The 1930s was one of the most important decades in the history of cars. Not only did the technology of the automobile advance, but so many of those advances also became standard for even the lowest-priced cars. Automotive-style went from right angles to swooping curves, brakes from cable to hydraulic, engines from four to eight cylinders, and the list goes on. At the beginning of the decade though, cars looked much as they had in the 1920s and this 1931 Buick Series 40 is no exception. For sale here on craigslist in Sebastopol, California, for $11,000, this unrestored Buick wears its age well and is ready for the next chapter in its long and historic life.
Prewar Buicks are special cars, and this 1931 Series 40 certainly is. WWII was not kind to 1920s and ’30s cars and many were sacrificed to the scrap-drives as materials for the war effort. Once the war was over, these well-used cars were a dime a dozen, and more still ended up in wrecking yards after serving as first cars for younger drivers. That makes the survival of this Buick, in its unrestored state, quite interesting and rare. The Series 40 was the least expensive model in Buick’s lineup and was their most popular car during the 1930s. In 1931, Buick introduced their now famous Straight 8, in three different displacements. The first was a 220 cubic inch engine that made 77 BHP, the second a 272 with 90 BHP, and the last and largest was 344 cubic inches and produced 104 BHP. Being that this is the base model car, it is likely that this is the 220.
This car’s condition is solidly in the good category. The body has peeling paint and spots of wear, but no dents that I can see. The seller did not really clean up the car either, so the dust might be hiding some other small imperfections but the car looks solid. The chrome is worn but presentable and for a survivor car, it is fine. The interior is in amazing condition. The upholstery looks so good that it is hard to believe it is 90 years old, though it could be possible. The seller states the odometer is broken so there’s no visible clue how many miles this car has. The other gauges look serviceable if a bit dirty, they might benefit from a cleaning. The faux wood above the dashboard is in nice condition, with the painted woodgrain mostly intact.
This Buick looks like a great buy but the biggest hitch seems to be the price. Other Buick sedans of a similar age and condition are listed online for less. These cars aren’t common but of all the Buick models that year, the Series 40 is also the least valuable given its low price and high sales figures. Even with its preserved condition and as a solid driver, $11,000 is too much for a baseline Buick sedan. In the end, though, it will be up to the next interested person to decide what price the car is worth. What would you pay for this survivor Buick?
This would be a perfect street rod project. I have a buddy with a freshly built nail head that would keep this all Buick.
what a disgusting thought
It IS all Buick, leave it alone.
It’s cool for what it is, but the price does seem a little steep.
What a bargain! Perfect just as it is. If I had a bigger garage, I’d be calling.
Leave it aline and original.
It’s made it all this time original and needs a new care giver. I hope the owner quizzes who is buying to keep it stock.
I have a 27 Chrysler coupe channeled on a boxed frame and olds rear that i have never built that i wish was this original beauty. 🤤
That’s the asking price. If purchased for a fair price, I’d clean it up, make it mechanical sound and drive it as is.
Also love the art deco gauges.
Why change the car? The straight eight is an OHV engine that when tuned up runs exceedingly well. I had a 37 sedan at one time and loved that motor. The car would run all day long at seventy miles an hour.
I love old cars. I like the history they show. When I see cars like this that sell for what seems to me a fair price for a complete running car, compared to a rusted out body shell that may have been more flashy in its prime, I don’t quite understand the logic involved. I guess I just like simple stuff and don’t appreciate car art.
Anyone who doesn’t respect this beautiful Buick is close to a criminal. This beautiful car deserves to be restored.
Car is a Series 50 not a Series 40. There was no Series 40 in 1931. Series 50 was the smallest and was based on the 1930 Marquette, but with a new 8 cyl engine. Has a 114″ wheelbase. Appears interior has been redone (correctly) and I believe paint was redone (perhaps correctly, perhaps not) many years ago. Car is a late 1931 as it has single piece bumpers (like the 32). The early 31’s used dual slat 1930 style bumpers. Car should be cleaned up and enjoyed as it is!
Day gone by people are dumping these old cars know fun to drive if you did a mod on them would cost thousands on dollars not worth it sorry
Nice car, I would leave as original because I love the story that as found condition tells. I am wondering what the two handles are for in the middle of the steering wheel?
I can answer what the Levers are for……The Bottom one is for the Head lights and Parking lights. The top one is for ignition advance and retard, as Vacuum Advance hadn’t been figured out yet.
I have a fully restored 1930, Series 40, 4 door Buick and I would probably charge $11,000.00 to take someone for a ride and surely not sell it for that!
You haven’t seen anything yet, once you start hunting PARTS, (its mostly junk, for a high price) for these cars!
I believe hunting for “Hens Teeth” is easier!