13th Sep, 2006 0:00
The Pavilion Gardens
1939 McLaughlin-Buick Series 40 Special Convertible
Estimated at £24,000 - £28,000
Lot details
Registration No: HVW 478
Chassis No: 944162322
Mot Expiry: Aug 2007
"Coming at you, it looks like a million. Going away, it looks like good fortune you've missed. A lot of fussy care went into the way it looks from the rear - you know, that's the angle from which its oftenest seen. Going or coming, it moves like a honey bee about its business. Better look quick if you want to see it - one sudden 'swo-o-o-sh' and it's gone!" (Buick Advertisement 1939)
Comprehensively revamped for the 1939-model year, the Buick Series 40 Special range was visually distinguished by a restyled front end complete with 'catwalk cooling' grille (a feature supposedly inspired by contemporary European Grand Prix cars). Based around a cruciform-braced 'Rigid Transom' chassis equipped with independent 'knee action' front suspension, a coil-sprung (Bui-coil) 'live' rear axle, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes and worm and double roller steering, the Series 40 cars were powered by a 248ci / 4064cc 'Dynaflash' OHV straight-eight engine allied to three-speed 'Handi-shift' manual transmission. Credited with developing a lazy 107hp @ 3,400rpm, they proved effortless performers. Manufactured by both Buick (left-hand drive) and its Canadian McLaughlin-Buick subsidiary (right-hand drive), the 1939 Special range found favour on both sides of the Atlantic.
Finished in dark blue with brown leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its engine, three-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and wheels / tyres (though, he rates the chassis as "excellent"). A special order car, 'HVW 478' reputedly left the McLaughlin-Buick factory in right-hand drive rolling chassis form before being bodied as a two-door convertible by the British Carlton Carriage Company. No doubt supplied via Lendrum & Hartman Ltd (Sole Concessionaires) of 26b & c Albemarle St, London W1, it appears to have led a sheltered existence. Said to have been "mechanically rebuilt including brakes, suspension and steering etc" but to have never undergone full restoration, the Buick pleasingly retains its original upholstery. Repainted only once approximately thirty years ago, 'HVW 478' is stated by the seller to "drive well with no faults". A very rare and desirable motorcar that combines American, Canadian and British genes, this coachbuilt convertible is offered for sale with original log book, sundry bills and fresh MOT certificate.
Registration No: HVW 478
Chassis No: 944162322
Mot Expiry: Aug 2007
"Coming at you, it looks like a million. Going away, it looks like good fortune you've missed. A lot of fussy care went into the way it looks from the rear - you know, that's the angle from which its oftenest seen. Going or coming, it moves like a honey bee about its business. Better look quick if you want to see it - one sudden 'swo-o-o-sh' and it's gone!" (Buick Advertisement 1939)
Comprehensively revamped for the 1939-model year, the Buick Series 40 Special range was visually distinguished by a restyled front end complete with 'catwalk cooling' grille (a feature supposedly inspired by contemporary European Grand Prix cars). Based around a cruciform-braced 'Rigid Transom' chassis equipped with independent 'knee action' front suspension, a coil-sprung (Bui-coil) 'live' rear axle, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes and worm and double roller steering, the Series 40 cars were powered by a 248ci / 4064cc 'Dynaflash' OHV straight-eight engine allied to three-speed 'Handi-shift' manual transmission. Credited with developing a lazy 107hp @ 3,400rpm, they proved effortless performers. Manufactured by both Buick (left-hand drive) and its Canadian McLaughlin-Buick subsidiary (right-hand drive), the 1939 Special range found favour on both sides of the Atlantic.
Finished in dark blue with brown leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its engine, three-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and wheels / tyres (though, he rates the chassis as "excellent"). A special order car, 'HVW 478' reputedly left the McLaughlin-Buick factory in right-hand drive rolling chassis form before being bodied as a two-door convertible by the British Carlton Carriage Company. No doubt supplied via Lendrum & Hartman Ltd (Sole Concessionaires) of 26b & c Albemarle St, London W1, it appears to have led a sheltered existence. Said to have been "mechanically rebuilt including brakes, suspension and steering etc" but to have never undergone full restoration, the Buick pleasingly retains its original upholstery. Repainted only once approximately thirty years ago, 'HVW 478' is stated by the seller to "drive well with no faults". A very rare and desirable motorcar that combines American, Canadian and British genes, this coachbuilt convertible is offered for sale with original log book, sundry bills and fresh MOT certificate.
Auction: The Pavilion Gardens, 13th Sep, 2006
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