Lot 627: 1940 Buick Super Eight Sedan

Inventor David Dunbar Buick built his first automobile in Detroit, Michigan in 1903. More designer than businessman, Buick�s lack of talent in the latter role led to numerous changes of ownership before its founder was eventually eased out in 1908, his departure from the Buick Motor Company coinciding with its establishment as the cornerstone of new owner William C Durant�s General Motors. Under Durant�s stewardship production rose dramatically and by the end of the 1930s Buick had become one of America�s most popular cars. For a period in the 1920s the range had consisted entirely of sixes and then at the end of 1930 Buick dramatically axed its six-cylinder models, adopting an all eight-cylinder range for 1931. Stylistically and mechanically, the Buick range was comprehensively revised for 1936, featuring �turret top� styling and improved independent front suspension, and these revitalised straight-eights would carry Buick through to WW2 and beyond.
A left-hand drive example of the Series 50 (248ci, 4,066cc) Buick Super Eight, this car left the Flint Michigan factory in 1940, Buick�s best ever production year. The vehicle was imported into the UK from the USA in 1990 and restored in this country soon after. It is finished in black with tan Bedford cord interior, and features a period push-button radio, roof-mounted antenna and electric clock. The car comes with bills for mechanical refurbishment, carried out The American Car Care Centre and Car Care of Kensington mostly between 2001 and the present, totalling in excess of �7000. Works undertaken include fitting a new (modern diaphragm) clutch; brake master cylinder and seals; kingpins and bushes; condensers; gaskets; starter motor; oil filter; and windscreen wipers, while the dynamo and differential have been reconditioned. In addition, there are bills on file for routine servicing. A fine luxury car from one of America�s premier makes, �XSV 479� is offered with restoration invoices, MoT to July 2008 and Swansea V5 registration document.