The first thing that I thought of when reviewing this 1932 Buick 56C roadster is, “Could this be the origins of the muscle car?” Sporty lines, a sort of two-seater (if you don’t include the rumble seat), convertible folding top, and an eight-cylinder engine. Technically, it’s a 32-56C and it was probably a very impressive-looking car in its day. Well, it’s a bit forlorn now but that doesn’t mean salvation is out of reach (probably). Let’s look more closely at this T.J. discovered Buick roadster. It’s located in Keene, New Hampshire and is available, here on craigslist for $8,500.
We are told that this roadster is one of 630 produced in 1932 and the Antique Automobile Club of America corroborates that total – so yes, it’s rare. Total Buick production in ’32 amounted to about 56K units, a sharp drop from ’31 (139K) and probably due to the deepening economic depression. Being a 50 series car, it’s the smallest of the ’32 Buick line-up as it rides on a 114″ wheelbase.
Off the road for half a century, it’s in pretty rough shape. The seller states that the sheet metal is sound but makes no reference to structural aspects and the visual evidence of the various wooden components isn’t encouraging. Surface rust abounds and the running boards have started to run away. Most of the trim, lights, top frame, etc, are all there so that’s some plus points for what the seller calls, “a great candidate for restoration“.
The “muscle” was provided by a 77 HP, 220 CI, in-line “straight-eight” engine which looks complete but also dormant – and probably has been for many moons. The mileage is “suggested” as being 6,400, which would be minimal usage, but it’s a sure bet the engine will need to come apart. No word if it’s seized. A three-speed manual transmission handles gear-changing chores.
It’s funny how the term “floorboards” is still used today. In the case of this Buick, that was no exaggeration! And those making up the interior are in fairly poor condition. Beyond that, the internal wooded structure probably wouldn’t suffice as kindling. There is surface rust coating everything made of metal and that’s likely due to the lack of a top and exposure to the elements. The engine gauges are in better shape than one would have thought and this roadster actually has a radio! I wonder how often that occurred ninety years ago?
Well, we can’t save them all but this Buick Roadster is certainly one that is worthy of consideration. Once again, however, we’re tagged with the issue of having someone step forward, with the knowledge, interest, and bank account that would want to take on this huge Buick project, right?
Not sure this one is worth the effort. The wood framing in the doors and probably in the rest of the body present a daunting task for restoration. Been there, done that on a couple old Mercedes and promised myself that I’d never do it again.
Is the exhaust tied to the intake or am I looking at it wrong? Thought the air cleaner was a turbo at first. Hope someone takes it on!
Probably providing exhaust heat to the intake manifold but don’t ask me how it works.
This is a common design to preheat the intake manifold for better vaporation of the fuel when the engine is cold.
It’s called carb heating, just like the exhaust crossover under the carb on any newer V8
If it was in Australia I’d take it on in a heartbeat. Sure it’s going to be a ground up restoration but the metal panels appear to have only surface rust and wooden framing is not that difficult to replace. Not many candidates this age still have a spare rim hanging off the side and a radiator grill still as straight as an arrow.
The wood structure will probably keep this car from getting restored. Very expensive and time consuming to do correctly
Ridiculous. Many early cars have been restored with all of the wood framing replaced. Maybe if this was a 4 door sedan the work would be too much, but since this is a roadster, it will definitely be restored in some fashion.
It would be a shame to let this great rare project go to the smelters, as restoring it would be a once in a lifetime learning experience, and thrilling to drive when done. I find remarkable the competing “can do’ and “cannot” attitudes. If I wasn’t so bent, broken, and long in the tooth, I would take it on, just for the learning. I am confident that someone will step up, and I applaud them. BTW, I love the dash.
The only real problem with restoring this car is finding a craftsman who is willing and capable of taking on the wood replacement . Hopefully there’s enough let for patterns.
I’m lovin it. I already have 15 Buick, with worse wood problems. I’d rather be doing this one.
Thank you, Bruce Ironmonger, for noticing the spare tire(s). In the late ’50s, I was the second owner of a 1932 Chev Deluxe 5-window Coupe, which had similar twin spare wire wheels, a rumble seat, a pull-down blind over the roll-down back window, rear luggage rack, and vent wings that clamped between the upper and lower window framing. It had to be abandoned over-night, when it wouldn’t start, and some kids with a rock did a number on the windows and the dash. The present owner has “managed to keep it through 2 divorces, and it is not for sale at any price”. My biggest regret in life is selling it when I could not afford to repair it.
Does anyone know what the diamond shaped devices are, on the LH side of the front and rear bumpers?
Aftermarket turn indicators
I’d love to see this one once it has been restored.
If it were me, I would do a restored and replace all the wood frame wit metal. Drop in an LS and a 5 speed and it would be a heck of a ride. Would also do away with the problems of restoring the wood frame.
These are gorgeous when restored,but like everyone says, difficult & expensive. And limited resale market.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhNlSdShagU
The phone number in the video might provide a restoration estimate. The turn signals & radio are a plus. But lots of trim missing.
Restoration would be a real learning experience. But probably less expensive to buy one already restored.
Here’s how it’ll look once it’s restored….
https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/MB05/Vintage-Motor-Cars-at-Meadow-Brook-Hall/lots/r192-1932-buick-model-56c-convertible-coupe/200045
Absolutely worth restoring. The wood would need to be closely evaluated, but there’s nothing there that can’t be templated and recreated if you have access to a bandsaw, table saw, and router. There’s a beautiful car in there, hopefully somebody brings it back to life!
Well worth restoration..Body looks really solid with only surface rust and no rot. ….Much nicer ride than a Model A..How many had a radio in 1932?
You can look at this car and easily imagine how beautiful it was when new !!
I hope somebody can bring it back.
OldCarGuy, I think those are backlit turn signals. If you look closer at them you will see arrows pointing right and left.
Calling Jay Leno, Jay Leno
Thank you, Don.
Thank you, too, Matt.
They must have sold a lot of aftermarket sealed beam adapters back then . . My dad got some out of a junk yard for his 37 Ford . . The antique radio and aftermarket turn signals are interesting . . Wonder if the antenna is under the running board . .
Well, the Craislist posting was down when I looked it up. So, I guess someone else thought they could make something special out of it. This is one cars I certainly would like to follow the build on, it should be a great looking Buick!
That radio head in the center of the dash is an original Delco part, and fairly hard to find. 1932 was the first year for factory Delco radios in GM cars, as far as I can determine. Hopefully the amplifier box and speaker box [both under the dash] are still there.
It really baffles me why some youngster, years ago, didn’t “discover” this and use it. ie: a “car guy” or “car girl” in the making. What a neat vehicle. Too bad a family member of the owner wasn’t interested. Wish I had the scratch to buy it.