1940 Buick Roadmaster in Lopez Island, Washington

Vehicle Description

With just 10,700 original miles, this long wheelbase formal sedan is powered by a 320 cubic-inch inline eight-cylinder engine capable of producing over 140 horsepower. There is a column-mounted three-speed sliding gearbox, independent front suspension with coil springs, semi-floating real axle with coil springs and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Finished in a stunning Ebony Black with a Grey Bedford Cord pinstripe, 2 -Tone interior. It has a “California” heater, white wall tires, a handsome central speaker and radio and attractive engine turned dash. The four doors fit tightly, hood sits right and the glossy, ripple-free finish makes the car look great from any angle.

This elegant, low-mileage Roadmaster has been in our family since the early ‘60’s. Father-in-law’s Buick agency purchased it as a safety precaution for the aging owner who lived in the Santa Cruz hills. It enjoyed life as a parade car, kept up by the Buick mechanics but was never rebuilt. It was driven up to Seattle in the mid-80’s, garaged and used only on rare occasions.

The Roadmaster was refinished in 2013 for daughter’s wedding. The exterior was stripped and painted, most chrome retained, few replacements, new seals, etc. The side glass was replaced; windshields retained but may have new ones around somewhere. The interior was completely redone with a Grey Bedford Cord pinstripe, 2 -Tone (#811). The engine turned dash was cleaned and left alone. The faded wood graining was painted over; pending future removal and restoration. The plastics – steering wheel, radio buttons, various controls – are original.

The car drives beautifully, on the little roads of this island and on the interstate. The starter switch was moved from the accelerator to a button on the dash; it was always touchy. Mechanics went over the car last year, replaced the Stromberg float, adjusted the timing. The original Delco-Remey 6- volt battery was replaced years ago but we retained the old hold-down frame. The wiring harness should be replaced and other small “to dos” – sun visors reattached, some of the plastics replaced, wood graining the window trim, clock and radio repair – were on my “after the wedding” list.

This Roadmaster is appropriately and affordably priced for someone seeking an elegant Driver as is, or who wants a stunning vehicle to be part of the local car shows with further restoration and concours refinement.