1939 Buick Series 60 Century Redfern Saloon Tourer

This car was built for 1939 Copenhagen Automobile Show and was stored there during World War II. Dwight Eisenhower, Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin rode in this car for the victory parade of World War II. It was brought back to the United States in 1970 where multiple restorations were attempted The current owner purchased the car in 1995. He had the car restored mechanically and toured 10,441 miles with no problems. After touring the body was totally restored and maintained at different times during its show career. This is a one-of-a-kind dual cowl.

Not many Buicks received English coachwork. This special Redfern designed 'Saloon Tourer' by Maltby is a rare exception. Founded during the Edwardian era in England by John Hugh Maltby, the Maltby Coachworks created custom bodies primarily for English cars such as Riley and Morris. The business was sold in 1926 to Francis Henry Redfern, the managing director of Johnny Walker distilleries. In 1935, he patented the hydroelectric top mechanism.

In 1939, Maltby was commissioned (believed to be by GM) Maltby to create a unique dual cowl phaeton on the Buick Model 60 chassis. The creation of its unique and elegant bodywork was personally supervised by Mr. Redfern, with the body formed from aluminum and the front and rear doors set on common hinges. The interior was given generous amounts of English walnut, beige carpeting, and cream leather with maroon piping. Fitted luggage was created for the interior and exterior compartments. Additional features included a folding rear cowl and windshield, a sculpted trunk, a lap robe, and a fitted tool compartment.

History records this vehicle being shown at the 1939 International Automobile Show in Copenhagen, Denmark and/or the 1939 New York Auto Show. It resided in the United States when it was acquired by a Danish furniture manufacturer who requested the car be returned to Europe. Germans invaded Denmark before the export paperwork had been completed, so the Buick remained in the basement of a U.S. furniture factory during the duration of World War II. In 1946, it was liberated from storage and sent to its Danish owner, where it remained for many years. After his passing in 1960, the Buick was gifted to his chauffeur. A decade later, it Buick had returned to the United States, having been imported by Russell Creason. A restoration began in 1981 and was completed in 1985. It was promptly shown at the Michigan Grand Classic car show, where it was judged to be a 100-point car.

In 1992, the car entered the care of its current owners, who updated the car's restoration and then took it on a lengthy test drive from Newport, Rhode Island, to San Francisco. When it was time to return home to Florida, they chose a route through Canada with stops in Vancouver, Lake Louise and Banff. Over ten thousand miles were added to the car's odometer during the 'test drive.'

This Buick was sold at Christie's auction in 1994, where it had an estimated value of $125,000 to $150,000 (USD). It sold for $123,500.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2025