1935 Buick Convertible

[hbz2002]

I just acquired a 1935 Buick convertible with a serial number under the right fender of 2795256.

It's a two door.

I'm just looking to see what model it is and whether it has any value?

Thanks,
Henry

[Mark Shaw]

Congratulations.... You probably have a model 46C convertible coupe. There were 933 made in the 40 series, 170 in the model 56C series, and 111 in the 66C series. If you post the engine and frame numbers, I am sure Dave Corbin can tell you more.

[nzcarnerd]

Some photos would help, to give an idea of its condition.

[hbz2002]

Thanks for the info.

Here are some pics of the car...

Thanks,
Henry

[bubba]

Hey Henry,

This is the part of the Antique Road show where the audience is told what to look for when buying that vase with the hole in the bottom and not the top. I am trying to ease into telling you that what you have looks to be a model 48 2 door sedan with the top cut off. I hope you didn't pay much for it. Is the engine in it? It would be hard to restore unless the top was where you found the car and even then it would be quite a project.
bubba

[nzcarnerd]

Yes it is a two door sedan with the roof cut off. It looks as though there is not much of the original car left. I presume it has (or had?) modern mechanicals in it from the T handle shifter. It looks to have non original rear wheels so maybe the rear end is not original either? Remember the body is steel over a wooden frame which may also be rotten. That front bumper looks to be from a Hudson or Graham of about the same period. The steering wheel is from a car from later in the 1930s. Is the original body id plate still on the firewall? My guess is that it is not worth restoring but might be worth something as parts, as the panels and fenders look to be fairly good.

[hbz2002]

Thanks for the info,,, The engine has been replaced with a Cheverlet straight 6 with a power glide transmission.

I only paid $200 for the car and I cant go wrong for that price...

I'll check for the id plate on the firewall and post the results...

Thanks,
Henry

[hbz2002]

The information below came off the ID plate on the firewall

Flint Michigan
Style No 34-4411
Body 1584
Trim
Model 48

Thanks,
Henry

[1939_buick]

..I only paid $200 for the car and I cant go wrong for that price

$200 plus cost of recovery: Yes: its worth that in parts

What do you plan to do with it ?

[50jetback]

Henry,

Plenty of value in what you have. The steering wheel is from a 1936 Buick.
There have been requests for rear fenders and other parts for these models from forum members in the past - if you decide to part it out.

Looks like someone had a plan and some work has been done to that end. You could still continue the work and make a modified, I have a friend here in Australia who is building a 1934/35 Series 40 pick up type hotrod.

[jscheib]

Yes, it looks like an early "hot rod". It would be an interesting project to bring it back to what was intented, but quite some effort. I think the creator of it had the right idea for a California Car where a top might not be needed. Maybe the wood was replaced with new wood or metal by the creator, as it seems the doors to not have serious sagging.

But just my opinion. For $200, plus recovery, I would have grabbed it too.

John

[hbz2002]

Is the car more valuable in parts or sold as a whole car?

I orriginally planed on scrapping it just for the metal which would bring me about $300

[nzcarnerd]

A good straight set of fenders must be worth more than that. Along with the tail light stalk and the other bits like the trunk hinges etc. It also looks to have the its clock in the glovebox lid. That's got to be worth something.

[39BuickEight]

the steering wheel is worth something too

if you have the ability, you'd make way more parting it out

[Mark Shaw]

You will make much more parting it out....

Whare is the car located?

[hbz2002]

The car is located in Atwater, CA

[Mark Shaw]

I actually know where that is.... I went to grade school in Los Banos....

[hbz2002]

Sold the car today for $450

Thanks for all the help/comments...

Henry

[jscheib]

Not a bad flip! I wonder what the new owner weill do.

John

[hbz2002]

The new owner I was told was a car collector who may restore it somewhat as a ratrod...

Henry

[Malo48]

I kinda like it in its present configuration...reminds me of something you'd see in a Rob't Williams painting!

[Graham Man]

Not a Graham bumper, looks like it might be 1932 Auburn, worth at least the $450.

Thanks for saving it from scrap, lots of good parts!