Exceptional Original Condition, AACA Senior Award, Owner and Maintenance History

1941 Buick Special Sport Coupe (44S) Description

Up for auction is my 1941 Buick Special Sport Coupe (44S). This model line was introduced by Buick in January 1941. Buick sold just 5,290 Sport Coupes like this one. This car features Buick's "Fireball Dynaflash Straight Eight" with the optional "compound (dual) carbs," rated at 125 horsepower. Standard shift on the column. Please read the following information carefully. There are 23 photos included.
WHY SELLING?: We are automotive enthusiasts and have three other hobby cars (a '65 NCRS Top Flight Corvette, a '51 Chevy Street Rod and a 2008 Corvette). We are members of NCRS, AACA, VCCA, Buick Club of America and the Studebaker Drivers Club (recently sold our '63 Avanti). As for the Buick, I just don't drive it enough to justify keeping it and paying the cost of its storage. I also have just retired and we want to downsize.
HISTORY: We have owned this Buicksince the fall of 2009. We purchased the carfrom a local gentleman and friend from Harriman, Tennessee, after years of admiring itfor its originality and classic 40's design.He had owned it foralmost30 years.It is not known where this Buick was actually delivered when new. The earliest confirmed ownership was a gentleman who worked as a Parts Department Manager for a Buick Dealership in Charlotte NC. He purchased it in 1979 from a man in Connecticut. The Connecticut owner had acquired the car from the "Roaring 20's Autos and Antique Auto Museum" located in Wall NJ. A marketing card printed by The Roaring 20'sis still with the car andbelieved to have been printed around in the early 1970's.The 40 year old postcard (seephotos)featuring a picture and descriptionof the carreads as follows: "Buick 1941 Special Coupe in immaculate, low mileage and unrestored condition (25,000 miles). Hard to believe - gleaming light metallic grey lacquer - sparkling chrome - wide whitewall tires - flawless original wool interior - excellent dashboard (machine tooled chrome) - quiet and very fast - 8 cylinder - drive it!" After acquiring the car, the Buick Parts Manager conducted a mild cosmetic restoration including a repainting of the rust free car in black lacquer. He also installed NOS Guide fog lamps and the NOS roof mounted Fulton sunvisor. After this work, the Buick was shown in Antique Automobile Club of America judged meets where it earned an AACA First Senior Award (in the early '80s). The award badge is still on the car over 35 years later. In 1981, the car's last owner from Harriman Tennessee purchased the Buick. He used it for local shows and car cruises and AACA club events, even driving it to Florida on one occasion. In the fall of 2009, we acquired the Buick. Per the last owner, he estimated the car had approximately 40,000 miles on it when we purchased it....estimated because the odometer stopped working a couple of years before we acquired it. A North Carolina state inspection sticker still affixed to the windshield dated 11/5/80 confirms the mileage that day as 30,204. Based on our light use, I estimate the car has around 41,000 miles on it now (odometer remains inoperative at 38,760).
Since taking ownership in late 2009, we have performed maintenance work as follows: New plug wires, changed transmission oil, changed rear axle oil and gasket, replaced/repacked front and rear wheel bearings, chassis lube, new radiator hoses and clamps, new coolant, new fan belt, new plugs, points, distributor cap, rotor, condensor, new fuel pump and filter, new brake switch, new radiator cap, replaced valve cover gasket, professional rebuild and restoration ofthe dual carbs, air cleaner restored, engine detailed in correct "Dante Red" paint, new engine compartment decals/labels. The prior owner advised he had installed a new master cylinder in 2006 and replaced the wheel brake cylinders in 2003.
CONDITION: The condition of the interior of this vehicle is hard to believe. All interior components, including seats, carpet, mats, door panels, steering wheel, dash and headliner are original and in excellent condition. The dash is particularly beautiful with its machine turned finish. All gauges work and the original radio still there (but does not play). The original wool seat coverings look great with virtually no wear. The only item showing some of its age is the drivers arm rest leather which shows some top surface cracking. Original rubber matting and carpet inserts are excellent. The steering wheel and gauges are clear and exceptionally nice. Headliner and sunvisors are very good shape with no holes or drooping. Chrome and trim are very good. The grill, a high cost item, is excellent. Also equipped with rare original fender guards ("elephant ears") mounted on front and back bumpers. The trunk has original coverings and is in excellent shape. Original spare and jack with instructions tag are still there. The engine compartment under the dual hinged hood is original other than the listed maintenance and the repainting/detailing of the engine, air cleaner and generator I performed upon acquiring the vehicle. Underneath, the wheel wells and chassis (see photo) are outstanding with no rust, or even surface rust of any kind (just paint). Entire body is super solid,straight and sound with no rust whatsoever. The paint, whichhad been a strong point on the car, has, over the last three years,begun to show imperfections in the form ofsolvent pops. Some would call this "patina" for its age, but for me, to show this car at its potential, a repaint should be planned. I have factored that into my selling price. As for driving, the '41 starts and drives very well, the engine is quiet and smooth, braking is smooth and even. Wide whitewall tires are bias ply and in good shape withgood tread. Original Buick hub caps, trim rings and fender skirts, also in excellent condition.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Also going with the car will be a large three ring binder of owner history, photos, records, receipts and documents, including original owners manual, marketing documents and even the original "new owner information" dashboard hanging tags that were on the car when delivered new (kept with the car all these years). A cover will also go with the car. As for the value of this 75 year old classic Buick, you can check high, average and low pricingviagoogle by entering"NADA Used Car Values" and, once on the site, keying in 1941 Buick Special Sport Coupe(model 40A series). My reserve is significantly below "average condition" pricing.
This vehicle is sold "as is, where is" with no guarantees or warranties written or implied. A $500 deposit is due within 24 hours of the close of the auction. Full payment in cash or validated bank to bank wire transfer is required within 7 days of the close of the auction. New owner must take possession of the vehicle within 14 days of the close of the auction. Clear title is in hand. Shipping is the responsibility of the buyer but I will assist/coordinate with your shipper locally. Please be as serious about your bidding as I am about holding thisauction.I am not interested in trades orunrealistic lowball offers,nor will I divulge the reserve price. I do reserve the right to end the auction earlyprovided the auction reserve price has not yet been met. If you have questions please contact me by email at gilbybarr@chartertn.net.
Thank you for checking out my auction and best of luck in your bidding!