Lot 172

Hershey 2012

1931 Buick Series 90 Seven-Passenger Phaeton

Collection of George Grew

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$67,100 USD | Sold

United States | Hershey, Pennsylvania

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Chassis No.
2530160

104 bhp, 344.8 cu. in OHV inline eight-cylinder engine, three-speed manual transmission, solid front axle and live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel mechanical drum brakes. Wheelbase: 132 in.

• Offered from the collection of George Grew

• CCCA Full Classic

• Seating for a large family

No manufacturer could top Buick for engine choice, as there were three sizes of inline eights from 221- to 345-cubic inches. Remarkably, few parts interchanged among the three engines. The massive Series 90 powerplant delivered 101 brake horsepower, even more than the contemporary Cadillac.

This Buick was George Grew’s parade car and wedding conveyance. His daughter, Janice Grew Brockman, explains:

“While the 1914 Jeffery was the car of my childhood, this 1931 Buick was the car of my children’s childhoods. This car was well loved by everyone in our family. It was my dad’s workhorse. It did the slowest parades in the hottest weather without ever overheating. It moved at a good clip and my dad would always bring it into Boston for the Boston University homecoming parades, and it also did the BU Bookstore opening gala.

“My children loved this car when they were little, as they each would take turns bringing a friend—the car was so big. It fit my mom and dad, the five of us, and a little friend easily. I can remember trips to Springfield and western Massachusetts where we sailed along with all the modern cars no problem. Because of its size, this was always the car he used when doing weddings.”

George Grew acquired the 1931 Buick from Roger Lee circa 1990. Lee had it restored in the 1970s by Paul Hagberg, of Paxton, Massachusetts. Now an older restoration, it presents well, although its age shows in the paint, top, and carpet. The black leather seating has been more recently reupholstered. One of 392 of this body style built, it is recognized as a Full Classic by the Classic Car Club of America and is eligible for all club activities. Fresh from a thorough recommissioning and detailing, it is ready to be enjoyed to the fullest.