1936 Buick Series 80 Roadmaster Convertible Phaeton

From very early on, General Motors, as well as many other marques, have been trying to keep automobile buyers buying from the same family of vehicles. In the post World War II era, GM's family of vehicles began with the low-cost Chevrolet vehicles. Next on the budget rung was the Pontiac, followed by Oldsmobile, Buick, LaSalle, and Cadillac. Cadillac vehicles were the most expensive and prestigious vehicles produced by GM at this time, though some of the other GM companies provided some stiff competition in terms of style, prestige, cost, performance, and allure. Buick's lineup began at $900 and went all the way up to $2300. There were four series available, the Special, Century, Roadmaster, and Limited. Within each of these Series, there were additional body styles and options to select from. Within the Roadmaster Series, the car could be purchased as a phaeton, formal sedan, and trunk back sedan. Prices ranged from $1500 to $1850. The most expensive Roadmaster body style was the six-passenger phaeton.

The Roadmaster was powered by an eight-cylinder overhead valve engine that displaced 320 cubic-inches and produced an impressive 130 horsepower. There was a three-speed manual gearbox with a floor-mounted gearshift. Hydraulic drum brakes could be found on all four corners of the vehicle.

This example has traveled nearly 79,000 miles since new. It has been treated to an engine rebuild with the rest of the vehicle is mostly unrestored and in original condition. It was given a repaint in navy blue with the interior being of gray wool. This car was offered for sale at the 2006 Bonhams & Butterfields auction held at the Quail Lodge in Carmel, California where it was estimated to sell between $18,000 - $22,000. That estimate proved to be nearly accurate, as the car was sold for $17,550.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2007