Talk about being boxed in! This storage arrangement gives new meaning to that term. Advertised as an Opera Coupe, this 1928 Buick appears to be what was known as a Series 129, five-passenger coupe by virtue of its back seat and landau bars. It was also referred to as a Master Six thanks to its engine. As usual, any other thoughts on complete model identification are always appreciated. This Buick is located in Trinidad, Colorado and is available, here on craigslist for $12,000. Thanks to Gunter K for this tip!
This is an interesting car, in nice condition, with way too brief a description. The seller states that it is supposedly one of only 50 still in existence but I’m not sure how that can be known with certainty. It is in what looks like cramped, but clean, dry storage, rooming with what appears to be a ’56 Continental Mark II. The body is complete and shows to be free of crash damage, misaligned panels, or rust. Most of the Opera Coupes from this era that I could find, have a rear-mounted spare tire but this example digresses thanks to its rear-mounted, actual trunk. One would assume that was an option, and thus the ability to have fender-mounted spare tires. But then that leads to a question about the actual enclosed trunk, and whether it is accessible from the rear of the car. This Buick is claimed to, “Includes every option available at the time…99.5% + of car is original“. I’d like to know what that .5% interloper is – it’s not obvious.
The one image of the engine presents a rather streamlined-looking powerplant. And sure enough the old saw, “ran when parked” is front and center in the listing though the parking occurred only two years ago so the motor shouldn’t be seized. Being a Master Six, the engine would be a 274 CI, in-line six-cylinder unit capable of producing 76 gross HP. A three-speed manual gearbox was the only transmission choice in ’28.
There is one image of the interior and it is a bit worn looking but pretty clean and complete otherwise. There is no mileage listed other than a 99999 default but regardless of mileage, this Buick is closing in on a century in age so I’d say that the upholstery has held up well! It’s a typical velour style fabric though in a different shade than the floor covering – but that may not be original to this car. The instrument panel looks complete but something is missing on the far right on the passenger side, a clock perhaps?
This Buick is probably the best example of a prewar car, one that has not been restored, that I have encountered in the last two years. Discussions abound around the level of interest in cars of this era so it would be interesting to know if it sells, and for how much – unfortunately, we probably won’t learn the answer. What do you think of the likelihood that this Buick, at this price, will find a new garage?
Absolutely love it with a caveat. IIRC Buicks of this era were still being built with wooden frames then covered in sheet metal. I’ve seen a couple of cars from around this era (not Buicks though) that had dry rot and other issues with the body structure. I doubt very highly that you can purchase replacement parts if needed, more than likely they’d have to be custom made.
If it turns out as good as it looks, it would be a great parade car IMO.
Whenever I look at a car, I always consider how I will store all the junk around, and one thing that impressed me about this Buick is the way those tall boxes fit so nicely under the running boards. It’s certainly a plus.
Yes, but only if the tires hold their air. If not the entire weight of the car is transferred to the running boards which hopefully will not deflect before the boxes give way under the stress.
In 1978 I bought the entire contents of a 2 car garage, where the deceased owner had stored the contents of his toy and hobby store when he changed to a hardware store around 1960. The garage was filled to the gills with vintage toys in their original packaging.
We discovered 2 vintage Chevrolet cars with toys packed all around and under them; 1954 BelAir hardtop and 1958 Impala hardtop, both cars had 1960 license plates, the same date the store closed.]
Many large flat toy sets [like Marx playsets] were slid under both cars, filling the entire space under the cars. Problem was, as the tires lost air, many of the toy sets were severely damaged when the toys were literally crushed.
I doubt the distributor, coil, and wires are OEM. It frankly looks too good to be original, might be an older restoration.
Big deal still a nice OLD car, ready for Sunday drives or local car shows.
So, if a car has been tuned up then it is no longer original. Right? REALLY?
George,
In the 1950s, if the owner brought the car into a garage for a tune-up, those would have been the logical choice in ignition parts and wires.
Aerodynamics were in their infancy back then, in fact they weren’t even a gleam in their fathers’ eye.
I would be surprised if this reaches the ask, if only because folks interested in these 20’s vehicles are dying off. It’s a nice example though, and a buyer would have something for Sunday drives.
IMHO, 12 grand is give away. What a beautiful car!
If I had room, I would bring her home for the right price.
the part missing on the dash is two leavers one for lights and one for turning ing on/off. the dist is correct i have a 1927 buick std with the big 6 engine.that runs and drives every time the buick i have is in about the same patina shape
Thank you for the information. I will check it out.
Very cool car and a lot nicer than a Model A. If it ran well and had good tires $12K would be fair, in the current condition I’d be a player at $7K if the wooden parts were solid.
If you stay off the freeway and don’t follow people too close these can be driven just about anywhere.
Looks like a very attractive car at a very good price. If I were closer—–
The Front view looks a bit strange, regarding the angles of the wheels. Looks like a broken or heavily misaligned tie rod.
If this a real problem it shouldn’t be tough to fix
Thank you for posting this very nice car. It now has a new home at my house!
Get Out! Are you kidding? Congratulations! Please keep us informed of your progress.
Thx,
JO
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0HFJQlQYdO-fETkArOMMh1mIA
It looks better in the video than I would have imagined. Well played!
Enjoy,
JO
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0HFJQlQYdO-fETkArOMMh1mIA