1939 Buick Special

Description

When this 1939 Buick Special sedan was put together, stealth was the operative word. Still looking very much like it did decades ago, this wonderful resto-mod has been thoughtfully updated with a small block V8, loads of creature comforts, and a sumptuous interior, all without altering the fantastic look of the original design. If you don't feel like advertising your hot rod is a hot rod, perhaps this Buick has something to offer.

The one-year-only styling of the 1939 Buicks was an absolute home-run, and today they're distinctive and handsome cars that stand out from all the other GM machines that all looked pretty much the same that year. With a handsome grille whose shape would be echoed for the next decade to the handsome skirted fenders, the 1939 Buicks were winners. And everything that was great about those cars remains intact on this amazing resto-mod. Although the build is a few years old, the big sedan still looks fantastic in black. The sheetmetal is largely unmodified and was nicely finished during the build, so all four doors fit well, the trunk has even gaps, and both sides of the butterfly-style hood sit flush with the cowl and nose cone. 1939 was the last year for separate headlights, with these sporting modern sealed beam inserts that give them a slightly custom look without advertising the upgrade. The factory stainless trim along the sides of the body is nicely detailed with a red stripe that works nicely with the matching red wheels. Also note the modern side mirrors that are so sneaky that you probably didn't even see them until I mentioned it.

A great deal of planning and thought went into this Buick's interior, which is finished in tan leather with a traditional button-tufted pattern. The front seats are power buckets with center armrests, while the original back seat was upholstered to match, along with all four door panels. Original garnish moldings and dash were woodgrained as original, and the factory instruments are still at work in the dash. A tilt column with woodgrained banjo-style wheel continues the vintage look, and details like the Vintage Air A/C system and Sony AM/FM/CD stereo have been nicely integrated into a custom dash panel in the center. The front windows are power-actuated and you know it's built to cruise with speed control as part of the package. The spacious trunk sticks to the basics and includes a spare tire, just in case.

For power, this Buick's original 248 cubic inch straight-8 is gone, replaced by a reliable and powerful 350 cubic inch Chevy V8. Since it was built to cruise, an oversized radiator was installed up front and a 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission behind, all making it a wonderful long-distance cruiser. Everything is tightly packed in the engine bay, but thanks to smart engineering, service access is good and with an Edelbrock carburetor and Weber carburetor, it makes great power on the open road. A Fatman front suspension includes rack-and-pinion steering and power disc brakes, while a rear end from a '70s Lincoln offers 3.23 gears and disc brakes. Shockingly, the rear suspension appears to be a modified 1939 Buick setup, complete with trailing arms, coil springs, Panhard rod, and modern shocks. Nice! Rounding out the stock look are bright red steel wheels with modern wide whitewall radials to complete the illusion.

Beautifully built and a joy to drive, this handsome Buick is for the person who loves the 1939 look but needs more than 110 horsepower to get around. Call today!