Beschreibung:

248ci OHV Inline Eight-Cylinder Engine 107bhp at 3,400rpm 3-Speed Manual Transmission Independent Front Suspension with Coil Springs Semi-Floating Rear Axle 4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes *1 of only 529 Series 50 Convertible Phaetons produced *Offered from fastidious long-term single ownership *Complete and well-preserved older restoration *Former VMCCA Golden Award of Excellence winner *Striking livery includes leather interior and new canvas top THE BUICK MODEL 51C While the entire American automotive industry grappled with the harsh realities of the Great Depression, the ascension of Harlow Curtice to the presidency of Buick in 1933 marked a decisive turning point for the foundational GM division. Under the watchful guidance of Curtice, Buick prospered and solidified its growing reputation for refined styling, luxurious amenities, superior engineering and surprisingly affordable pricing. Buick's powerful and modern "Valve-in-Head" overhead-valve, eight-cylinder engines were an integral part of Buick's successful formula. Throughout the 1930s, the Buick model range expanded, culminating in the revised 1940 lineup, which included no less than 10 open models. Ranging from the entry-level Series 40 Special to the Series 50 Super line, the larger Series 60 Century and Series 70 Roadmaster, the Buick line peaked with the Series 80 and 90 Limited models. The broadened Buick model line was very well received by the public with total calendar-year production reaching 310,995 units, including the four millionth Buick automobile built. In fact, 1940 marked the GM Division's best production year in its history to that point, with Buick occupying an enviable fourth place in American sales rankings. The upscale Series 50 Super models for 1940 shared a 121-inch wheelbase chassis with the Series 40 Special line. Five Super body styles were offered, including a 4-door Touring Sedan, 4-door Convertible Phaeton, 2-door Sport Coupe, 4-door Estate Wagon, and the 2-door Convertible Coupe, with all featuring particularly clean styling and elimination of the old-fashioned running boards. Smart Bedford cord upholstery in two-tone Tan was also standard. The versatile Convertible Phaeton was quite rare, with just 529 Series 50 examples produced for the 1940 model year. Characteristically strong Buick engineering included the introduction of new Fore-N-Aft Flash-Way directional signals and Buick's convertibles for 1940 were among the first production automobiles to be equipped with a power-hydraulic folding top. THE MOTORCAR OFFERED This 1940 Buick Model 51C Super Convertible Phaeton was purchased by the current owner in September 1983 from a gentleman in Muncie, Indiana and then driven without issue all the way home cross-country to Salt Lake City, Utah. Following some enjoyable touring, the vehicle was given a total body-off-frame restoration over a three-year timeframe spanning 1987-90, with the work performed by Danzie Antique Auto, located in Salt Lake City. Repainted in attractive Sequoia Cream, an original Buick color choice, the Super's interior was also fully restored and trimmed in red leather upholstery and complemented by correct engine-turned accent panels for the glove box door and instrument surround, plus richly restored wood grain trim. Following completion, the Buick was awarded the Golden Award of Excellence by the Veteran motor Car Club of America (VMCCA) at its first and only show appearance. While only sparingly toured to maintain the integrity of its excellent older restoration, the Buick was nonetheless enjoyed on a long-range tour from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles and back, via Las Vegas, Reno, Lake Tahoe, San Simeon, Los Angeles and Long Beach. Carefully preserved within the current owner's private collection, the Buick has just recently been fitted with a brand new canvas convertible top in preparation for its offering at auction. Accompanied by a dossier containing restoration invoices and receipts, this 1940 Buick Model 51