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Buick Roadmaster Series 80 Convertible Phaeton, 1938

Buick Roadmaster II

Buick Roadmaster II
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Chassis No.: 13280285

$60,000 | High bid

  • Odometer: 909 miles
  • Engine: Inline 8-cylinder
  • Transmission: Manual
  • Exterior: Black
  • Interior: Oxblood
  • Body: Convertible Phaeton
  • 1 of only 350 Roadmaster Series 80 Convertible Phaetons produced for 1938
  • Extensive concours restoration including rebuilding the drivetrain, restoring the top, re-skinning the doors and replacing the front fenders with NOS units
  • 320 CI Fireball Dynaflash inline 8-cylinder engine
  • Engine rebuilt including pistons, rings, rod bearings, main bearings and rocker arms
  • 3-speed manual transmission
  • Knee-action independent front suspension
  • Solid rear axle
  • 4-wheel hydraulic drum brakes
  • Refinished in Black Centari enamel paint including undercarriage
  • Restored original dash and instruments
  • Oxblood leather upholstery
  • Dual sidemount spares in metal shell cases

Renowned for quality and value since its inception in 1908, General Motors’ foundational Buick division added performance to its many attributes beginning in 1931 with 8-cylinder power across the board. Interestingly, Buick’s new 8-cylinder engines were unique to each series, except for the premium Series 80 Roadmaster and Series 90 Limited. Performance was robust by 1930s standards, establishing a Buick hallmark that continued through the 1980s, even after GM began adopting “corporate” engines for its various divisions.

The 1936 model year marked another renaissance for Buick and its General Motors companions with numerous innovations including all-steel “Turret Top” bodies, hydraulic brakes and streamlined styling that remains a design masterpiece today. “Knee-Action” independent front suspension—introduced for 1934—delivered a comfortable and confident driving experience with a smoother ride and improved handling. The Series 80 Roadmaster represented the high end of the Buick model range with luxurious body styles and the top-available 320 CI inline 8-cylinder powerplant available with the added performance of Buick’s proprietary Compound Carburetion twin-carburetor intake system.

Well-equipped and quite fast, the Series 80 Roadmaster was aimed at the growing numbers of successful and upwardly mobile owners and drivers of the latter 1930s. This dashing Buick Series 80 Roadmaster Convertible Phaeton is quite rare as one of only 411 examples produced for 1938. It is the product of an extensive concours restoration including the rebuilt drivetrain, restored top, reskinned doors and the replacement of the front fenders with NOS equivalents. Abundant power is delivered via the 3-speed manual transmission by Buick’s 320 CI Fireball Dynaflash inline 8-cylinder engine, which was rebuilt including pistons, rings, rod bearings, main bearings and rocker arms.

A Compound Carburetion intake setup delivers additional power. Refinished in Black Centari enamel paint, including the undercarriage, this rare Roadmaster also features a restored original dash and instruments, plus rich Oxblood leather upholstery. Other choice highlights include the dual side-mounted spares in metal shell cases, correct Bakelite control knobs, Trippe lights, bumper guards, an in-dash clock, dual chrome mirrors and painted steel wheels mounting chrome hubcaps, trim rings and period-style Lester wide whitewall tires.

https://www.mecum.com/lots/1141920/1938-buick-roadmaster-series-80-convertible-phaeton/


Buick Roadmaster

II 1938 — 1939

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