VERY RARE, TOP OF THE BUICK LINE FOR 1940, 320CI STRAIGHT 8, NICE ORIGINAL CAR

Description for Buick Series 80 1940

Limiteds were the top of the line Buicks built in 1940. They were so nice that Cadillac was lobbying GM execs to stop production of the car because it was competing effectively with their much more expensive models. Buick's counter argument was that they didn't plan to build that many of them, so Caddy could go pound salt. (Or something along those lines). So, what you have the opportunity to purchase today, is a very nice example of a very... special, and appropriately named, Limited Buick. These cars were built for families that wanted to travel in comfort and style. And stylish they are. This one is presented in a rich shade of Burgundy, which is the perfect color for this distinguished car. The long piano hinged hood reaches out from the windshield and narrows toward the front with a line of chrome running down the center and an ornament proudly perched at the front. From there it cascades down with Buick Eight in script appearing just above the split chrome grill of horizontal lines. Fenders flow smoothly out from there with the headlights and markers perched on them, and everything is underlined by a simple chrome bumper. Twin side mounted spares add some nice pre-war charm and saves enough luggage space in the trunk for extended family vacations. The split windshield is matched at the back by a split rear window and a chrome accent runs front to rear along the side. The doors open toward each other which is another charming old school feature of this car and offers easy access to a plush Tan cloth interior. The door panels are simple with wood and metal trimming out the windows. The upholstery on the bench seats has been nicely restored and is quite comfortable while the dash has more of an original look and feel to it. There is a three spoke steering wheel with a full circle horn ring and a Buick center button. A machine turned dash panel has the speedometer in the center with a battery and water temp gauge on the left and fuel and oil on the right. There is a Sonomatic radio in the center below a chrome speaker grill and a clock in the glovebox door on the passenger side. The back seat is particularly luxurious with a rear quarter window insuring great sightseeing for the passengers on a long ride and there is even a footrest bar for extra comfort. Open that long piano hinged hood and you will find Buicks 320 cubic inch straight-8 engine. It was designed to provide smooth, quiet power and accomplished that quite well by providing plenty of torque and about 140 horsepower which was quite respectable in 1940. The sounds that it does make is especially entertaining these days as it is not like the sound of a modern V8. The engine is completely stock with signs of new gaskets which suggest that it has probably been rebuilt at some point. The power it makes flows back through a 3-speed manual transmission to the solid rear axle which is located by trailing arms and mounted on fresh coil springs with air bags added for extra ride control. Up front a control arm suspension, also with fresh springs as well as a sway bar give this Buick its signature luxurious ride and good handling characteristics. Burgundy steel wheels with polished trim rings and hub caps completes the picture. This is a shining example of a top-or-the-line pre-war Buick that was built in very limited numbers. Come on down and check it out.