jscheib

Is this the same one posted blow by TomO? I would think someone would think it worth that price, if anyone wants a big convertible. John

I am looking forward to seeing Wally Berger's '32 coupe in Batavia. Meet him briefly at Flint, when discovering the car he was restoring was the same color scheme I selected for my sedan. I will be inetesting to see how well we match. It certainly is a welcome addition to the '32s in the BCA. And I think a lot of us wish the dealers would be mor einterested in car shows. John

I agree and do not understand either why they do not post on the BCA link, unless they feel they need BCA membership, and may not belong. Anyway, it looks like a very nice car. This era is looking more attractive to me all the time. Maybe I should own a tourer for awhile. Thanks for letting us Buick folks know about it. John

You might check with the Indianapolis 500 museum. You probably already know this, but it was relayed to me that during the depression, the race cars, for lack of a lot of development money (and in my opinion, was probably part of the expansion of "souped up" production equipment, along with rum-running), led to the use of modified production components. If you have access to "The Buick, A Complete History" by Tery Dunham and Lawrence R. Gustin and Automobile Quarterly (check the town library), you will find find some written about and photos of the Shafer Buicks. There were early racers (the Buick Bugs), I believe of the early teens, but little apparently surviving of this vintage. There is an historical racer in NH who has a restoration shop (name escapes me for now)and also has a Shafer car of the late twenties or early 30's, that has appeared at Lime Rock Historic Races in CT and I believe at Amelia Island Concours last year. Oddily enough, it has the conventional "winged 8" radiator cap as one my '32 (smaller series)and I think on '31s, as well. I think each one of these cars probably has quite a variation of modifications and special parts, as all being hand built, probably with little cocumentation. I intend to research more of this myself, so perhaps we can continue a communication. If you want to write direct, I am at j.scheib@comcast.net In the book, go to page 144 for racing footnote and photos on 146 and 147. There may be more, but I have not researched it more - probably a winter project for me now that car show season is coming to an end. The Sloan Museum, Buick Gallery in Flint may also have some info. Again, I am curious if you are in posession of such a vehicle. I have a goal of finding more infor on the NH car, as I am in CT. I also have an interst in this age racers, as they were of apparently near production components, as noted above. Looking forward to more communication. I guess I did not answer your question but this might get us both started. John Scheib

If you have a digital camera, it might be good to post a photo, or more. This may be before firewall tags that would give a summary of numbers that should clarify. John

Where is this car located? This is an Electra Park Avenue, correct? Another question, some of the Olds engines of that size were the diesel engine, in the Electra. Is this a diesel? John

Why do people think I am Nit-picking. It seems the rules are - I did not write them, it is says can not be conveyed any way by "boat". I think it needs clarification, so as to not cause problems later, that's all. John

Pat, and others, My previous posting, and yours did not generate any response, so maybe I am making a mountain out of a molehill. I thought I recalled someone driving to Flint last year, coming from one of the islands near Seattle. As far as I know, there are no roads or bridges to some, but I am not certain. Maybe we should check with a chapter out there or wait till it comes up. The other choice might be to just stipulate "except for ferry boat travel when no driving option exists". This would cover in the event an issue comes up. We have another situation here on the east coast, as people can take a ferry boat from Long Island to CT, or reverse. This saves some driving around the usual traffic around NYC, some poor roads, construction and the general risk of NYC (Queens, Bronx)traffic. But you may get some salt spray on the car in some conditions. I would not like to see a driver penalized, should the issue arise with a National in either place, to have a driver not qualified, if he elected to avoid crowded weekend traffic around NYC. Of course, the driver could take the road one way and the ferry back and still qualify? There may be similar situations elsewhere. John

Is it just me, or did the decision mean to eliminate even a small ferry boat. For example, someone taking a ferry from from one of the islands near Seattle and then driving from Seattle to Batavia would be excluded. How about a revision with an explaination to use a ferry if necessary or even to save time. And after all, we want to drive them, not needlessly wear them out. Maybe it is just late and I misread the boat use exclusion.

I guess I will put in my two cents. I am fairly new to using this site, but I do not recall any recent original messages that have generated so much response in such a short period of time. So, in that regard, the message might be a good thing. I think there seems many responses by owners with full proper restorations that favor the modified cars, and that too, to me, seems a good thing. There is, indeed, room for everyone and I am hoping that we see a number of "proper" modified Buicks in Batavia, along with restorations and originals. Also some good "drivers".

The photos make me want to move. We have to get something like that planned for New England, or maybe the entire Northeast.

I forgot, the Buick commercials would have been the only reason to watch. I am sure we will see them elsewhere later. John

Looks like we will need to celebrate Sunday here in New England and the entire Northeast after the rain from Ivan. But at least we do not have the concerns to the south.

I just saw your message and was hoping to hear of more good news about the car, as I always check to see what is new. Yes, I concur, the hurricane disaster is far more important than the car at this time, but hopefully, you will have time before cold weather to get some track time in. We will stay tuned for more about the fund. And here I sit watching the latest realty show - Benefactor. Now if they could contribute some of that effort and money would it not be great.

Buickbob, Do you have a price in mind, and also your general location. I would be interested in a spare and also now just found a shell of a car, but have not looked at it yet, with complete drive train in RI (I am in CT). I guess no matter where you are, it could be shipped. I will be looking at that other car this week. If you want to write direct, use a private message, or j.scheib@comcast.net

And now a check indicates it is an "Invalid Item", so the mystery continues.

Dave, You might want to take a look at the recent Buy and Sell page, as there is a reference to a '60 Ebay convertible in MA, that seems offered for about $5,000 which seems way too low. But once again, not sure if it will sell for that, or what it is actually worth. But the picture looks pretty good, but not a lot of detail in the write-up.

Sure is strange what some people do. You would think, if the person wanted "top dollar", they would store it safely someplace and advertise it properly. The sun in summer is not going to do it any good eaither, never mind the harsh winter. But I guess that does not help our English friend with his problem. I wonder if any professional apprasier would provide a letter estimating the worth based on an assumed well running car, from a good set of photos. Probably not, but might be worth a try, then convert to Sterling, after factoring in the cost to replace any parts from US. Just a suggestion. I will ask an apprasier I know and see what he thinks.

My experience, with the older, and slightly smaller 1932 57-S is that you can drive at 55-60 and my car handles well. But leave plently of room for stopping with the mechanical brakes. However, for cruising, I think it depends on the rear ratios. What the '32 came with makes the engine strain at 60 more then it would with a replacement gears, which someone told me were available.

I assume you have checked E-bay for current or most recent bids/sales. Perhaps you do not have access to Old Cars Price Guide, but I would think someone could help you with that, as I do not have one either (waiting for a later edition then 2002). However, I have a freind with a copy and if no one else responds to this, I will see if I can get info from him and you can determine accordingly.

To all, It was used by Larry Peck, Buick Golf Marketing Manager at the Buick Championship in Cromwell, CT this past week. They also allowed a short trip by local CBS news anchor and they stated the price tag is about $40,000. And I doubt Buick would allow them tp produce for the public, even if you wanted to buy one. Anyway, the local Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce had a breakfast, where they invited some old Buicks. The Yankee Chapter was able to get five cars at the front of the hotel and Buick, at least took a bunch of photos. I was too busy answereing questions to a bunch of press, CofC and Buick people, but we have some, that I hope to post later, when I get them.

Now that Pete Phillips mentioned the interior, the photo does seem to show something that might look like damage. Anybody have any idea what that could be? John

For my part, I am a bit confused about the current condition. Seems the photos are of different stages. If the front was damaged with the trailer, why is the rear bumper off and one light out? Seems interested parties would have to ask a few questions of the owner, and/or see the car. Matt, in reading your bio, you mention your father's business coupe, so maybe this car needs to be yours. Being more familiar with the 20's and 30's, I am curious - Is the sedanette the same body as the business coupe with just the different interior. My wife's as she was growing up had a '41 sedan. This weekend I expect to see a '41 sedan that was an older restoration and has been idle for a few, after the owner's passing. Being sold by his daughter and son-in-law. So this one too is tempting, but like you all, do I need another, and if so, what should I get???? Maybe you can shed some light. What years before '60s were the engines red? John John

It is a filter that is for a '68 Riv (and probably others, as well), which I recently acquired, if anyone local to you is interested. Not sure what it would be worth (as I have not yet had to buy one) with shipping costs, as I think they can be picked up locally? How much? John

Well, I just bought mine in April, and I never did look about this option, but I doubt it. Where does one find the "latch" or whatever to recline the passenger seat? I will look tomorrow. Too late tonight to go out to the garage. I will let you know, but I doubt I have it. John