Lot details Registration No: MSK 854 Chassis No: 744192476 Mot Expiry: None
Brainchild of newly appointed Buick president Harlow H. Curtice, the Series 40 was introduced in 1934. Smaller and lighter than the rest of the Buick Straight-Eight range, it nevertheless shared their advanced specification. Built up to a standard not down to a price, its cross-braced girder-frame chassis was equipped with independent 'knee action' front suspension (a set-up so sophisticated that Rolls-Royce adopted it for the Phantom III), a leaf-sprung 'live' rear axle, torque-tube drive and 'Tiptoe' hydraulic drum brakes. Powered by a 'Valve-in-Head' straight-eight engine allied to three-speed synchromesh transmission, the Series 40 was something of a wolf in sheep's clothing and made light work of its 'Unisteel Turret Top' Fisher coachwork. Unveiled in late 1936, the 1937 model-year Buicks were styled by the legendary Harley Earl. Visually distinguished by their sheetmetal divided radiator grilles (complete with myriad horizontal bars) and bluff-backed wings, they also boasted a new oil pump, more efficient cooling system and quieter valve gear. Manufactured alongside its larger siblings by both Buick (left-hand drive) and its Canadian McLaughlin-Buick subsidiary (right-hand drive), the Series 40 helped rocket Buick back up the sales chart.
Finished in maroon with beige velour upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "rebuilt / running" (4064cc engine), "rewired" (electrical equipment"), "restored" (chassis), "very good" (three-speed manual gearbox, bodywork, paintwork) or "excellent" (interior trim, wheels / tyres) condition. While its early history is unknown, 'MSK 854' is rumoured to have seen service as a Manchester-based taxi during World War Two. Reportedly sold off by a bankrupt car museum in the 1980s, it then passed through the hands of a pub management company before entering the current family ownership in 1992. Said to have been "progressively restored" thereafter (including a 1997 repaint), the Buick passed from father to son last year. Only being offered for sale "due to the commitments of a young family", the seller believes 'MSK 854' to be "roadworthy" although the car is not currently in possession of a valid MOT certificate (its last 'historic class' road tax disc expired at the end of February 2005).
PLEASE NOTE: We have not had this vehicle running.
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