1940 | Buick Roadmaster

Buick had a record year in 1940, thanks partly to the 1940 Buick Special Convertible Sedan. The company turned out 283,204 of that model year's cars and set the stage for even better results the following year. Its products were reliable, dynamic, and glamorous. This was an amazing turn of events for a manufacturer that had made fewer than 47,000 cars as recently as 1933 and was rumoured to be on the chopping block at General Motors.

Buick styling consisted of a bolder, more upright nose than that seen in 1939. New sealed-beam headlamps were more integrated into the front fenders. Engine-turned metal panels were added to brighten up the dash. The Special's wheel-base was lengthened an inch to 121. Its "Dynaflash" engine with "tabulator" pistons made 107 horsepower, as it had since 1938.

A four-door convertible joined the Special line for 1937, but the stylish body type made its last appearance as a Series 40 car in 1940.

This is an extremely rare RHD Buick Special 41C Phaeton and at $1,355, it was by far the most expensive Special.

Only 552 of these four door convertibles were built and of that only 45 in right hand drive. All produced by the factory in Detroit. RHD cars were built for the Australian, South African, Singaporean and United Kingdom markets.

Less than 100 of these convertibles are believed to exist.

This model’s options include dual side mount spare tyres, of which less than 124 units were produced. Buick stopped production of cars with dual side mounted spare tyres in late 1940.

Some items need addressing, which is reflected in the asking price, but a superb example of this special rare car. A four door convertible Buick from 1940 appeared in the film ‘Casablanca’. Video shows a example of this rare car in a museum.

Similar Buick convertibles available from this period are available for sale in Europe from £65 - £85k.

UK Reg number: WXS 334

Matching numbers. Will consider a swap for a car of similar value.

A very rare opportunity.