To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Hershey event, 7 - 8 October 2021.
Estimate:
$40,000 - $55,000 USD

• A rare and appealing Buick; one of only 790 examples produced for 1939
• Striking Art Deco design; first year for the “waterfall” grille
• Lassen Green over a red leather interior; black convertible top
• Recipient of a no-expense-spared restoration performed to the highest standards
• Offered out of long-term enthusiast ownership

The 1939 Buicks benefitted from a redesign that brough fresh, Art Deco elegance to the entire model lineup. There were signs of modernity from stem to stern: Up front, the hood now tapered to a delicate “waterfall” grille, while in the rear, four-passenger coupes eliminated the traditional rumble seat—a rear seat integrated into the cabin now offered occasional seating for two. The Buick emblem on the rear decklid, meanwhile, cleverly integrated light-up turn signals.

For those seeking a dash of additional performance, the Series 60 Century range offered the classic combination of a relatively compact wheelbase (in this, case 126 inches) and Buick’s most powerful engine offering: The 141 horsepower, 320-cubic-inch “Dynaflash” overhead-valve inline-eight, fed through a Stromberg carburetor and paired with a three-speed manual transmission.

The Series 60 Century Convertible Coupe, model number 66C, added the thrill of open-air driving to the mix. Priced at $1,343, it was an uncommon sight when new, with a mere 790 known to have been produced for 1939. Few have survived to the present—and of these, this example must surely be among the finest available. Under the care of it most recent, long-term enthusiast owner, this Century Convertible Coupe was treated to a total, no-expense-spared restoration. Two highly regarded Pennsylvania-based shops were enlisted to perform the work without regard for cost. D.L. George Coachworks executed the cosmetic work, while Leydon Restorations handled the total overhaul of the car’s inline-eight engine.

At this time, it was refinished in its present, period-correct color of Lassen Green over a red leather interior, which is complemented by a black convertible top. Body-color wheels, currently wrapped in wide whitewalls, feature trim rings and chrome hub caps. The cabin features an AM radio, electric clock, and heater, and a chrome dashboard insert carries the grille’s waterfall motif to the interior. Completing the picture, a driver’s side spotlight adds an additional bit of period-appropriate flash.

The result is a stunning example of a Buick that was rare when new and even rarer today—an appealing Art Deco Convertible Coupe to enjoy on the show field or, with the top down, on the open road. To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/hf21.