for sale 1936 Buick Special Sedan - SOLD

[Matt Harwood]

 

*SOLD* This 1936 Special isn't a car I would ordinarily represent, but that isn't to say I don't like it. I often tell people that what I like and what the business likes are sometimes two very different things. This 1936 Buick Special sedan was referred to us by a good client and the car was owned by a long-time friend of his in the western New York region. Unbeknownst to us, he loaded up the trailer and hauled it down to Cleveland and showed up in our parking lot with it, ready to sell. He came into the showroom and immediately felt that he'd made a mistake. That's nonsense and as a Buick guy, there was no way I was going to turn him away. He's owned this Special for decades and while it's far from a show car, it is one heck of a runner and a car he has used for many, many tours over the years. It is bulletproof reliable, spacious, solid, and it sure does drive well. The paint is quite old and probably done in his garage, so don't expect to win prizes with it, and the black fenders weren't correct for 1936 although I don't hate how they look. So we gave it a modest color sand and buff and brought out a bit of a shine so it looks presentable for driving with a few thin spots that were probably inevitable after all these years. The chrome is original and has the usual light pitting, but nothing is critically damaged and right now the whole car has a complete, all-of-a-piece look that doesn't really need or make excuses. Just drive without worries.

 

The interior is newer and quite well done, offering tan cloth and proper patterns throughout. The driver's seat is firm and comfortable and the back seat looks hardly used. Original handles, moldings, and fittings are completely intact and the dash is in good order. The big banjo steering wheel isn't cracked or falling apart and the gauges, while original, all seem to work save for the ammeter (the car is 12 volts with an alternator). Horns and a few bulbs don't work due to the conversion, but that would be easy to remedy. There's also an auxiliary temperature gauge under the dash. Updated wiring works behind the scenes and the headliner is just beautiful. The glass appears to be original and some of it is delaminating around the edges, but none of it interferes with visibility--the front vent windows are the worst. The trunk is fully carpeted and includes a full-sized spare.

 

The engine appears to be the original 233 cubic inch straight-8, even though it's the wrong color. Aside from the 12-volt electrical system, it remains completely stock and runs beautifully. We've never had any issues starting it--in fact, it springs to life faster and easier than cars half its age. It idles smoothly hot or cold and as I mentioned, it's fantastic out on the road. Plenty of power, easy shifting, light clutch action, and good brakes. We've never seen more than 180 degrees on the gauge and it makes good oil pressure with no smoking or other issues. It doesn't have exhaust leaks or any of those problems, although it does lay a few drops of oil here and there. It's crusty and grimy underneath, but not rusted or neglected and again, it's just about right for a car that you're going to drive instead of show. Handsome artillery wheels are color-matched to the bodywork and carry ancient wide whites, and I recommend replacing those before setting out on a journey--they have signs of age that I wouldn't ignore. Radials would be an excellent choice that would make this a first-rate driver.

 

Yes, I like this car and it's a heck of a lot of fun for just $10,900. That's about the same as a Model A sedan in this condition, and you get a far more road-worthy car with this 8-cylinder Buick. Again, not a show car, not perfect, but solid, complete, and quite enjoyable to drive. If you've been looking for an economical way into the hobby with a car that's not as common as most in this price range, this is a good choice. It's very easy to like and you can upgrade it along the way. Thanks for looking!

 

 

 

 

Edited January 25, 2018 by Matt Harwood (see edit history)

[Matt Harwood]

 

[Dynaflash8]

That's a really nice car Matt.  If I was in business I'd sure be happy to represent it.  Too bad about the 12v and sealed beam headlights; only blemish I see.  Of course, the engine didn't come blue, but that's a minor thing.  My grandfather had a car exactly like that one.  I rode from Washington DC to Detroit and back when I was two years old in a car like that one, but I don't remember.

 

[Matt Harwood]

SOLD! Only three days on the general market and sold for full asking price with multiple suitors. I guess the bargain-basement price didn't hurt...

[Dynaflash8]

Matt: It appeared to be a very, very nice car.  I'd have like to have had it in my collection.

[MrEarl]

three things sold the car : Presentation, presentation and the way it was presented.   good job Matt

[EmTee]

That was good value -- a lot of straight 8 Buick for the money! 

[Matt Harwood]

This is one of the clients where I will buy them a BCA membership with the car. We do that sometimes for rookies who are buying their first old car. Inexpensive way to make them happy with the car and help the hobby at the same time. We'll see if it shows up sometime soon (it's going to Maryland).

[MCHinson]

18 hours ago, Matt Harwood said:

This is one of the clients where I will buy them a BCA membership with the car. We do that sometimes for rookies who are buying their first old car. Inexpensive way to make them happy with the car and help the hobby at the same time. We'll see if it shows up sometime soon (it's going to Maryland).

 

Please also make them aware of the 36-38 Buick Club. It is a Division of BCA and it would also be a good idea for new 36 Buick owners to be members. http://www.3638buickclub.org/ If you want, you can have them contact me and I will be happy to email a pdf of the latest issue of the Torque Tube II to help introduce them to the old car hobby.