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The Buick Motor Division of General Motors was riding high in 1940. That year's Buicks, offered in six series, were among the hottest cars on the road - in terms of both performance and in sales. With General Manager Harlow H. Curtice (a future GM President) at the helm, the Flint-based automaker built a record-setting 283,204 cars for 1940. Buick also placed fourth in US calendar year sales for 1940 - only cars from the 'low-priced three' were more popular.
The Limited Model 81-C 4-door Convertible Phaeton was the largest convertible Buick offered in 1940. Spanning a 133-inch wheelbase, the massive car weighed 4,540 lbs. The original price was $1,952, which included the dual side-mounted spare tires that were standard on this model. Production of the Limited Model 81-C totaled just 250, including 20 that were built for export.
The 141 horsepower, 320 CID Buick 'Dynaflash' inline eight-cylinder engine powering the Limited featured an overhead-valve design, as had every other Buick automobile produced since 1903. The transmission was a three-speed manual.
This example of the prestigious Limited is done in the same colors as the 81-C illustrated in the 1940 catalog. It was originally registered in New York and New Jersey and is said to have been used by the Gambino family when new. The present owner found the car in Arizona many decades later. It was taken to Ohio where it was restored at his shop, which specializes in 1940-1941 Buicks.
The Limited Model 81-C 4-door Convertible Phaeton was the largest convertible Buick offered in 1940. Spanning a 133-inch wheelbase, the massive car weighed 4,540 lbs. The original price was $1,952, which included the dual side-mounted spare tires that were standard on this model. Production of the Limited Model 81-C totaled just 250, including 20 that were built for export.
The 141 horsepower, 320 CID Buick 'Dynaflash' inline eight-cylinder engine powering the Limited featured an overhead-valve design, as had every other Buick automobile produced since 1903. The transmission was a three-speed manual.
This example of the prestigious Limited is done in the same colors as the 81-C illustrated in the 1940 catalog. It was originally registered in New York and New Jersey and is said to have been used by the Gambino family when new. The present owner found the car in Arizona many decades later. It was taken to Ohio where it was restored at his shop, which specializes in 1940-1941 Buicks.
No auction information available for this vehicle at this time.
1940 Buick Series 80 Limited Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Buick Series 80 Limited
(Data based on Model Year 1940 sales)
1940 Buick Model 81-C Limited Convertible Phaeton Sold for USD$64,900 2020 Mecum : Indy Fall Special | |
1940 Buick Limited Touring Sedan Sold for USD$40,150 2019 Mecum : Indianpolis | |
1940 Buick Limited Trunkback Convertible Phaeton Sold for USD$29,700 2015 Auctions America - Auburn Fall | |
1940 Buick Ltd Series 80 Sold for USD$14,000 2014 Fall Carlisle Auction | |
1940 Buick Limited Series 81C Convertible Phaeton Sold for USD$70,400 2013 Auctions America - Auburn Fall | |
1940 Buick Limited Phaeton Chassis#: 13597850 Sold for USD$55,000 2011 RM Auctions - Hershey | |
1940 Buick Series 80 Sold for USD$77,000 2008 Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey by RM Auctions | |
1940 Buick Series 80 Sold for USD$187,000 2007 Vintage Motor Car Auction at Meadow Brook Hall | |
1940 BUICK SERIES 80 SEDAN Sold for USD$8,800 2001 Barrett-Jackson - Scottsdale 2001 |
Buick Series 80 Limiteds That Failed To Sell At Auction
1940 Buick Series 80 Limited's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1940 Buick 81C Limited Phaeton | 2021 Mecum : Indy 2021 | $50,000 | $80,000 | $100,000 | |
1940 Buick Limited Sport Phaeton | 83929610 | 2019 Mecum : Monterey | $115,000 | $140,000 | $180,000 |
1940 Buick Limited Convertible | CA741363 | 2018 Mecum : Monterey | $55,000 | ||
1940 Buick Century Convertible | 2003 The Florida Collector Car Auction | $33,000 |
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1940 Buick Series 80 Limited
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