The lovely 1938 Buick offered here is one of 776 Style 38-4449 Phaetons built in the Series 40 Special lineup. This example is noteworthy for having the $80.00 semi-automatic Safety Transmission, which was arguably “The General’s” first attempt at obsoleting manual shift. Only six so-equipped examples survive, this being the only phaeton among them.

Chassis 13290457 was used for many years by a family in Lake Forest, Illinois as a summer vehicle. Following the end of its duties, it was put in storage where it lay for 30 years, until being disinterred around 1999. At the time of its discovery, it was described as an untouched original, aside from a repaint in black, that was solid, complete, and an extremely good basis for a quality restoration.

The Buick was purchased by a Texan who commissioned a restoration by John Sobers of Stone Ranch Motors in Colorado. Sobers was entrusted specifically for his expertise with the rare semi-automatic transmission. Having previously rebuilt another of these units, he learned how to make it function flawlessly, and even introduced some sealing improvements. He has ultimately rebuilt four out of the six transmissions from the surviving cars.

After the owner fell into ill health, Sobers acquired the car and worked on the project over the next dozen years. The engine was fully disassembled and rebuilt, and the body was stripped to bare metal and refinished. The condition of the car was so good that, aside from metal repair at the bottoms of the doors, it was not necessary to remove the body from the chassis; thus, it retains its original factory fit. During the process, however, the doors, fenders, and entire front clip were completely removed and restored.

The body was liveried in the correct original shade of Code 518 Titian Maroon, as verified by the original data plate, while the interior was reupholstered by Sun Valley Classics, using correct, antique-grain Red leather with Maroon piping. In addition, a new wiring harness was installed, the clock was repaired, all chrome bits were replated, and even the headlights were restored with a tarnish-proof silver reflective coating. Every piece is as installed by Buick. Even the glove box light works!

The file contains a dozen photos of the Buick showing disassembly and reassembly, demonstrating the solid condition of the car as-found and the beautiful condition of the restored chassis, front end, and engine. The current owner has taken the restoration a step further with the installation of a gorgeous Tan cloth top with Maroon piping. Servicing has been performed to the engine and brakes, the front end aligned, in addition to further detail work on the paint and engine bay. Additionally, this Buick is offered with a pair of transmission service manuals plus an original pamphlet with operating instructions.

This, the only surviving Safety Transmission-equipped phaeton, will be a wonderful addition to the stable of both the collector and the connoisseur.