Originally hailing from Tacoma, Washington, and claimed as a 61K mile original, this 1941 Buick 46S “Sedanet” (Buick’s spelling per their sales brochure), is a true survivor. It has been in a private collection for over 30 years and still looks like the day it was sold by the Mueller-Harkins Motor Company in ’41. Offered for sale as a result of the owner’s passing, this beautiful Buick is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $30,100 with the reserve not yet met.
Being a Model 46S places this fastback in Buick’s “Special” trim level which was one level under the “Super”, two under the Century, and three under the top flight “Roadmaster”. Technically, our subject car is an “Extra Special” owing to its 121″ wheelbase, as opposed to the non-extra Special’s 118″ stretch. Total production stats for this body style/trim level was about 88K units – definitely popular.
Finished in its born-with black lacquer paint job, this Sedanet just oozes Buick’s class and refinement. The images do the talking, there is absolutely nothing that I can take away from this car and nothing I can add – it stands on its own merits and needs nothing. To quote the seller, “The body shows no indication of damage, accidents, repainting or touch-ups. The paint appears to be the original Buick factory black lacquer that was applied 82 years ago. It wears a deep shine with no chipping or cracking. All of the chrome appears original and bright with no pitting or wear noted. The grille, bumpers, door handles, and trim are excellent“. For your viewing enjoyment, here’s a comprehensive video.
Power is made available by a 125 HP, 248 CI straight-eight engine. Equipped with dual carburetors and an added dual exhaust system (the only non-original component), the seller claims this Buick is “fast” and has no issue with 70 MPH cruising. The power is channeled to the rear wheels via a smooth-shifting, three-speed manual transmission.
The interior’s most spectacular feature is its dash and instrument panel. The engine-turned gauge panel is a work of art and dovetails into the radio/speaker-containing center stack which continues its smooth flow east into the clock-mounted glovebox lid – it’s all just beautiful! But it’s more than that, the seating upholstery, floor mat, door panels – it’s all typical of Buick’s integrated blend of premium materials. And of course, there’s no sign of wear, spills, etc.
So, wouldn’t I really rather have a Buick? A new one? Nope! One like this ’41 Special Sedanet? You bet! How about you?
That’s stunning. It kinda looks like the ‘47 Cadillac Sedanette BF reader Bill McCoskey helped me find for my boss when she was looking for one to rebuild with her young son and daughter. Great lines, and enough chrome on the front to dazzle any oncoming drivers!
Very classy, Jim and you’re right-Buick refinement when that really meant something.
A student friend in college had an old ’52 Pontiac convertible with the flat head straight 8 engine in it. The exhaust manifold was split between the number 4 and 5 cylinders and really made a beautiful sound rolling down the road at 70 mph. Beautiful car here.
Didn’t catch who the owner was until I hit the expanded information on who is selling the car. Same dealer we bought our ’72 Blazer new from but believe this is the son. Whole family are car nuts and always were into interesting cars.
This is now my favorite Buick! It checks all the right boxes and I can envision it taking me everywhere.
Even though it’s the longer wheelbase one, it still looks tighter and more compact than the fastbacks of the day.
In the late 50’s, friend’s father had a 1940, with the 8, which had avoided the rust issues (it had spent WWII up on blocks in a garage) although they could afford a new car, he kept on the road, commuting in it, and long trips, since he kept saying, it was better built than whatever Ford, GM, and Chrysler were selling, so he might as well keep driving it. And it had those cool turn signals in the middle of the trunk lid.
I looked for a turn signal stalk on the column but didn’t see one . The lights you see on the trunk lid are stop lamps.
The only turn signals in those days was your left arm with your hand extended to the left, or at at 90 degree angle to signify right turn. People were better signaling this way that the ones too lazy to use the electric turn signals today.
Regarding the car, this is truly a great vehicle, especially for 1941… style and classic looks, and a good performer as well
Automotive art.
Indeed, I too would rather have a Buick–specifically THIS Buick!
But, alas, there’s no room in the–garage.
I would build another garage if I could own this Buick!
By the way, my favourite car was dad’s 1936 Buick
Has SoCal ‘Bomb’ written all over it. Needs skirts, and lowered. Maybe a foxtail, and water-cooler hanging on the window. Bitchin car!!
There is something that’s not quite right about this car, but I’m not sure what it is. Oh, I’ve just worked it out. It’s not in my garage.
Man that is beautiful!!! And if this car is really this nice and clean… that’s not an outrageous price. I’ve always thought these were gorgeous cars, and in black it really shows off the chrome and stainless steel trim nicely.
My grandfather had a ’41 Buick convertible, in Robin’s egg blue, before he went into the Army Air Force in WW II. From the stories handed down through the family, that car was quite fast and nimble handling, and he liked to drive it. He didn’t come home from the war, so the car was sold, and unfortunately we have no pictures of it.
What a big word “if” is. If I had space, if I had money, if I had time, if I had skill.
The list goes on and on, but some lucky buyer will put this lovely chariot in their family. These cars are among the beautiful ever built and will be the envy of every person that ever sees it. Moving on it won’t be me much to my chagrin.
God Bless America
I hope who ever gets this is a worthy custodian. Otherwise it’s original owner will pop out of the grave and smack him around. I will cheer him on.
So much care went into preserving this stunning example.
I do not believe this car was driven 61K miles and has not had recent work done to it. The engine appearance and the condition of the front seat are the giveaways–someone had to sit on the seat to drive for those 61K. But everything else is in showroom appearance too. Even using it to drive just to church on sunny Sundays would present some evidence of use. And the sun would dull that black paint. The total condition is too mint.
“reserve not met final bid $35,660.00” To me the car is worth twice that amount. It is rolling automotive art, and if I had the funds would be on it like white on rice.