For the sake of variety, we do like to delve into cars that aren’t actual barn finds or that all too often discovered pony, muscle, specialty, etc. models – you know, the one of none that sellers like to proclaim. A case in point is this fabulous 1928 Buick Model 28-47S. The fact that it’s almost a century old is reason enough for a review, but its stellar condition seals the deal. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, this former museum piece is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $14,400 with the reserve not yet met.
Buick offered three series in 1928: the 115″, 120″, and 128″—sizes referencing the wheelbase. Our subject is a 120″ Series, Model 28-47S, five-passenger sedan. Body styles were typical for the era with open and closed cars in both two and four-door configurations. The listing claims that this is a California car and perhaps its years on the West Coast have helped preserve it as a sound restoration candidate. The seller tells us that this Buick was restored in 2012 and has been residing in a private Bakersfield, California collection. The images absolutely do the talking – this sedan is perfect! Its muted two-tone finish just oozes class – as the seller suggests, “Bigger than Ford nice as a Packard.” No detail seems to have been missed, the chrome, wooden wheels, and glass are all as good as it gets.
Powering this beauty is a 77 HP, 274 CI, overhead valve, in-line, six-cylinder engine. Owing to its “47S” designation, as opposed to just a mere 47, means an increase in the compression ratio from 4.72:1 to 4.9:1. The seller tells us that this Buick is, “rarely driven on a nice weekend” but offers no other description regarding operating or driving characteristics. A three-speed manual transmission handles the rear-wheel connection. Not surprisingly, the engine compartment is as pristine as this sedan’s exterior.
Moving indoors we find, what else, but a magnificently restored interior. The upholstery is cloth and its saddle hue, with matching carpet, perfectly complements the two-tone dark green and black exterior. The restoration treatment extends to the dash and instrument panel cluster – the very period gauges appear to have been expertly rejuvenated – probably an involved task. The seller also mentions that all of the windows work as designed. A special note goes to the gear shift knob, it’s actually a clock made by the Andrews Mfg. Co. of Los Angeles California – how unusual!
As is often the case with cars of this era, we often discuss the waning interest in such vehicles – they seem to be the province of an older generation that is fading away from automobile interest in cars of the twenties, thirties, and forties. I would imagine that the target market for this Buick Series 120 sedan is limited but, there’s no denying this car’s excellence, and that alone, I imagine, will garner the necessary interest to move this car to a new owner. When something is the best, it’s usually successful, wouldn’t you agree?
I would so love to have this!
This looks like the first antique car I drove.
Back in 1977 I had a brand new license and Wilbur Smith, a 90 year old friend of the family, had a ’28 Buick to drive in the Memorial Day parade. My Dad and I went to his spread, saw his curved dash Olds, and picked up the Buick for a few practice laps.
All went well, I was hooked, and it’s been great fun ever since!
This car looks fantastic and should be a hoot for any owner.
The first car I ever drove was in 1965. I was 12 years old and the car was a 1930 Ford, Model A. Problem was, it was a beater, having been previously rolled over and somewhat rusty. But it still ran. Unforgettable experience along the back roads of Fort Walton Beach. Which also were the only roads there at that time.
What has that got to do with this?
You’ll notice with 7 thumbs up some folks liked his comment. Lighten up.
Well barry, I’m sorry if my little comment was beyond your failure to “connect the dots”.
I wrote that in response to the first line in JRHaelig’s comment directly above mine where he said “This looks like the first antique car I drove.” It prompted me to write about a similar experience – the first car I EVER drove, which also happened to be an antique.
A real classic in 1+ condition. So sad the audience for these fine automotive works of rolling art are disappearing.
If the prices hadn’t been speculated up then maybe a younger crowd could appreciate them. The way it is now, they will all die a slow death in some rich guys long forgotten cave. By the time they finally see the light of day, any chance of a younger generational person loving it will be lost. I would like to see this available for a few grand right now. Then, a middle aged average guy could buy and drive it on weekends.
I guess you could sell your own car for 1/3 it’s value so someone else could afford to enjoy it…
I am selling off cars right now. My cars have more value because they are newer, so I can ask more than 2K. That said, I do not over price my cars. Getting a reasonable value from them is good, but not as important as knowing they are going to good homes that will drive them, cherish them. I have let a few go far under market value for that reason. I have enough money. Part of having ample funds is being able to be a little generous once in a while.
Why don’t you send them in and we will auction them for you?
Folks keep saying that younger folks aren’t interested but they aren’t around younger lads and old cars. When we’re giving classic car rides at the museum kids walk right past cars like the ’67 Camaro to cars like a Model A. At events the little ones are fascinated by the pre war iron. These are the old car memories they’ll have one day. We just need to show them it doesn’t take a six figure bag of money to acquire a fun old car. Unlike ’50s rides prewar cars have not been “speculated up”. UIt just takes a few grand to purchase a nice example.
I didn’t know a car would run with compression that low. A 5 year old could crank that over.
Very roomy looking. With that motor’s HP it could drive on the freeway no problem as long as other drivers didn’t cause accidents by gawking at this beauty!
An obsession of mine on display: “suicide” doors and that great photo with both doors open. My local runabout, an i3, also shows off nicely with that design. The option for the Andrew’s gearshift clock, a radium dial for an extra $1.25 should come with a lead-lined glove for shifting.
What an absolutely beautiful automobile!
It is so uplifting to know there are still craftsmen available who can do such astonishing restoration work.
Very nice looking old pre-war Buick. I hope it gets a new home. I would love to drive this to cars and coffee. Cars this old have become a rare sight at the meets I attend. GLWTS.
I utterly LOVE this! When I was young, late 1920s cars still were a relatively common sight — especially Model A Fords! But I have always appreciated this basic body style, because of how nicely these cars accommodated both drivers and passengers. I dearly wish I had the money and the climate-controlled garage to own this one and cherish occasional outings in it from time to time on sunny days! Alas…