We feature a good number of ’30s vintage cars on Barn Finds but the usual suspects, such as Ford and Chevrolet dominate the coverage – which isn’t really a surprise. Well, today, we have a surprise in the form of a 1932 Buick Series 32-56S, a model, and a marque, that doesn’t get anywhere near the press as the aforementioned brands. Let’s dip in here and see what we have. This Buick is located in Brandywine, Maryland and is available, here on craigslist for $13,000, OBO. Thanks to T.J. for this discovery!
By my count, Buick offered eighteen different models in ’32 – an enormous number really. The differences were in body styles and wheelbase length. All designated as belonging to Series 32, the 56 S was a two-door coupe with a rumble seat, which technically makes this a four-passenger model though the two in the trunk would need to be good friends. Of course, people were a bit smaller in those days…The depths of the Great Depression were upon us in ’32, so it wasn’t the best time to be in the upscale car business. Nevertheless, Buick managed a fifth-place finish with an output of 56K copies. For some perspective, number one Chevrolet put up about 313K units.
Last operated about five years ago, the seller states, “Car has been stored in the owner’s climate-controlled garage and is rust-free. Just a few layers of dust and cobwebs from sitting“. It is considered to be original and intact with an odometer reading of only 23K miles. It looks good! The finish is a bit mottled, or moldy, in places but it still presents an air of regalness with its two-tone maroon and black presentation. Thre chrome bits and bumpers show well, the grille has escaped accidental intrusion, and the fabric roof panel is still holding in place. There is no indication of rust or rot.
Power is provided by an 85 HP, 230 CI, in-line eight-cylinder engine working through a three-speed manual, synchronized transmission. The seller adds, “Car ran fine when stored and with fresh fuel, a precautionary oil change and shot of oil in each cylinder, it will start right up and drive“. If that’s the case, why not perform that task and get it running? It would be a big sale enhancer.
The interior is one of the nicer 90-year-old insides that I have encountered. The upholstery, dash, and door panels are not showing any effects from the ages – remarkable for 90 years young and a testament to this Buick’s storage conditions. The five instrument panel gauges are amazingly clear for an automobile of this age – it does have a time capsule feel about it.
Well, the debate will start regarding the interest in cars of this era. We all know that enthusiasm, in general, has waned for cars from the ’40s and earlier – that happens as collectors and aficionados age out. Regardless, if you are one that still harbors an attraction to this automotive era, you would be hard-pressed to find a better example, especially one that is not a Chevy or a Ford, wouldn’t you agree?
Yes, the difference between a running and driving car and one that is not is significant. Like going to the animal shelter to find a kitten. One is licking your face and the other is in a coma.
If you had the money and time , build and drive with 50/60s period hot rod stuff.
That is a sad thought.
Indeed, it’s blasphemy–utter blasphemy!
Ha, purists.
Excellent rat rod candidate.
I mean, who wants these old relics as stock anymore? Not many.
Not as many that say keep them stock. I’d like to know if even half the “leave it stock” or “don’t modify it” commenters have a stock vintage automobile.
Looks like you have one David.
At least if it was rodded or ratted, our kids would have a chance of getting some decent coin for them when we kick the bucket.
like a 455 stage 2?
Ran *FINE* when parked — better than usual??
Looks really sweet however!!
Stored in a climate controlled garage. I wonder what the climate was set at? It takes a lot of moisture to get that much mold all over the entire car. She is still a beauty. I would love to be the person to clean her up and drive her on the streets again. Best of luck to the new caretaker.
Get her running & give her a paint job, and she would be a wonderful driver! I would LOVE something like this!
Wash and polish it and drive the snot out of it as a daily in good weather. They were made to drive, not sit.
Clean it up and use it as a daily in good weather. The big ohv ought to keep up with all but interstate speeds easily.
One very nice old Buick. I,d love you have it. Those straight 8 ran good and will run fine over 45. Clean it up and you see how much better looking it is. Who ever buys it. Congratulations on a really nice automobile.
I am a “leave it stock” guy. As stock, the car is an example of automotive history. People should know that every car made didn’t have an SBC , automatic transmission, and tilt wheel.
And yes, I have a completely stock ’31 Ford that I have been driven from Ohio to Canada, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Don’t mind shifting gears (and I know how, which is rare today) and didn’t miss the A/C.
Yes leave it alone there ain,t to many left in this condition.
I have a73 Vega that i hot rodded, ialso have a 55 Chrysler Imperial coupe 331 Hemi landing here in Melbourne next week it,s staying stock.
Cheers Hans In Aus.
I have a stock ’30 Ford runble-seat coupe. Lots to like about these old cars.
My model railroad is 90% steam locomotives, just to put perspective on my comments.
(1) This car is a testament to our engineers, designers and production staff plus a rolling piece of industrial history. I wouldn’t even ruin it with a restoration. Clean it up and do whatever is needed to make it driveable.
(2) Note there are two levers on the steering column in the cabin. The one closer to the steering wheel looks like an aftermarket turn signal switch. The other lower down interests me. Also note there are linkages and a long rod on the steering column in the engine bay. Again note, there is a lever near the exhaust pipe that looks as though if is a butterfly valve to send hot air to the top of the carburettor.
Does lever inside the cabin operate the hot air valve plus what are linkages and rod in the engine bay for?
TouringFordor. Some of these older vehicles did have a tilt wheel. Look where the column is bolted to the dash board. Some have a pair of sawtooth brackets. Loosen these off and the bolts holding the steering box to the chassis. Lift it up or down to tilt and tighten all the bolts up.
Also, the clutch & brake pedals on my 32 Dodge use a four-bar linkage on them that allow you to adjust the pedal position without altering the brake & clutch take up position.
Nothing new under the sun! A little more involved than pulling a lever, though.
Hope someone answers the question re: rod with linkage. The butterfly valve may have been similar to that found on carbureted airplane engines, which was to send heated air to the carb to melt ice.
There was a of mention of shockers being adjustable in the complete write up.
TouringFordor. I have been interested in old cars for more than 50 years. I think the only item that wasn’t developed and fitted to a car before about 1935 was the discs brake although I suspect an inventor before 1910 would have tried as there was lots of development then.