- Seller: Howard M
- Location: San Pedro, California
- Mileage: 29,000 Shown
- Chassis #: 2605159
- Title Status: Clean
UPDATE: We spoke with the seller, who confirmed that they have a title for the car and provided us with a photo of it, so we are relisting it for them. Be sure to take another look and cast your high bids below.
The term “survivor” is probably one of the most misused in the classic world. It is sometimes utilized to describe modified or restored vehicles. This 1932 Buick Series 50 Sedan is a genuine survivor with a known ownership history. It would be ideal for someone seeking a straightforward restoration project. However, preservation could prove irresistible with its 100th birthday only a few years away. The Buick recently emerged after decades in hibernation, with its current owner feeling the time is right for it to find a new home. Therefore, they have listed this classic exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
The history of this Buick is fascinating, with its first owner retaining it from his initial purchase until the 1990s. The current owner’s late husband purchased the vehicle, and his widow has decided it needs a new owner who appreciates all this survivor offers. The car wears its original Black paint, and its condition is extremely impressive. It hasn’t deteriorated markedly over the past ninety-two years and holds a pleasing period-correct shine. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and the sheltered life the Buick has led means it is rust-free and as solid as the day the first owner took delivery. The dark exterior is contrasted by sparkling bright trim, with the front and rear bumpers, the radiator shell, Buick grille emblem, radiator hood ornament, headlamp buckets, twin horn trumpets, hubcaps, and gas cap all receiving a trip to the platers for a refresh. Some remnants of the original red pinstriping are still visible on the beltline. The top material and wooden slats were replaced in 2023 as part of this car’s revival. The glass is free from visible issues, and the Buick sits on a set of painted Kelsey “bent-spoke” wire wheels and comes with a set of new 18″ Firestone tires for the next owner to install. Rounding out the exterior are a rear-mounted spare, dual taillights, and thermostatically controlled radiator shutters.
Buick introduced a new straight-eight to the Series 50 range in 1931, with the capacity climbing from 220.7ci to 230ci in 1932. This classic’s 230 produces 82hp and an impressive 200 ft/lbs of torque. The power feeds to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission, and it is worth noting that with maximum torque delivered low in the eight’s rev range, these motors are exceptionally flexible. Rowing the transmission is typically unnecessary because the Series 50 pulls strongly from very low speeds in its upper two gear ratios. Buick was innovative with the Series 50, with this car featuring the company’s “Ride Regulator” shocks and “Wizard Control” freewheeling system. The shocks allowed the driver to tailor the ride to the prevailing road conditions. At the same time, the Wizard Control provided a freewheeling function on downhill runs and clutchless shifting between second and top gear. The seller confirms that this classic retains its original drivetrain and recently emerged after thirty-five years of hibernation. They revived this survivor, returning it to active service. The Buick runs and drives as it should and has a genuine 29,000 miles on its odometer. Some spare parts are included with the car.
Interiors are often the weak point in older unrestored classics, but that isn’t the case with this Buick. It retains its original mohair trim and upholstery, and its condition is exceptional. There are no signs of significant wear or deterioration and no evidence of developing rips or holes. The dash looks excellent, and the lack of wheel wear is consistent with the odometer reading. Rear seat occupants receive a footrest, hand-holds, and rear window shades. The interior features a heater, which the previous owner disconnected. The water temperature gauge, speedometer, and interior lights are also not currently functioning.
This 1932 Buick Series 50 Sedan is a remarkable survivor. Its overall condition reflects a history of careful ownership. It has no immediate needs, and continued preservation would allow it to still present nicely after a century of active service on our roads. Its spacious interior and easy access make it ideal for enthusiasts with young children or older family members. It is worth a close look if you fall into either of those categories. Even if you don’t, you might still find it irresistible. I won’t blame you if you do.
Bid On This Auction
Mike bid $8,300.00 2024-05-29 08:43:10
DC bid $8,008.00 2024-05-29 00:21:53
Sobotka bid $7,258.00 2024-05-28 20:52:27- DC bid $6,808.00 2024-05-28 20:40:18
T Mack bid $6,500.00 2024-05-28 09:57:16- DC bid $5,800.00 2024-05-27 15:47:12
- T Mack bid $5,000.00 2024-05-26 04:52:45
Billa bid $4,500.00 2024-05-24 14:24:13- T Mack bid $4,000.00 2024-05-23 09:43:40
This car is such a beauty!
Hey George,
Are you basing this on the photos, or having seen the car in person?
Nice car for my antique auto art files.
Though I would draw and paint it with
the dual side mounted spares instead
of the single one on this car. Other than that, she’s a real beaut. Hope no
one does the unthinkable and turn it
into a street rod. That’s what basket
Cases are for.
Looks like Bonnie and Clyde car.
Clyde wrote to Henry Ford and claimed he only stole Fords.
Clyde was a Ford man, He even wrote to Henry saying how much he liked his product.
No wait, THIS was the Untouchables car of choice. Can’t you just see tommy guns hanging out the window?. Those shows sure depict a ruthless time period, I wonder if it really was like that, or Hollywood generated. No title, a red flag, but may just be misplaced, tells me the seller just wants out. A title in hand makes for a much better sale and would you stop saying 1930s cars are almost 100 years old. They are 90 years old, big difference.
To see a rude comment like “George” had to say, pretty much bolsters what I’ve been saying all along. $500 parts/scrap car, that’s terrible.
I was picturing the “Ant Hill Mob”..
In your description of the vehicle, you used the phrase “Rowing the transmission”. I am unfamiliar with this description. Could you explain? Also, I assume it uses truly mechanical brakes. Am I correct, or does it use hydraulic brakes?
“Rowing the transmission” just refers to manually shifting gears. The movement of the arms while shifting gears, simulate a similar movement to that of rowing a boat. Just a slang way of describing manually shifting gears. You are correct about the mechanical brakes at all 4 corners for this car.
“Row your Own” as a phrase describing a manual transmission has been around since Fred Flintstone :) I only row my own!
Amazing that the o has survived the Mohair Moth. What a great car to represent that period of American industrial progress.
Perfect for Sunday drives and Cars and Coffee. GLTWTS!
Oh…and seller has a title :)
Stunning condition. If you have any intention of doing anything other than preserving this car then please just walk away. Quickly.
How are the brakes on the car? Anything g needed to make it drivable for decent distances/trips (i.e. driving it up the coast over the course of a week and then cutting inland to Sacramento after I win it… 😉). Or at least for a 50 or 100 mile trip?
I just drove it from Newport Beach to San Pedro, a distance of 52 miles and it was fine. As with all autos with mechanical brakes, caution and anticipation are the operative words. When adjusted properly they work as originally intended.
Heater disconnected, well those heaters were only good for overheating the feet of the person in the passenger seat, with no defroster for the windshield. This car has great potential for a parade car and or cars & coffee. I must admit I would proudly submit this nest to my 64 Riviera for your perusal.
God Bless America
I’m curious of what the reserve is? I’ll take a guess and say 20,000. to 25,000. I love the way it looks.
Less than that and its worth every penny
During the Alcohol Prohibition era, my Grandfather was a Buick Salesman in Spokane Washington. The Booze runners out of Canada used Buicks a lot. If he heard on the morning radio that there had been a shootout and arrest of smugglers, he get to the Dealership early. The Runners would come in with cash to buy a new Buick. lol.
Any idea of who would transport to Michigan ? And approx price ?
Numerous auto transport companies are available to ship cars. Mecum has a transport division that moves cars not just hose being auctioned and they are very competitively priced.
I’m a recently retired blue collar worker from upstate New York. If I’m able to land this car it will be my retirement present to myself…assuming the bidding doesn’t exceed my limit. I’ve always wanted a car like this.
I’ve got a guy who would do that for you but you would have to discuss price with him directly after you acquire the car.
What an incredible treasure.
RTS, The best automobile transport company is Reliable Auto Transport. They have the industry competition all wishing they could be as good.
These old upscale cars, compared to A’s and Chevy’s and Plymouths make me wonder why there’s not a bidding war going on for this beauty. Maybe it will start, but I’m of the opinion that if you’re into old 30’s automobiles, you buy the classiest and best one you can afford. No pun intended. This Buick looks like it. Such a beautiful classy car that deserves to stay the way it is.
I’ve seen where the real bidding doesn’t start till the last hours of the listing.
I’d like to buy this vehicle and bring it to Texas. If I could lose the buyers premium, arrange dependable shipping, agree on a BIN price, I’m a cash buyer. Interested?
DeusenbergDino Depending on your BIN offer we may be able to split the buyers premium costs if you are serious. I want the car to go to someone who will preserve, drive and display the car for future generations to enjoy. Make your best offer and we’ll talk. Thanks
Go ahead and submit your best BIN price and if it is good enough perhaps we could work something out.
Does this car retain its original 6 volt system ?
Timothy,
Look at the picture in the ebay ad.
Yes. 6 volt system.
This is a beauty! I’m hurt to see the lack of bidding!!
I have one that is Identical to yours that I bought off of a 90 year old widow woman and she could still drive it! I drove it to a show the other day, 50 miles, cruising at 65-70 mph , all original, true survivor, including paint. They are a great piece of Americana from the Gangster era. Hopefully the bids will start to climb much higher for you!
Is it just me or does she sound like a bearing is spun or a rod knock? Other than that she is a sweet ride!!
Louis, it is neither fair or helpful to make unfounded disparaging remarks about things you know nothing about. Neither of your assumptions are accurate. In the future, Please refrain from posting mindless and unsolicited opinions.