1941 Buick Super Convertible 694 Miles Chenanga Gray 248 cubic inch straight-8

1941 Buick Super Convertible Description

Wonderful original survivor. 80% original paint, original interior, original top. Very nice chrome, recently and extensively serviced including brakes, fluids, shocks, and more. Runs and drives great, ready to tour this summer!
This Buick spent most of the last five decades in a museum before being purchased by the world’s leading expert on 1941 Buicks and comprehensively freshened for touring. Cosmetically, it carries unusual code 566 Chenanga Gray paint, which even I haven’t seen in person before. The overall finish is very nicely preserved and we believe that most of the paint is original. There are a few areas that appear to have been touched up, including the right rear fender and left door, but nothing looks out of place. We gave it a deep buff and polish to bring up the shine on the vintage acrylic lacquer, and it does have that soft gloss that only time can create. Yes, there are a few thin spots, a few chips, but nothing major and it fits together extremely well overall, indicative of a car that has never suffered trauma. It’s also worth noting that the chrome and brightwork is in exceptionally good shape for being 80 years old, particularly the grille and other “pot metal” bits, which show very little pitting. None of it is show quality, but it presents extremely well and anyone would be proud to drive this car on tours.
The interior appears to be original code 919 red leather and it, too, is in excellent condition. There are a few signs of use on the driver’s seat, but there are not splits or tears in the hides. All the gauges are operational except the fuel gauge, which powers up but doesn’t move making us suspect it’s no more than a sending unit problem—an easy fix. The radio powers up and hums, but does not tune and, of course, the clock is off-line. That also appears to be the original black canvas convertible top overhead, and it’s obviously old and brittle, but not damaged or torn. We did not attempt to fold it for fear that we would damage it. For that same reason, we were also unable to test the power vacuum top mechanism, but it’s so simple and easy to service that we wouldn’t expect substantial issues there. A new owner might experiment a bit with the top and perhaps consider a replacement, although it would be a shame to lose the originality. It also includes a nicely trimmed trunk with correct burlap lining material plus an ancient Goodyear spare tire that almost looks like it’s never been used.
Buick’s real claim to fame in 1941 was the most powerful range of engines on the market. The Super received a 248 cubic inch version of the “Fireball” overhead-valve straight-8 with Compound Carburetion. Making 125 horsepower, performance is energetic and there’s a smooth flow of torque at virtually any speed. There was lots of time and money invested under the hood, including a tune up, new belts and hoses, correct hose clamps, bright Dante Red engine enamel with reproduction decals, and other details to make it look bright and clean. Mechanically, we’re thrilled with the way this Super runs and drives—it starts quickly using the accelerator pedal-mounted starting system, it idles smoothly, and it pulls the good-looking ragtop around without ever seeming to work very hard. It stays nice and cool and seems to have exactly zero bad habits on the road. There’s a nice swell of acceleration when you dip into the second carburetor and it’s content to cruise at 60 MPH without sounding too busy at all. Nice!
Underneath, it’s clearly an original car. There’s plenty of dirt and grunge and a bit of rust (floors and trunk are excellent), but nothing that keeps it from being a great car to drive. The 3-speed manual transmission has been serviced, clutch action is light and smooth, and it has the tightest shifter linkage I’ve experienced on a ’41 Buick. The brakes have been completely rebuilt, including a new master cylinder, new wheel cylinders, new shoes, and new hoses, so braking is smooth and confident with a firm pedal. Harwood Motors serviced the shocks so it rides and handles beautifully, although the tires have likely celebrated their 50th birthday so they’re a little hard. You’ll note that the exhaust system is in good condition, the original engine pans are in place, and we suspect that this car might have high-speed 3.90 gears in it simply because it whistles along at 60 MPH with so little effort. It’s just a great road car.
This is not a perfect car, it is not a show car, but it is a fun, easy-to-drive, and very attractive car that does all the things you want an old car to do. The low-maintenance originality means you can use it regularly without fears about leaving it unattended or worrying about the weather. Just get in and drive the thing and it’ll put a smile on your face every single time. With a set of new tires, it would be a spectacular tour car that would also be welcome at almost any show, and all the recent work means all you need to do is get in and enjoy. Call today!
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