Originally introduced in 1936 as an easy-on-the-pocketbook full-size offering, the Special was a stand-alone model in the Buick roster for three different generations, with a pause in production years between each era. Though manufacturing of the Special as a freestanding model ended in 1969, the moniker saw continued use as an entry-level trim package for the popular Century over the following decades. It’s always fun to find an early example of just about any automobile that’s got an interesting story to go with it, and this 1938 Special Model 41 here on Facebook Marketplace certainly has one. Priced at $12,500, this vintage Buick is located in Mustang, Oklahoma, and we’d like to thank reader Zappenduster for spotting it and sending us the tip here!
Even though this Buick is now 88 years old, the seller says it spent its first 87 years as a one-owner vehicle and stayed with the same family in Canada until just recently, when he acquired it and brought the sedan to the United States. Until that time, the Century is also reported to have been stored for the past 55 years, so it’s spent more time off the road than on. The hibernation surroundings must have been exceptional, as the body remains in far better condition than most automobiles that have survived almost a century. The panels and undercarriage are described as rust-free, and there are no reports of any accidents in the car’s long history.
Despite the 1938 Special not being one of the higher trim levels in base form, the original owner is said to have custom-ordered this car and decided to include several extra-cost additions. While the 248 CI inline-8 was the only engine available, an optional semi-automatic 4-speed transmission was a feature chosen by only a few buyers, with the seller indicating just 1.8%, and this Touring Sedan happens to be one of those equipped with this rare component. He also states that Buick Club Historians believe there are only 12 to 15 of these running cars remaining worldwide, and that this one is said to have recently been driven approximately 100 trouble-free miles.
The interior is claimed to be original, and if that’s the case, it’s still in pretty amazing condition for its age. The 41 was billed as a 5-passenger sedan, and the cabin looks like it would provide a comfortable setting for each occupant, no matter where they were sitting. Sadly, the seller notes that their health declined shortly after this acquisition, so they’re seeking another caretaker to continue preserving and enjoying this 1938 Buick Special. Is there space in your garage for this one?
One owner for 87 years? Where did he buy it? The candy store? He’d have been a little kid. And it’s true, it had good maintenance records there were no reports of accidents on Horse and Buggy Fax. Seriously though, when I was a senior in high school I had a buddy who owned a ’39 Buick Special. It was black and if memory serves looked like this car. He had me repair its radio! He drove it everywhere and it wasn’t in anywhere near the condition this car is, and this was back in 1972. It’s said that cars from back then all looked alike, that might be somewhat true but you’d never mistake this automobile for today’s, say, Hyundai Elantra. This is a nice example and while older cars like this don’t seem to be valued that greatly, I’d give the asking price if I was interested.
I belong to the 36-38 buick club, the club magazine had his full ad. quite a story as to why only one owner. I’m sure he is going to cry when it’s sold
please share the story
I have four 1938 Buicks here and would sell them all if someone was Interested. Two coupes and 2 sedans for parts.
Either that or his father owned the car when he was a boy, and had bequeathed the car to him.
Dis the radio have tubes? Seriously.
Very cool that the gas ration stickers survived!
there was a 3 page story behind the origins of this car in the monthly Buick magazine. quite interesting.
where can we see the story
It appears we’d have to join to read the magazine. Too bad, it sounds like a great story!
This is one pristine machine. Before someone bought it they might want to read up on what all is involved in keeping it alive and cruising, then join the club to tap into the accumulated knowledge before it fades away.
Great find, zappenduster and great write up, Mike.
What a great turnkey entry into the classic car world!! And priced about right too!! Buy it, cruise it, show it, and enjoy it!!
Probably by the time it appeared here, it was already sold. The price is too low to not be gone already
This car was recently profiled in the May Buick Bugle magazine from the Buick Club of America. It had a very interesting history, including spending some time in England (hence the plates) in 1938.
https://issuu.com/buickclub/docs/the_buick_bugle_-_may_2026/16
Here is the magazine article
Thank you very much for posting that link. This is really one very special Buick. Thats some history of the car too. I can’t believe the condition its in considering it was on a dirt floor garage.
Thanks Brian!
Funny, I just saw Jimmy at jimmy’s world post a video about one that he had gotten out of a garage after several decades of sitting. Impressively the tires even still held air.
What a beautiful art deco front end on this Buick. I find the price to be surprisingly reasonable. Close to 90 years old and still looking this clean? I hope it gets a really good home that will continue it’s preservation.
At age 7 in 1946 my parents had a black 39 Olds that looked a lot like this Buick. I don’t remember much except it was big and roomy and I learned to shift sitting in the driveway. That was in Childress, Tx. One day my young boys asked if I had a sandbox when I was a kid. I told them I grew up in a sandbox–Childress Tx.
Those are not Canadian plates. Look like Brit plates to me
Britplates. That’s what they are indeed
Wouldn’t you really rather have a Buick?
I much prefer the entirely new 1939 Buick; but I most certainly would not turn this beautiful 1938 away! Too bad that I lack for a righful place in which to preserve it; and at my age, it would no longer be practical for me to own and drive it! Sad.
Could have been in the “Dick Tracy” movie with that color.
Beautiful vehicle. Love the dash. While I could buy it, restoring it to safe and roadworthy condition would finish me.
This car deserves a home with deep pockets to bring it back to life.
While the original color is not bad, I would like a deep green or maroon flavor.
A deep green or maroon would be perfect!
I might love the dash, too, if only it were included in this write-up!
Owned by one family for 87 years–multiple generations. And this is a Buick Special, not a Buick Century. I can vouch for the seller’s description of only 12-15 of these rare Self-Shifter Buicks in existence.
What an amazing car and story. Not sure why the second paragraph describes it as a Century though. Wish I was younger and had room for it.
Lovely looking car. This is my favourite look for the Buick until 1949.
Mine is the 1939
Thinking it never got the title flipped, but remained in the same family.
It’s in amazing shape and should move at that price.
To TIM HAHN: are yours as nice as this one is? — or would they instead make parts-donors to keep this one going?