four series were offered by Buick for 1938; the Series 40 (Special), 60 (Century), 80 (Roadmaster) and 90 (Limited). The lower-price series 40 was, by far, the biggest seller and offered eight different body styles.
The 1938 Buick Special was powered by a 248 cubic-inch inline eight-cylinder motor that developed 107 horsepower. The bodies were installed on a 122-inch wheelbase chassis.
Buick introduced the Series 40 in 1930 as a replacement for the Series 116. The Series 40 rode on a 118-inch wheelbase and powered by a 258 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine which produced 80 horsepower. Braking was through mechanical drums found on all four corners. The suspension was comprised of semi-elliptic springs and Lovejoy hydraulic shock absorbers. During its first year, there were six bodystyles to select from, including a Sedan, Sport Roadster, Business Coupe and Special Coupe in two-door configuration. A Phaeton and Sedan version were offered with four doors, with the four-door sedan with seating for five being the most popular bodystyle on the Series 40. Pricing was rather competitive, starting at $1260 and continuing through $1300. The Phaeton had seating for four or five, and had the lowest sales in the Series 40, total just under 1000 examples.
The name 'Series 40' remained dormant for a few years, making its re-appearance in 1934. They were again Buicks entry-level vehicle, though much had changed in these few short years. The Series 40 lightweight vehicles powered by an eight-cylinder engine that measured 233 cubic-inches and produced nearly 100 horsepower.
The name 'Series 40' would stick with Buick until 1959, when a new series naming scheme was introduced. During this time, the Series 40 would be powered by eight-cylinder engines which grew in size in power throughout the years.
For 1934, the Series 40 rested on a 117-inch wheelbase and had an entry price of a mere $795. The top-of-the-line Series 40 would set the buyer back $925. The four-door Club sedan continued to be the most popular of the Series 40, selling nearly 11,000 examples in 1934. Five body styles were available, including a two-door Touring Sedan, Sport Coupe, and Convertible Coupe.
For 1935, little changed. A few extra colors were added and the trim was revised slightly. Mechanical problems from the 1934 Series 40 were resolved, such as clutch and timing chain issues. A new bodystyle was added, the Convertible Coupe.
Changes occurred both visually and mechanical for 1936. The car now rested on an enlarged, 118-inch wheelbase. Over 77,000 examples of the four-door sedan were sold, which was a drastic improvement over the prior years sales figures. Much of the vehicles aesthetics received attention. The windshields and roof lines became more rounded. The spare tire was mounted discretely in the trunk for some body styles, and mounted on the left-hand side of the vehicle for others.
Sales continued to be strong throughout the 1930s for the Series 40. The car grew even larger in 1937, now sitting on a 122-inch wheelbase. The engine now measured 248 cubic-inches and produced 100 horsepower. Production continued until the onset of World War II, when the American automobile producers switched to aid in the production of war-time materials.
When production resumed in 1946, the Series 40 was the only model in Buick's lineup to utilize the prewar Fisher B-body styles of the postwar era. There were two body styles available, both resting on a 121 inch wheelbase and had seating for six. The four-door version cost $1,580 while the two-door version was priced at $1520. These were Buick entry-level vehicles, just as they had been in prior to World War II. Sales were slow, with around 3000 examples produced from the combined sales of the two- and four-door version. The 248 cubic-inch engine was rated at around 110 horsepower.
Major changes did not occur on the Series 40 until 1950, when the cars were given changes to their styling. The styling was modern and memorable, with the grille being one of the more distinguishable features on the car. Three vent-ports were now located on the side of the engine bay. The public approved of these changes, and sales were strong, reaching over 200,000 for the Series 40 and Series 40D. The Series 40D was a Special Deluxe model that had the same styling and size as the Series 40, but added improvements to the interior, addition trim and molding, and 'Special' on the front fenders.
In 1954 the Series 40 was given a new body that was lower and wider than it previously had. The front had a new grille design which many termed as the 'electric shaver' design. The front and rear windows were curved and there was enough glass throughout the drivers and passengers view to provide a nearly 360-degree view. Mounted under the hood was a new 264 cubic-inch V8 engine which produced over 140 horsepower. The vehicles outfitted with the Dynaflow gearbox had even more power. A new steering linkage and suspension gave the vehicle a smooth ride, complimenting the cars appearance.
By 1956, the Series 40 was given visual changes to its grille, ornamentation, and headlights. New bumpers were added to the front and rear of the vehicle. On the inside, the instrumentation was the same as other Buick models, a trend that had not been seen on Buicks since the pre-War era. Improvements to the engine meant an increase in horsepower, now rated at over 220 for the Dynaflow version. Sales were strong with the 2-door Riviera Hardtop being the most popular, with over 113,000 units sold in 1956. The price ranged from $2410 through $2775. The most expensive Series 40 was the six-person Estate Wagon which saw over 13,700 units being purchased.
There were many changes in 1957 to the Series 40, including a new grill insert, the 'B U I C K' name on the front of the car, chrome wings in the rear, along with a slew of other changes. In the back was a single exhaust pipe, with dual exhausts being offered for an additional cost. The three portholes on the side signified 'Super' while other models received four. Horsepower for the Dynaflow version had now reached 250 with 380 foot-pounds of torque. Sales continued to be strong, though they dipped a little from the prior year.
For 1958 the Buick Series 40 were given dual headlights in the front and an exorbitant amount of chrome. There was a circular ornament with a 'V', symbolizing V8, placed on the front and in the center of the hood. Dual horizontal moldings ran along each side of the vehicle, from front to back. Sales were strong, but they were still on the decline.
For 1959, Buick introduced their Series 4400 as a replacement for the Series 40. The Series 4400 was a very wide car with modern style indicative of the era.
The Series had served Buick for many years, as their entry level vehicle. The V8 engine found under the hood (except for the initial years) were more than adequate to carry the large and elegant bodies. Offered in a variety of bodystyles, the cars were versatile and accommodating to many individuals wishes and needs.
By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2007
For more information and related vehicles, click hereThe name 'Series 40' remained dormant for a few years, making its re-appearance in 1934. They were again Buicks entry-level vehicle, though much had changed in these few short years. The Series 40 lightweight vehicles powered by an eight-cylinder engine that measured 233 cubic-inches and produced nearly 100 horsepower.
The name 'Series 40' would stick with Buick until 1959, when a new series naming scheme was introduced. During this time, the Series 40 would be powered by eight-cylinder engines which grew in size in power throughout the years.
For 1934, the Series 40 rested on a 117-inch wheelbase and had an entry price of a mere $795. The top-of-the-line Series 40 would set the buyer back $925. The four-door Club sedan continued to be the most popular of the Series 40, selling nearly 11,000 examples in 1934. Five body styles were available, including a two-door Touring Sedan, Sport Coupe, and Convertible Coupe.
For 1935, little changed. A few extra colors were added and the trim was revised slightly. Mechanical problems from the 1934 Series 40 were resolved, such as clutch and timing chain issues. A new bodystyle was added, the Convertible Coupe.
Changes occurred both visually and mechanical for 1936. The car now rested on an enlarged, 118-inch wheelbase. Over 77,000 examples of the four-door sedan were sold, which was a drastic improvement over the prior years sales figures. Much of the vehicles aesthetics received attention. The windshields and roof lines became more rounded. The spare tire was mounted discretely in the trunk for some body styles, and mounted on the left-hand side of the vehicle for others.
Sales continued to be strong throughout the 1930s for the Series 40. The car grew even larger in 1937, now sitting on a 122-inch wheelbase. The engine now measured 248 cubic-inches and produced 100 horsepower. Production continued until the onset of World War II, when the American automobile producers switched to aid in the production of war-time materials.
When production resumed in 1946, the Series 40 was the only model in Buick's lineup to utilize the prewar Fisher B-body styles of the postwar era. There were two body styles available, both resting on a 121 inch wheelbase and had seating for six. The four-door version cost $1,580 while the two-door version was priced at $1520. These were Buick entry-level vehicles, just as they had been in prior to World War II. Sales were slow, with around 3000 examples produced from the combined sales of the two- and four-door version. The 248 cubic-inch engine was rated at around 110 horsepower.
Major changes did not occur on the Series 40 until 1950, when the cars were given changes to their styling. The styling was modern and memorable, with the grille being one of the more distinguishable features on the car. Three vent-ports were now located on the side of the engine bay. The public approved of these changes, and sales were strong, reaching over 200,000 for the Series 40 and Series 40D. The Series 40D was a Special Deluxe model that had the same styling and size as the Series 40, but added improvements to the interior, addition trim and molding, and 'Special' on the front fenders.
In 1954 the Series 40 was given a new body that was lower and wider than it previously had. The front had a new grille design which many termed as the 'electric shaver' design. The front and rear windows were curved and there was enough glass throughout the drivers and passengers view to provide a nearly 360-degree view. Mounted under the hood was a new 264 cubic-inch V8 engine which produced over 140 horsepower. The vehicles outfitted with the Dynaflow gearbox had even more power. A new steering linkage and suspension gave the vehicle a smooth ride, complimenting the cars appearance.
By 1956, the Series 40 was given visual changes to its grille, ornamentation, and headlights. New bumpers were added to the front and rear of the vehicle. On the inside, the instrumentation was the same as other Buick models, a trend that had not been seen on Buicks since the pre-War era. Improvements to the engine meant an increase in horsepower, now rated at over 220 for the Dynaflow version. Sales were strong with the 2-door Riviera Hardtop being the most popular, with over 113,000 units sold in 1956. The price ranged from $2410 through $2775. The most expensive Series 40 was the six-person Estate Wagon which saw over 13,700 units being purchased.
There were many changes in 1957 to the Series 40, including a new grill insert, the 'B U I C K' name on the front of the car, chrome wings in the rear, along with a slew of other changes. In the back was a single exhaust pipe, with dual exhausts being offered for an additional cost. The three portholes on the side signified 'Super' while other models received four. Horsepower for the Dynaflow version had now reached 250 with 380 foot-pounds of torque. Sales continued to be strong, though they dipped a little from the prior year.
For 1958 the Buick Series 40 were given dual headlights in the front and an exorbitant amount of chrome. There was a circular ornament with a 'V', symbolizing V8, placed on the front and in the center of the hood. Dual horizontal moldings ran along each side of the vehicle, from front to back. Sales were strong, but they were still on the decline.
For 1959, Buick introduced their Series 4400 as a replacement for the Series 40. The Series 4400 was a very wide car with modern style indicative of the era.
The Series had served Buick for many years, as their entry level vehicle. The V8 engine found under the hood (except for the initial years) were more than adequate to carry the large and elegant bodies. Offered in a variety of bodystyles, the cars were versatile and accommodating to many individuals wishes and needs.
By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2007
| Mercedes-Benz Classic at the 2012 Grossglockner Grand Prix | |
 | • Revival of the mountain race from the 1930s • Mercedes-Benz SSK and W 125 at the start • 92 bends, 14 hairpins, 15 kilometres and a 1300-metre altitude difference The Grossglockner mountain race was one of the most prestigious motor sports events of the 1930s. This year it will be revived with the 2012 Grossglockner Grand Prix to be held from 20 to 22 September 2012 and Mercedes-Benz will be there with some famous cars. In 1938, the brand took part for the first time. As a classic c...[Read more...] |
| Mercedes-Benz at Pebble Beach Automotive Week: An Expression of Fascinating Design and Innovation | |
 | •Historical Tribute to SL: W194 Chassis No. 2, 7 and 11 among 300SL vehicles on display •The Concept Style Coupé opens a new chapter and generation of Mercedes-Benz vehicles •AMG 45 year anniversary highlights the pinnacle of performance and style A tribute to Mercedes-Benz SL Roadsters is set for Pebble Beach Automotive Week with three 1952 W194 vehicles among a mix of vintage and new vehicles bearing the three-pointed star that express the marque's breadth and depth of fascinating desi...[Read more...] |
| Mercedes-Benz at Pebble Beach: An Expression of Fascinating Design and Innovation | |
 | • Historical Tribute to SL: W194 Chassis No. 2, 7 and 11 among 300SL vehicles on display • The Concept Style Coupé opens a new chapter and generation of Mercedes-Benz vehicles • AMG 45 year anniversary highlights the pinnacle of performance and style A tribute to Mercedes-Benz SL Roadsters is set for Pebble Beach weekend with three 1952 W194 vehicles among a mix of vintage and new vehicles bearing the three-pointed star that express the marque's breadth and depth of fascinating design and ...[Read more...] |
| The Champion in Touring Car Racing : The BMW M3 | |
 | In August 1985, a rumour surfaced in motor magazine Auto-Deutschland which emanated from a new sports car. An A Group Car from BMW that was a thoroughbred racing car according to the rules but was also to be produced in a version licensed to drive on open roads for everyday use. Speculation about this dream car that could take to normal roads and was intended for the 'Most dynamic among BMW 3 Series drivers' was right on target. But the pundits missed the mark about the motor-sport car by a mile...[Read more...] |
| Auctions America By RM's 2012 Auburn Spring Auction | |
 | 'Variety' is the buzzword for this year's Auctions America by RM June 1-3 Auburn Spring auction, which will offer a huge range of collector vehicles and an enormous private collection of automotive memorabilia. More than 600 American muscle cars, Classics, foreign sports cars and hot rods will cross the block at the historic Auburn Auction Park, the company's national headquarters in Auburn, Indiana. 'Last year was our first spring event at the park,' said Auctions America by RM's President ...[Read more...] |
 1938
Buick
models |
| Buick Series 60 Century |
| Buick Series 80 Roadmaster |
| Buick Series 90 Limited | 1938 Buick Concepts |
| Buick Y-Job Concept |
| Similarly Sized Vehicles from 1938 |
| Cadillac Series 90 |
| Lagonda V12 |
| LaSalle Series 50 |
| Similarly Priced Vehicles from 1938 |
| Studebaker President ($1,100-$1,204) |
| Lincoln Series 86H Zephyr ($1,300-$1,795) |
| Hudson Deluxe 8 ($770-$965) |
| LaSalle Series 50 ($1,295-$1,825) |
| Oldsmobile Series L ($989-$1,160) |
Average Auction Sale: $47,609 |
| Buick: 1931-1940 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Buick History |
| Other models by Buick |
| Manufacturer Website |
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| 1937 Series 40 | 1939 40 Special |
