Lot 263

Hershey 2015

1936 Buick Roadmaster Convertible Phaeton

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$82,500 USD | Sold

United States | Hershey, Pennsylvania

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Chassis No.
2948988
  • Fresh professional restoration
  • Attractive, year-correct colors
  • Well-accessorized and optioned
  • CCCA Full Classic

Series 80. 120 bhp, 320.2 cu. in. OHV inline eight-cylinder engine, three-speed manual transmission, coil-spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf-spring suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 131 in.

The 1936 model year was the first for the Roadmaster, a new model slotted between the top-of-the-line Limited limousines and lower-level Buicks. The name would remain part of the Buick line for six decades, but in its first year of production, it was a relatively exclusive automobile. For instance, the Convertible Phaeton body style, the most expensive and limited-production Buick convertible available in 1936, sold only 1,064 copies, of which very few survive today.

The car offered here was purchased as a “project car” by the current owner’s father. It was completely disassembled and restored by Ludwig’s Custom Auto, of Denver, Pennsylvania, to a beautiful standard. The body panels were stripped, properly repaired, and refinished in Touraine Green with Oriental Green trim, with the paint applied as base coat and a clear coat and then color-sanded and polished to provide a very high gloss. The panels are very straight with fine alignment and gaps, and the doors, hood, and trunk lid fit well and open and close soundly. All chrome plating has been refreshed and appears as new or better, and the fitting of the upholstery and convertible top by John Zimmerman is excellent, with even the inside of the trunk being properly restored. Numerous options and accessories are fitted, including a proper AM radio, a dashboard clock, and dual Trippe driving lights. The single side-mounted spare, with a full metal cover, was a standard feature on this body style.

At the time of cataloguing, it had been driven only five miles since completion of its restoration. This Roadmaster represents one of the rarest Buicks of its generation, as well as a beautiful restored Full Classic ideal for all CCCA activities—including, for that matter, AACA judging here at Hershey.