1938 Buick Series 40 Special Drop Head Sport Sedan Vehicle Profile

Drop Head Sport Sedan
Designer: Lancefield

Buicks were available in four distinct model lines for 1938: the Series 40 Special, the Series 60 Century, the Series 80 Roadmaster, and the Series 90 Limited. Some Buick collectors and aficionados consider them to be among the most handsome Buicks of all-time.

This 1938 Buick 44 Special Drop-Head right-hand-drive was delivered to the Singer sewing machine company in London. There it was re-bodied by the Lancefield Company in London. It was used in England for many years and was later retired (in 1939) to their Texas ranch and eventually put in storage for 25 years. Subsequently, it went to the Milhous Collection in 1980. At the time, the car was in good original condition having covered only 22,000 miles. In 2003, it was sold at auction to its current owners.

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 aluminum body can be fully open, fully closed, or open just over the front seat. British craftsmanship can be seen in the beautiful woodwork and rear writing trays. The body features extensive pin striped fluting on the fenders and body along with a canvas top that collapses into a well under a self-concealing tonneau cover, much like that of a modern convertible. The three-position convertible top can be used fully-opened or closed as well as in the de ville position. The interior features woodwork and rear writing trays.

The owner has successfully driven the car in many tours. In 2003, it was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in the preservation class. It is currently in fully restored condition.

No auction information available for this vehicle at this time.

2019 2
2018 3
2017 1
2016 1
2014 1
2012 3
2010 3
2009 1
2008 1
2007 3

Recent Sales

(Data based on Model Year 1938 sales)

1938 BUICK SPECIAL SERIES 40 ALBEMARLE DROPHEAD COUPÉ BY CARLTON CARRIAGE COMPANY LTD. Chassis#: 844160001 Sold for $19,125 2019 Coy's - London Classic
1938 Buick Business Coupe Custom Chassis#: 13282604 Sold for $24,640 2019 RM Sothebys : Scottsdale Arizona
1938 BUICK SPECIAL SERIES 40 ALBEMARLE DROPHEAD COUPÉ BY CARLTON CARRIAGE COMPANY LTD. Chassis#: 844160001 Sold for $24,112 2018 Coys - True Greats 2018
1938 Buick Special Sold for $39,000 2018 Carlisle Auction : Fall Carlisle
1938 BUICK SPECIAL CUSTOM COUPE Chassis#: 23370153 Sold for $33,000 2018 Barrett-Jackson : Las Vegas
1938 Buick Special Sold for $19,000 2017 Mecum : Kissimmee
1938 Buick Special Sold for $8,500 2016 Mecum : Harrisburg
1938 Buick Special Phaeton Chassis#: 13290457 Sold for $60,500 2014 RM Auctions - Automobiles of Arizona
1938 Buick 46S Sport Coupe AACA National 1st Prize, Frame-off Restored Sold for $39,000 2012 Mecum - Dallas, TX
1938 Buick Series 40 Special Coupe Chassis#: 23241401 Sold for $26,304 2012 H & H Donnington Priory
1938 Buick Special Series 46C Convertible Coupe Chassis#: 13272028 Sold for $57,750 2012 Gooding and Company - The Scottsdale Auction
1938 Buick Special Series 46C Convertible Coupe Sold for $59,400 2010 Gooding and Company : The Amelia Island Auction
1938 Buick Special Series 46C Convertible Coupe Chassis#: 13272028 Sold for $66,000 2010 Gooding and Company - Scottsdale Auction
1938 BUICK SPECIAL Sold for $29,000 2010 Silver Auction - Arizona in January
1938 Buick Special Series 40 Convertible Sold for $44,000 2009 Automobiles of Arizona
1938 BUICK SPECIAL COUPE CUSTOM Sold for $60,500 2008 Barrett-Jackson - Scottsdale 2008
1938 Buick Series 40 Sold for $77,600 2007 The Hilton Head Sports & Classic Car Auction
1938 Buick Series 40 Sold for $61,600 2007 Gooding & Company
1938 Buick Series 40 Sold for $33,000 2007 Vintage Motor Car Auction at Meadow Brook Hall
1938 Buick Special Sedan Sold for $21,400 2005 Michigan International Fall Classic Car Auction

Vehicles That Failed To Sell

1938 Buick Series 40 Special's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.

Vehicle	Chassis	Event	High Bid	Est. Low	Est. High
1938 BUICK SPECIAL COUPE	23245638	2018 Premier Auction Group	$31,000
1938 Buick Special Sport Coupe	23326199	2015 Mecum : Monterey	$55,000
1938 Buick Coupe	23306533	2013 Mecum Auctions Monterey	$32,500
1938 Buick Special		2012 Branson Auction Spring 2012	$50,000
1938 BUICK 38 SPECIAL	AZ298214	2011 Russo & Steele Scottsdale, Arizona
1938 Buick Special Convertible	13352342	2009 Greenwich Concours d'Elegance, Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia		$55,000	$65,000
1938 Buick Series 40 Business Coupe	13282604	2008 MidAmerica Auctions National Sports Center	$12,500
1938 BUICK 48 TWO DOOR SEDAN		2003 Kruse Auctions Las Vegas, NV
1938 BUICK SPECIAL CONVERTIBLE		2003 Kruse Auction Auburn, IN	$39,000
1938 BUICK SERIES 40 SPORT COUPE		2001 Kruse Auction Auburn, IN	$25,000
1938 BUICK SPECIAL CONVERTIBLE		2001 Kruse Auction Flint, MI	$22,000

Comparables

Similar sales to the $41,271 range.

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