Rare 1942 US Built RHD Buick Fastback Sedan 1 OF 24 in WA

Rare 1942 Buick fastback 4 door sedan.   US built. factory RHD 1 of only 24

This is a super rare 1 of 24 US built 1942 right-hand drive Buick that made it by chance to Australia.   24 Buicks were en route to Singapore when hostilities there meant that the ship was diverted to Australia. hence earning the title. ‘refugee Buicks'.   This Buick is in its original convoy grey (repainted some time ago) with recently refurbished high quality upholstery.   Carpets have also been meticulously redone.   The car is very original right down to its 6V charging system and whitewall tyres.   Unlike post-war Buicks that may look similar. this one has a full woodgrain dash and door window surrounds.   These features were dropped in the post war models.

Buick Series 40 six-passenger Model 41's were built on the longer “B” series 121inch wheelbase.    

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION:

The straight 8 OHV engine is remarkably smooth. strong and very quiet.   It's hard to hear it idling.   The factory valve radio still works. as does all the instrumentation.   This is a six seater with an abundance of rear seat legroom. since it was intended for military brass and government officialdom.   In the last few months. I've rebuilt the fuel (and vacuum wiper) pump. replaced rear wheel seals and bearings and remedied a few minor oil leaks.   It starts easily. drives beautifully and is superbly reliable.   The lights. factory self-cancelling indicators. wipers. etc. all work as they should.  

All the factory white ivory knobs are intact. including the beautiful handle to the remote-controlled spot lamp.   The factory windscreen aerial is controlled remotely from within the cabin.   There is a fabulous factory spot lamp which is also controlled by a remote swivel handle inside the cabin on the passenger side.

The car is dead straight. there is no rust and duco is in excellent. but not showroom condition.   There are a couple of minor scratches.   The chrome work is highly presentable and gleams like new.

This is a comfortable smooth running car that could take you in style anywhere.

PROVENANCE: 

Only a handful of 1942 Buicks came into Australia.  Although there were a few Buicks locally assembled by Holden. after the outbreak of WWII all Buicks were run on's of the 1940 model Buick.  All 1941 and 1942 models that came to Australia were American built although Holden must have added their ID plate to make the cars road ready.

This Buick has its original fender tags and is stamped September 1942. which is one of the very last Buick vehicles to have been built in the US until after the war.

It is quite possible the 1942 Buicks may have all been used by the Government and not the military. but no one really knows.   The car has three small holes drilled in to the bonnet mascot. which is thought to have been to support an official flag.  

I have looked around for other 1942 Holden tagged Buick sedans. but have not as yet seen any.   There may be more of these refugee Buicks in existence. but it's hard to know.

For interstate and overseas buyers. I would consider taking video of the car running and driving if there is interest for me to do so.

Also published at eBay.com.au

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