Lot 116

Motor City 2015

1932 Buick Series 90 Coupe Roadster

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$176,000 USD | Sold

United States | Plymouth, Michigan

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Chassis No.
2631327
Engine No.
2782279
  • Formerly owned by Marvin Tamaroff and Paul Andrews
  • One of only 289 built in Buick’s top-of-the-line series
  • Well-preserved Harry Sherry restoration
  • Numerous desirable options and accessories
  • CCCA Full Classic and award-winner

113 bhp, 344.8 cu. in. OHV inline eight-cylinder engine, three-speed sliding-gear synchromesh manual transmission with Wizard Control freewheeling, solid front and rear axles with leaf-spring suspension, and four-wheel mechanical drum brakes. Wheelbase: 134 in.

The Buick Motor Company was one of the businesses William C. Durant brought together to form General Motors in 1908. While Buick continued to grow and prosper, they developed a certain status in communities and, as such, were dubbed “the doctor’s car.” They were not inexpensive and certainly were never a young, hardworking family’s first car. The Buick was considered a step above a Chevrolet, Oakland, or even an Oldsmobile.

Buick had firmly established itself as a builder of stylish, reliable cars by 1932. That year, a Buick-powered racing car finished 11th at the Indianapolis 500, which helped remind the public that Buicks also had good performance.

The 1932 Buicks were easily recognized as new models when they appeared. Styling changes included new hood doors rather than louvers, a raked windshield with no external sun visor, taillights, longer flowing fenders, and a tapered radiator. At the top of the line were the 90 series cars, which had an elongated 134-inch wheelbase and carried a variety of different body styles, the most sporting of which was the convertible coupe. Providing ample power to these dignified automobiles was Buick’s 133-horsepower, 344.8-cubic inch overhead-valve inline eight-cylinder engine. Also available on the 90 series was Wizard Control, which provided owners both freewheeling and no-clutch shifting between second and third gears.

This very rare 1932 Buick Series 90 Convertible Coupe is formerly of the very well-known Marvin Tamaroff and Paul Andrews collections and is fully restored to show-quality condition by now-retired Ontario craftsman Harry Sherry. It continues to turn heads because of its remarkable condition and desirability amongst aficionados of the marque. Originally priced at $1,805, the Series 90 Convertible Coupe tempted only 289 buyers in 1932, as sales dropped dramatically due to the deepening Depression. This example was number 150.

The convertible coupe is finished in a very attractive burgundy two-tone color combination, which is complemented by a tan colored top. It has benefitted from extensive cosmetic and mechanical freshening in its present ownership. The interior is beautifully appointed; the woodwork, as seen in the dash, is stunning, as are the gauges and accessories, which include dual windshield wipers and a clock. Impressively equipped, the Buick Convertible Coupe comes with Tilt Ray headlamps, a pair of Trippe safety lights, twin fender lights, dual side-mounted spares with mirrors, a golf door, a rumble seat, a complete set of polished wire wheels with wide whitewall tires, and a rear-mounted rack fitted with a matching trunk. In addition to all these highly desirable features, the Buick is also equipped with Wizard Control freewheeling and automatic clutch, which was actuated by a button located on the floor.

Nobody ever regretted buying quality or style, and this very rarely offered, CCCA award-winning Buick Series 90 Convertible Coupe exemplifies both.