neil morse

That was my experience also (circa 1963). The Driver's Ed. cars were stick shift Ford Fairlanes with dual pedals only. I never remember seeing a true "dual control" car with two steering wheels except in cartoons.

That photo was clearly taken at a racetrack around 1959 from the look of it (Watkins Glen, possibly?). So what you are looking at is a sample of what the sports car racing crowd liked to drive. At that time, the majority of sports cars in the US were British, so that's why you are seeing so many MG's, Triumphs, Jaguars, etc.

Hang in there, Matt! I have no doubt that you'll get it done in the end.

I don't know, but definitely not '41.

Also, in case anyone is curious about it, I just spoke to Doug Seybold and got the definitive explanation on why there are two different lengths of the chrome spear trim (21" and 24"). Buick started with the 24" length, but there was a problem with the tips sticking out too far and breaking off. So after two months of production, they switched to the 21" length. So both sizes are "correct." I was concerned because the set I bought are 21," and several of the people I had checked with regarding the correct location have the 24" length on their cars. Doug also told me that the holes in the fender are in the same spot, regardless of the length of the spear. Matt Harwood had alluded to the confusion over the different lengths in another thread and suggested that this was the case. Doug confirmed what Matt has suggested, i.e., a change in production for the reasons given.

Thanks, Keith. I don't know how my car was originally equipped, but the fact that it does not have the little bits of stainless trim that connect the rocker panel trim with the skirt trim suggests that it did not come from the factory with skirts. So it seems more likely that someone took the "speedline" trim off the fenders at some point and filled the holes. I know that someone did a very thorough repaint on my car and some point, and it's likely that the holes were filled at that time. In any case, I can't find any evidence of the holes on the inside of the fenders. Wayne (414TATA) has already sent me some great photos with a tape measure showing the correct location, so all I need is the courage to start poking holes in the fenders and I will be fine!

These two different '41 Supers are currently on Ebay -- both look worth considering if you're in the market for a '41. https://www.ebay.com/itm/1941-buick-4-door-barn-find/254076917613?hash=item3b282a176d:g:nmYAAOSwKyRarrfA:rk:22:pf:0 https://www.ebay.com/itm/1941-BUICK-SUPER-COUPE/192794132213?hash=item2ce36cfef5:g:s1YAAOSwAP9cNL55:rk:2:pf:0

Yup -- it's baaaack! I saw it yesterday, too.

That's a very good question. I looked briefly at the inside of one of the fenders a while ago, and it was so caked with old dirt and mud that I couldn't see anything. Now that I have the trim pieces, I'm going to go back and scrape the inside clean and see what I can find. If it's possible to see where the old holes are located, it will make things a lot easier for sure!

As others have said, I'm amazed this car hasn't sold. I still remember, as a twelve-year-old, when I had my first look (in LIFE magazine) at the '61 Pontiacs in the fall of 1960, and it was love at first sight! I know this isn't much consolation to a seller who's not getting any action, but if I had room for another car, I would be all over this. Love the car, love the color, love the bubble-top. Someone out there has to feel the same way!

Great looking shop! Mazel tov!

Not much going on with my car, but I'm happy to report that I found this very nice set of the missing rear fender trim on Ebay! The fact that these spears were missing from my car has always bothered me because I want it to be as complete and correct as possible, but I was afraid that the pieces would be too pricey. When these came up recently at an affordable price, I jumped on it! Now I just have to be verrrrry careful about measuring and drilling the holes in the right places.

Nice car! I think I saw a picture of it in the showroom on another thread. 😉

Joe, you are amazing and in inspiration to us all!

I just saw this on Ebay this morning: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1941-BUICK-VINTAGE-Correct-door-HANDLES-inside-original/192783700767?hash=item2ce2cdd31f:g:JDcAAOSwFXdbsMjc:rk:26:pf:0

The vent window regulators commonly break where the shaft goes into the pot metal socket on top, and I assume that's what happened to yours. (See photo below.) Here's what an undamaged one looks like: You can get them from Doug Seybold in Ohio (40BuickGuy@gmail.com), but he charges a lot for them. They sometimes come up on Ebay, but not very often in my experience. When you ask about the "vent cranks," I'm not sure whether you're asking about the regulators or the actual crank handles. Fortunately for me, all my crank handles were in good shape, but I have also seen them come up on Ebay (much more frequently than the regulators). Also, I'm sure Doug could supply you with some crank handles, but again you will pay top dollar. (Note: I am not criticizing the pricing from Doug. He's the leading authority on 40-41 Buicks, everything you get from him will always be correct, he is a pleasure to deal with, but he charges accordingly!)

I also heartily endorse the idea of giving your radio an "invisible" upgrade so you can listen to your own music. I also used "Bill the radio guy," but opted for the slightly less expensive choice of having him just add a hidden AUX jack instead of going the bluetooth route. I ran a wire into the glovebox, and just hook my phone up and keep it in the glovebox. As Gary says, it really enhances the ride to have your favorite period tunes booming out that big speaker in the center of the dash!

That's a great pic of the different paint layers on the roof. Like reading the age of a tree from the rings!

Such a nice son! That sounds like a great outing for your mom-in-law. You shouldn't have to wait until next month -- my copy of the January Bugle arrived last Thursday. It's also available on the BCA website in the "members only" area. https://issuu.com/buickclub/docs/bugle_january2019_web?e=4749389/66470608

Good work all around!

Wow! I have to admit I was skeptical when I read your copy, but then I looked at the photos. As you say, someone spent a chunk of change getting this car in immaculate condition. Good luck with the sale, Matt.

Nice looking car, for sure, but I agree about the Ebay auction being suspect. Combine the lack of specific location, no photos of the engine or interior, with the fact that the seller has only listed a Coach handbag in previous Ebay sales. It has red flags all over it.

I pulled up this old thread to let people know that there is a very nice feature about this car by Phillip in the latest Bugle (January 2019). Phillip, the photos look great --you have really done a nice job of cleaning this car up as well as getting it sorted out mechanically. (And the piece is very well-written, despite your disclaimer at the beginning.)

A lot of Buicks in this great video from 1957 (as well as many other great cars). Check out the VW dealer sign that's visible on the right side of the street at about 1:17. It jumps out at you because it looks contemporary among all the 50's signage. VW has stuck with the same logo all these years.

Will do!