1931 Buick Series 90 Sport Roadster

Series 90 Buicks were produced from 1931 to 1942. Like other manufacturers, Buick was caught up in the mounting cylinder wars of the era. The final Valve-in-Head six-cylinder engines appeared in 1930, while three straight-eight engines appeared in 1931 to power the entire lineup. Amazingly, the venerable Buick straight-eight went on to power Buick automobiles for another 22 years, through 1953.

1931 was a pinnacle year for Buick. Several notable innovations were introduced, including three 'valve in head' straight eight engines. This was an upgrade from Buick's famed overhead valve six-cylinder engines, known for their impressive engineering and performance. Buick decided to scrap their old six-cylinder engines as the engineers felt that it had reached its limits in size, smoothness and efficiency. In its place, the all-new straight eight was introduced.

Recognized by the Classic Car Club of America, the Series 90 represented the pinnacle of engineering and design during their lifespan which ran from 1931 to 1942. The one year only Model 94 Sport Roadster is the only large series roadster that Buick ever produced.

This car was purchased new in 1930 at the Max Duitch Garage, a Buick, Hudson and Essex dealer in Ames, Iowa. With a price exceeding $1,300, it was among the most expensive Buicks offered to date. It remained with that family until 2010. The current owner purchased the roadster at the time and by coincidence, met Max Duitch's granddaughter who lives two homes away. The car was the subject of an eight-year restoration. Only seven of the 843 roadsters built are known to have survived.

This example is the 36th of 843 8-94 sport Roadsters produced. Built on a 132-inch wheelbase - Buick's largest chassis for 1931 - only seven are known to survive. Buick roadster and phaeton bodies were built by W.F. Stewart, located at the Buick factory in Flint. Two color schemes were available: all black with white pinstripes, or Everglades Blue with Normandy Gray accents, cream pinstripes and black fenders, like this car.