1938 Special Self-Shifter on Ebay

[Pete Phillips]

This one is beyond rare: A 1938 Buick Special two-door, slant-back with the semi-automatic Self-Shifter transmission. Not mine, and I don't think it will ever sell given the seller's asking price and only three exterior photos, not running, some glass missing, some rust, etc.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1938-Buick-2-door-flatback-with-auto-transmission-very-very-rare-car-/201831964767

[g-g-g0]

Been on EBay for quite some time. Sure is tempting but not at that price! 

[50jetback]

And those rear wheels haven't been turning while it's been skull dragged to where the photos have been taken!

Edited August 24, 2017 by 50jetback (see edit history)

[MCHinson]

In running, driving condition, the Self Shifter would be a very interesting and rare option to have on a car. In non-running condition, it would scare me away. I would personally be afraid of it, but I could be wrong. If I knew more about it, I might be intrigued. Of course, I already bought one 1938 Buick project that scares me a little, so I certainly have no interest in it at any price. 

[Pete Phillips]

The only way you can tell if it has the Self-Shifter is from the gear shift lever. It's on the steering column in a Self-Shifter, and it's on the floor in a conventional transmission 1938 Buick. I have been through the re-awakening of one of these Self-Shifter transmissions--did it with David Corbin's car a few years after he died. You drive it around the block a few times, then drain the transmission oil (yes, it is oil), put some Marvel Mystery oil in it along with some more regular 10-weight oil or 10w30; drive it some more; drain it again, etc. There is no filter in these transmissions, so the only way to clean them out is as I have described. Eventually, it shifts into a higher gear once the sludge is cleaned out. They are very nice cars to drive, with a numerically lower rear end ratio than even the Century rear end, so top speed is surprisingly high. I would be a buyer for this car if the price were realistic and if there were interior photos, engine photos, underneath photos, etc. It is not a complete car, not with the glass missing in the back and perhaps elsewhere. Seller shows no photos of the interior condition, let alone the other side of the car, and expects bids of $5000 or above, which is absurd.

Pete Phillips

Edited August 30, 2017 by Pete Phillips
typographic error (see edit history)

[Buicknutty]

 I have echo most other comments. Personally I am quite interested in the car, but the self shifter is the scary part. What if some parts are broken, or worn out beyond repair? Parts cannot be very easy to find for these, if at all. I've seen the service books on the self shifter for sale from time to time though. I'd like it because it is so unusual.

 There was a transmission shop here in Ontario that used to run ads stating "we can fix any automatic transmission ever made", and this was up till 15 years ago. Sometimes being a bit of a perverse guy I always wanted to take one of these to them and challenge them to fix it.

 Keith

[Buicknutty]

 I just checked the ebay listing, but it is gone, perhaps someone bought it. If so, I hope that it is going to a good Buick home.

 Keith

[MCHinson]

45 minutes ago, Buicknutty said:

 I just checked the ebay listing, but it is gone, perhaps someone bought it. If so, I hope that it is going to a good Buick home.

 Keith

 

Try that link again. It is for sale on Ebay when I check it.