Well, the barn finds keep getting found and flipped. Next up is a 1941 Buick Super Series 50. Stored on blocks in a Modesto, California barn for “decades”, this non-runner is now available, here on craigslist for $2,500. Thanks to T.J. for this discovery!
Offered in several different body styles, this example is the frumpier-looking four-door sedan as opposed to a two-door “torpedo styled” coupe which was a real eye-catcher. What that translates into is less interest as cars of this era just don’t seem to strike much of a chord these days. Regardless, the “Super” name was esteemed in Buick’s lineup and initially spanned the years between 1930 and 1935. After a respite, it returned in ’40 and remained in one form or another through 1958. This model 50 is considered a full-size car but powered by something a little less than a full-size engine. A popular model, over 90K copies surfaced from Buick City (Flint), Michigan in ’41.
There’s not anything seemingly destructive affecting this Super’s coachwork – typical for a California domiciled car. There is a sheen of surface rust in places with the chrome bits more seriously affected, but the body appears to be complete and sound. The seller claims that the finish is mostly original though I’m not certain how one determines that on an 81-year-old car – or if it even matters.
This Buick’s engine room possesses a 125 gross HP, 248 CI, in-line, eight-cylinder engine but it’s not completely together “and is missing a few bits“, you know, important things like pistons. I guess this is the part where we cue the “Put an LS in it” line. Ok, Ok, more on that thought to follow.
The interior pretty well matches the exterior, it’s worn. The front bench seat has been recovered and the cover is coming apart as are the door cards. The rubber floor mat shows signs of water intrusion so floor integrity should be checked. The instrument panel gauges look OK but the dash itself is covered in a light coat of rust – back to that thought about a potential water problem. There was an installed radio at one time but it has been removed. As is always the case with a barn find of this era, the steering wheel looks like one white-knuckled grab would reduce it to many pieces. The glass looks pretty good for a car of this age with obvious delamination not apparent. Two of the windows show travel stickers from Yellowstone and Montana so this Super had a bit of a travelin’ jones going on back in the day.
OK, it’s now what to do with it time. I guess put an LS in it, right? This is a tough one because it’s really the wrong body style for a restomod or hotrod, and it’s not significant enough a discovery to pour in the resources needed for a full restore – admittedly though, it’s a rather complete example, other than the engine of course. The seller states, “Bring $2500. in cash and a trailer, not a camera…” What do you think, any interest?
This seems reasonably priced based on recent market craziness. But I am on my second martini, so feel free to correct me.
I’m on my third beer and I agree
It’s a shame someone took the time and effort to save it, but it’s just not desirable.
How this is advertised so cheaply (nowadays) and not sold is amazing
Very reasonable price by today’s standards, someone will buy it probably based on a like for that type of car or their father or grandfather having one back in the day. Wish more cars were still fair priced like that.
I have had a ’41 Super(convertible) for 41 years.Also have a ’41 Roadmaster. Great cars but why hasn’t this one got the twin carb stup?
My dad had a 40 Buick Special 4 door sedan, very similar body style from what I remember from 70 years ago. I do remember his had a straight 8 engine. The big problem for his as I recall was the knee action shock absorbers were no longer available in the early 50’s and the car bounced like a balloon every time he stopped or crested a hill. For nostalgia sake I would like to see someone get this source another era correct engine and put it back on the road. Natually that would just be the beginning of a restoration project.
God Bless America
My ’52 Buick Super had knee action shocks. I would imagine your dad could have had the shocks rebuilt. He may not have wanted to put the money into though.
The ’40 and ’41 bodies were very similar. The Special used a smaller body than the Super.
I kinda like it, get it running and drive it as is. I think the last few years of the straight 8 had the insert type of bearings, it might be tough to find one though, but they sure run smooth.
I’m on my second six pack and I think that’s a good price also
Even a recent GM 6 would both fit and make this a nice daily driver.
2500 for the car, 2000 to ship it back east. I could be made into a static display for a WWII era movie or those fancy photograph sessions where the women dress like pin ups. Make a good prop. Might even earn your money back eventually. That would give you time to find an engine or the parts required to fix this one.
The condition of this is very much like the ’48 Chevy I bought when I was 16 in 1970 for 50.00. Almost exact same condition.except mine ran. Kept it in the woods and did what kids do in the woods with old cars.
it’ll sell for a grand if the light is bad on that day. Handsome model though