141 bhp, 320 cu. in. inline eight-cylinder engine, three-speed manual transmission, semi-floating rear axle, pressed steel wheels and four-wheel hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase: 133"

- One of only three built

- Complete body-off restoration

- Offered from the Henry Lewis Collection

For 1939, Buick was on a roll, with innovative advertising and promotion, soaring sales and a host of product improvements. Harlow Curtice, Buick’s chief, was determined to set a new sales record. Buick became the Indy pace car for 1939, and a Convertible Sedan like the example offered here was used to pace the race. A new sales target of 200,000 cars was set, and at the dealer’s kickoff meeting, an airplane was displayed on stage with the number “200,000” painted on its wings. The campaign was successful as Buick sold more than 208,000 cars, solidifying its position as number four in the industry, behind only the Big Three.

This ultra-rare Roadmaster convertible '80C' was termed a Sport Phaeton due to its unusual and desirable 'fastback' trunk treatment (as differentiated from the more common 81C 'Trunk-back' model, also known as the Bustle-back) and therefore was considered much sportier. Mr. Lewis acquired this highly uncommon Buick over 20 years ago from a well-known collector in West Virginia. It then received a comprehensive, body-off restoration in the early 90s, after which it was shown periodically, but not excessively, still fresh enough to be award-worthy at the Amelia Island Concours in 2003. As with all of Mr. Lewis's cars, the Buick was well cared for in a climate-controlled environment and received little road use.

It is presented in 'Indy 500 Livery' with the popular period creamy yellow finish with gold lettering outlined black and an impressive red interior, with black 'parade tonneau' as well as the regular cloth top with proper boot. The elaborate painted wood-grain dash in red is nothing short of stunning, while the top-quality hides are showing some light scratches and other patina of wear. Dual side-mounts and an accessory spotlight add to the already immense presence of this very collectible Buick Roadmaster. Lately, and until its offering at auction, it has been on display at the AACA Museum in Hershey, where it was recently featured in the AACA magazine (May/June 2011).

This beautiful Buick is a stunning reminder of the American car companies’ long tradition of individuality and excellence. Seeing the car today, it is hard to fathom there were only three examples built but easy to imagine it as a centerpiece for any noteworthy collection of limited production Buicks.