Wouldn’t you really rather have a Buick? You bet when it’s as nice as this 1933 Series 90 sedan. Originally hailing from Los Angeles, this beautiful sedan moved to Florida where it was stored for a number of years. Having been on display at a motorcycle dealership, this big Buick is now looking for a new home. Located in Daytona Beach, Florida, this Series 90 sedan is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $19,599 with 51 bids tendered so far.
The Buick 90 series was introduced in 1931 and continued through 1935 when it was replaced by Series 90 Limited. This Buick is technically a Model 91 and appears to be what was known as a Club Sedan. The Fisher “streamlined” body was new for ’33 and was a product of GM’s Art and Color Studio. The year 1933 was a tough one for auto manufacturers, the great depression had a deleterious effect on virtually every aspect of American life – and luxury car manufacturers in particular. Nevertheless, Buick still managed to sell 46K copies that year putting themselves in sixth place. As a comparison, first place Chevrolet rang up 486K sales.
The seller states that this sedan was restored sometime back in its original two-tone combination of tan and brown. It’s a spectacular presentation that reveals no concerns but the seller does add, “Imperfections are present in the finish, the grille shows corrosion, and the seller notes a rust bubble under the mat on the driver-side running board. One of the springs for the louvers needs to be reattached, and the faulty spring has caused some knicks in the finish“. OK, so it’s not perfect but it still makes a tremendous visual statement.
Power is provided by a 104 HP, 344 CI, in-line eight-cylinder engine working through a typical three-speed manual transmission. The seller adds, “it needs to be gone through as far a carburetor and maybe some new fuel, it has been sitting too long and it spits and spitters (sic) until it is warmed up, then it idles and purs like a kitten, but could use some TLC. the water jacket gasket needs to be replaced, the block is good and solid, but because of the leak it has caused some rust to form on the driver’s side pan, you can see it…” Judging from the description and the visual evidence, it would seem that the water jacket gasket is the head gasket so the top end of the engine will require dismantling in order to effect a repair.
As with the exterior, the interior has been restored and reupholstered in tan cloth fabric. The overall appearance is excellent though the seller mentions that the “robe rail” needs to be reattached and the floor mats show some wear – pretty nitpicky stuff. Note the instrument panel, it is beautiful in its simplicity and effective in its configuration.
As we have discussed before, automobiles of this era seem to be losing their popularity as collectors age out and younger enthusiasts express interest in more recent models. In 1933 a Buick was a Buick, and a car that commanded respect – and this example still does. There are many thorough images included in the listing, please be sure to check them all out. As the seller suggests, “It’s time for this beautiful great piece of American history to find a new owner and be enjoyed by a new family! “Oh, and remember this slogan from the ’30s, “When better automobiles are built, Buick will build them“, right?
Nice Buick! Nice ride for someone.
This Buick was Joe’s pride and joy. He enjoyed taking it the Spring Rod Run, Turkey Rod Run and other events. Joe Robison and his shop were a great asset to the Daytona bike and car community. Whoever gets this car will get a great deal of history with it and a large part of Joe’s heart and soul. We all will miss Joe and his coffee and doughnuts. Best of luck with the auction and a piece of Daytona history.
This is an absolutely gorgeous automobile! It’s worth noting that Buick’s Ninety Series are CCCA rated “Full Classics”.
The ’20s and ’30s Buick slogan cited above, “When Better Cars Are Built, Buick Will Build Them” was not just hype: the fact that the straight-8 powered 1928 Bugatti 44 featured in yesterday’s Barn Finds was dubbed “The Molsheim Buick” is praise indeed, and an indication of Buick’s high standing in international automotive circles of the period!
Of all the cars I’ve seen listed here lately this is my favorite. This is an absolutely beautiful car. It’s a car to be proud of, to be its caretaker would be such a privilege. It requires some strength and patience to drive this car as they didn’t offer power steering or power brakes in 1933 Buicks. Neither did they offer a/c or many other creature comforts. But just imagine the pride of excellence that were put into these cars. That old clutch was stiff so left leg workout is required. They were not speedsters but there were no super highways in those days. You drive a car like this very cautiously always keeping an eye out for other drivers. The bidding has reached out of my capacity so I’ll just have to say I wish the best for both car and buyer.
God bless America
Beautiful car! Art on wheels!
Plus, a great price!
Reminds me of dad’s 1936 Buick, but not as modern looking
Linda November wasn’t even born, or thought of, for that matter, when this car came out and a good 30 years before her highly successful Buick ads. We might look at this car and go, “meh, just an old jalopy”, but we must remember, 1933 was the height of the depression, and very few could own a car like this. It was ironic, because these cars incorporated so many new features, and very few could enjoy them until they were older cars. By then, newer, better cars were available. These weren’t for city folks, catered mostly to people that drove long distances on iffy rural roads, a Buick was your best bet. The mind reels at what celebrity might have owned this car? It’s sold, $27g’s, I don’t know, I think the rusty Bronco is a better deal,,,