Introduced in November 1931, Buick’s 1932 model line featured numerous redesigned elements, including hood “doors” that replaced the outgoing louvers, slightly raked windshields, and radiator grilles that tapered towards the bottom. The cars also boasted new mechanical improvements such as adjustable shock absorbers and the Wizard Control function, which allowed freewheeling and no-clutch shifting between second and third gears.

In its second year of production, the top-of-the-line Series 90 now rode a longer 134-inch. wheelbase, and was available in nine different coachwork styles, of which the 96C Convertible Coupe was surely one of the sportiest. Series 90 cars were standard-equipped with wire wheels and dual sidemount spares, offering an elegant and refined character that challenged the supremacy of top-tier luxury marques like Cadillac and Packard. When Phil Shafer drove a Buick-powered special to 11th place at the Indianapolis 500, it became clear that the company was as capable of high-performance engineering as luxurious appointments, and perhaps few models represented this dual identity as well as the rakish Convertible Coupe.

Believed to be the 150th example of 289 cars built, this Model 96C was acquired in the 1980s or early 1990s by the late Marvin Tamaroff, one of the nation’s foremost Buick collectors. Mr. Tamaroff was well known in vintage motoring circles for founding his own Buick franchise and assembling a particularly impressive marque collection. He commissioned a full restoration of this car, reportedly by Dave Lewis of Springfield, Illinois, that witnessed a renewal to concours-level condition.

In 2007 Mr. Tamaroff sold the Convertible Coupe, and it passed to the equally respected collection of Paul Andrews, receiving extensive cosmetic and mechanical freshening. Mr. Tamaroff was obviously beset with seller’s remorse, though, for in July 2015 he re-acquired the car, an indication of just how special it is.

Equipped with factory options such as dual windshield wipers, a clock, and Wizard Control, this impressive Buick is also fitted with Tilt Ray headlamps, Trippe safety lights, a rumble seat, and a color-matched external trunk. A badge that remains affixed to the front bumper indicates the car is a former CCCA prize winner, a further testament to its undeniable quality. A two-time member of the famed Marvin Tamaroff Buick collection, this beautifully presented Convertible Coupe would make a stunning acquisition for any marque aficionado or collector of prewar roadsters.