The Special was part of the Buick line-up from the 1930s through the balance of the century (sometimes sporadically). The cars received a significant refresh in 1939 and would remain mostly unchanged after auto production resumed post-World War II. This ’39 Special looks good overall but is not original in terms of paint or engine. Not currently running, the seller wants it out of his/her garage in Vancouver, Washington, and it’s available here on eBay where the bidding has reached $4,575.
Buick used numerical designations in the 1930s to differentiate its vehicles (Series 40, 50, etc.). The Series 40 – and subsequently the Special – was often the company’s entry-level product line. As U.S. automakers bounced back in the aftermath of the Great Depression, they would tinker with their cars from year to year and it wasn’t unusual for autos like the Special to grow and shrink from one cycle to another. The 1939 Special was treated to an upgrade in the straight-8 engine, increasing from 233 to 248 cubic inches. As was the norm of the day, the only transmission available was a 3-speed synchromesh manual, aka “3-on-the-tree”.
The seller’s Buick was running until just recently. It quit starting over the Summer months, leading the seller to believe that the starter switch or the starter itself is the culprit, and he/she doesn’t have the interest to track the problem down. The car is now just taking up space which the seller apparently has in mind for something else. It should be easy to remove from its surroundings thanks to new powder-coated wheels and new tires (also, new shocks).
Not original to this 1939 Buick is its engine (is it the proper 240 I-8?) and the paint color, which was changed at some point from black to metallic gray (and improvement, IMO). It’s not perfect with a scrape in one front fender. The mileage is unknown (the speedometer is in-op) and the heater hoses were disconnected in an earlier attempt at a renovation. It sounds like this car could be the buyer’s gain and the seller’s loss – if the bidding doesn’t go much higher.
Given the unknowns, the current bid price seems extremely generous. These were innovative, strong, and quality vehicles in their time. They were shipped world-wide before WWII. China’s strength for Buick in the 21st century is based on the durability of these pre-war Buicks. Wonder if the winning bid will come from overseas?
Cut a better one up for scrap back in 62. I have said oh stupid me many times. Also cut up half a dozen Hudson’s.
I know of a 1939 Buick in ne Ohio body in good shape, black 4 door, non matching engine,
Sold $4,625. If the bottom isn’t rusted out, that seems a fair price.
Simply stated, I love Buicks. And I’d love to get my hooks on this one. How much for a tow/ship to the Chicago area–specifically, Sycamore IL?
If the winner bails, I’ll offer $5000.
Pretty sure someone got a good buy. Smiles per mile!
My grandfather had one exactly like it. He traded it for a new Chevy DeLuxe in 1952.
⁸my cousin who was killed in Nam ad one of these that sat I my grandpa’s barn for 50 years until it was finally sold.
My dad had one of these, parked and not running, in the early 1950s. As a kid I learned the shift pattern playing in the Buick and was driving a 1949 Plymouth stick shift around the yard when I was 10 years old. Good memories. Thanks for the post.
That. Buick. Would. Be. Stunning. In. Black
Or. Gray. Black.
One. On. Google. A. Few. Weeks. Ago.
Very. Unique. Car. To. Have. And. Drive .
I think the Buick is one of the best vehicles ever made.
Love this 1939 Buick Special. The price is right, as long as there is no rust on the bottom.
My cousin bought a 1938 Buick in 1968 for a hundred bucks when he graduated from high school. Beautiful and always garaged car with a lovely shine!
My cousin was as aspiring composer for TV and B-movie soundtracks. He gained interest from Hollywood producers and drove that 1938 Buick from Philly to LA. But a year or so later having only a few paying gigs in movie land he drove his unlicensed un-safety-inspected ’38 car across country back to Philly at night to avoid police scrutiny. He sold car for what he paid. Durable and reliable Buick! My musician cousin then found a job as church custodian and associate music director at a large church and married the church secretary. (Cute too!) Now they drive another used Buick! Brand loyalty!
I’ve got one in about the same condition sitting out in a field except mine is a 40 model complete car would probably still run with a little TLC.
Send it in Dave and we will auction it for you!