Jim Flack

Jon and Chuck, Thank you for your quick and informative response to my question about the Buick 81F. I will do a bit more research along the lines you both have suggested. In your reference to the Cadillac Model 65 Imperial Sedan that was included by CCCA, did you mean that ALL Cadillac Model 65's are included? The 1938 Cadillac Model 6519 is a four door sedan and only the Model 6519F is called the Imperial Sedan because of its formal limousine interior, like the Buick Model 81F. Perhaps it is unfortunate that Club policy is "To accept only those production Series in which the entire line of body styles may qualify." To my mind, it makes more sense to include the Cadillac Model 6519F Imperial Sedan and the Buick Model 81F Roadmaster Formal Sedan and exclude the other Cadillac Model 65's and Buick Model 80's. If GM's marketing and positioning are important to the classification process, I would think that these two formal sedans deserve consideration for being targeted primarily to an exclusive class of private individuals. Marketing of the larger limousines included the livery trade, hotels and funeral homes, which to my mind does not make them as distinctive as the exclusive private individual niche that were the customers for these formal sedans from both Cadillac and Buick. Perhaps with further research, I may be able to make a new application for the Buick Model 81F to the CCCA for their review and reconsideration. Gentlemen, thank you again for your comments. Any further guidance you may have will also be sincerely appreciated. Best regards, Jim Flack

I am interested in whether my 1938 Buick Formal Roadmaster could potentially be considered a Full Classic by the CCCA in the future and, if possible, how may I pursue the matter to bring this to the attention of the CCCA. The automobile is designated the 1938 Buick Model 81F, Roadmaster Formal Sedan. Only about 240 of these were produced in 1938 and a similar limited number were produced in 1937, I believe. These automobiles shared virtually the identical body as the Cadillac which is already accepted as a Full Classic by the CCCA. These automobiles also shared the same drive train as the Buick Model 90 Limousine and were fitted with the Model 90 Limousine interior, a 1938 Buick model which is already considered a Full Classic by the CCCA. Interestingly, only about half of the Model 90 Buick Limousines were fitted with the roll-up division window to separate the chauffeur from the passengers. The 1938 Buick Model 81F Roadmaster Formal Sedan includes this chauffeur division window and the Model 90's other luxury limousine interior features replete with the blanket rope, folding foot rail and rear window pull-up privacy screen. Clearly, the 1938 Model 81F has the refined features of the Model 90 that is accepted by the CCCA as a Full Classic, yet the Model 81F was in even more limited production. The 1938 Buick Model 81F was made for an exclusive, high-end niche. Although many of the Model 90's were in service by the livery trade, hotels, etc., the Model 81F was more likely to be privately owned for the personal transportation of its wealthy owner. The exclusivity of the Buick Model 81F, very low production volume and the refined features of this model should make it a candidate for Full Classic status. Please let me know how I might proceed to have the Buick Model 81F considered by the CCCA.