If pre-war American classics tick the boxes for you, this 1939 Buick Special deserves a close look. It is a solid and complete carport find that is begging for a new lease on life. Its lack of significant rust could make it ideal for someone contemplating a first restoration, while its relatively modest price means the new owner won’t blow their entire budget before work even starts. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Gunter K for spotting this promising project.
Buick introduced the latest version of the Special to the buying public in 1936. It offered six body styles and performed the usual array of annual updates until production stalled in 1942 as the manufacturing industry focused on the war effort. The first owner ordered this 1939 Touring Sedan in Code 530 Black and, interestingly, it was the only shade that year that didn’t carry a creative name. Others included Zion Maroon, Yosemite Gray, and Sequoia Cream, proving that there were individuals within the company with artistic leanings. It is unclear how long this Buick has occupied its current location, but the indications are that it has been a few years. The layer of dust and developing mildew make it hard to make a definitive call on its overall condition, but what can be seen looks quite promising. The paint has a few obvious imperfections, but there are no major visible defects. I would love to drag it out and treat it to a wash because the presentation might be acceptable if the new owner wishes to preserve its survivor credentials. The seller uses the term “very little rust” when describing its structural state, suggesting that the visible steel penetration in the running boards might be the worst of its problems. The front bumper is AWOL, but the remaining trim and glass are intact. There are question marks hanging over the glass because it appears some pieces might be developing cloudy edges below the layer of dust.
The 1939 Special’s long hood is easy to understand, with the 248ci straight-eight engine requiring plenty of engine bay space. In its prime, it generated 107hp and 126 ft/lbs of torque, which found its way to the road via a three-speed manual transmission. Those numbers are interesting because while the torque is lower than the figure produced by Ford’s iconic 221ci flathead V8, the Buick’s straight-eight produces 20% more power. It is unclear when this engine last roared into life, but I suspect it was probably when the owner parked it in the carport. The Special will undoubtedly require plenty of TLC before it becomes roadworthy, but with the engine turning freely, it looks quite promising.
As with its exterior, it would be interesting to clean the accumulated debris from this Buick’s interior and treat everything to a deep clean. What is visible of the mohair upholstery and trim shows no evidence of significant physical damage. There are the typical dirty marks that accumulate with age, but spending time, rather than money, might return the interior to an acceptable state if the buyer wishes to preserve its survivor credentials. It would be worth the effort, although if the results aren’t satisfactory, the existing pieces could serve as templates for a retrim.
Buick had a banner year in 1939, selling 166,349 examples of the Special across all body types. The four-door Touring Sedan was the most popular, with 109,213 buyers handing over the cash to take one home. The seller listed this Touring Sedan here on Craigslist in De Soto, Missouri. They set their price at $7,500 but might entertain trades for an appropriate vehicle. Therefore, interested parties may not need to dip into their bank account, leaving funds available to return this Buick to its former glory. That prospect makes it worth a closer look.
Cool car but 7500 seems high. Maybe not in today’s market if minimal rust, but I don’t see a lot of upside for a 4 door once it is done
TBONE they will make that a 2 door most likely.
It’s a damned shame to see a cool car like this in the kind of rust collection it is. You have to wonder what the frame and all look like if the running boards and fenders are full of big holes like that.
Too bad. I don’t think he’ll get $7500 for it when someone gets a closer look at it.
Buick was ahead of its competitors in 1939 offering this 248 Overhead valve straight eight engine while most other companies only offered the flat head versions. If it were already starting, running and stopping the $7500 asking price might be reasonable.
If you look closer you will see a front bumper
Yep, RH corner is largely hidden from view.
I have a soft spot for 1939 Buicks.
That’s also nice. Nosejob similar to the Y-job.
News to me that ’39 was a banner sales year for Buick and 100k plus of the 160k total sales were Special 4dr Sedans. Surprised because I much prefer the 40 front to the ’39, just never cared for the Y job grille. But guess I’m in the Minority with my preference.
Most of the folks selling cars like this nowadays over estimate their value. I had a 1938 that was in excellent shape with new Coker tyres and needed nothing. It was a fun weekend car that transported many wedding parties and prom kids. We moved and lost our garage space and I had to sell it. It sold for $16kAUD, that’s about $1.95USD nowadays. I like the ’37 & 38’s, the first years they were all metal. The grill on the 1939 turns me off.
This is one of few 4-doors that I would prefer over the popular variety. The salient front is “military”, and the headlights point to somewhere hidden, to the north.