Buick Viceroy Straight 8

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

Restyled for the 1939-model year, the Buick Series 40 Special range was immediately distinguished by its highly stylised ‘Catwalk Cooling’ front end, inspired by the contemporary Auto Union grand prix cars.

With independent front suspension and a coil-sprung ‘live’ rear axle, it was powered by a 4,064cc 'Dynaflash' OHV straight-eight engine allied to three-speed 'Handi-shift' manual transmission. Performance was good with a lazy 107bhp on tap, and the model proved popular on both sides of the Atlantic with right-hand drive export versions- as this car - being made in Canada by the Buick-McLaughlin subsidiary.

This 1939 Buick Viceroy is a UK-market car having been imported and registered here in 1939. Sadly, little is known of its early life here and was found abandoned in a barn in Norfolk some years ago when it was rescued and restored.

Within the last five years it was stripped back to bare metal and re-sprayed, with new running boards fabricated to original specification including twin spare wheel mounts and carriers. All the brightwork was re-chromed to a very high standard, and the seats and door-cards were re-trimmed in black leather, and new carpets fitted. The steering wheel, door cappings, and dashboard were renovated in their original ivory finish and a new headlining fitted.

The straight-eight Dynaflash engine was rebuilt and the gearbox and back axle overhauled. The wheels were refurbished and we are told that the tyres are all in good condition. The wiring has been renewed and the car now runs a 12 volt electrical system.

The vendor tells us that the car runs beautifully and that it has been used sparingly and, although it has been used for the occasional wedding or prom duty, has not been a commercial wedding car.

It is, of course, MOT and tax exempt. The Buick had its last MOT test in 2011 when it passed with no advisories and it is believed that the car has only covered around 600 miles since then.