1938 Buick Limited Model 90

1938 Buick Limited Model 90 Touring

You would think a respectable country doctor in the late 1930's would own a Cadillac. Oh contrary' as most country doctors knew their patients were astute and the last thing they needed from a patient showing up to see a Caddy in their driveway then they would be thought too expensive. This was remedied by that country doctor purchasing a comparable Buick. The "thrifty" choice of many a country doctor offering up as much if not more luxury than the current Cadillac of the day and keeping perceptions in check. Now you know the secret, but don't tell anyone!

For consignment, a car that had Cadillac scratching its head in the late thirties because it was that good at keeping up with the Cadillacs (not the Kardashians). A beauty of a 1938 Buick 90, sleek and long, room for 8 and bathed in a Gainsborough Blue. No body work seen, as no rust is present either. This CCCA recognized classic is a dream to drive and still retains its original 6-volt system which is reliably maintained over the years. Our consignor states a weekly driver, always insured, always garaged, always cared for, always stunning to look at and drive.

ExteriorWeighing in at 4,608 pounds and sporting a wheelbase of 18 feet 3.5 inches, we are surrounded by plenty of Detroit iron all sculpted to perfection to produce this stunner of an exterior. Grill work is all sculpted chrome in horizontal rib format which creates a lazy V shape in the front. A big vertical chromed strip trims the center and rises to the occasion of the rounded bulbous hood with side trim venting and a trim spear which runs the length of the car at the beltline. Round bullet style headlights with Gainsborough Blue painted casings and more trimmings in chrome flank either side of the grille. Just below are 2 large round fog lights which float above the BUICK 8 badged bumper. English wheel shaped round front fenders hang off either side and sport a bullet style turn signal neatly attached to the top dead center of each fender. As we move rearward, a metal and chrome trimmed spare tire cover is inserted into the back of each front fender just prior to meeting up with the running boards. 4 doors share the same B pillar on either side allowing full access to front and back passengers. Windows are carved into the roofline and all have rounded designs with an extra rear window on the way back for the rear bench occupants. On back a split window hovers above a humpback trunk lid which is met on either side by the rounded rear fenders topped with a simple taillight and curved bumper below. All paint is excellent with no bubbles or major faults.

InteriorA swing of the doors and we see fuzzy broadcloth in tan with some stitched own piping. Within this field are also shiny handles and cranks all with nicely aged cream colored bakelite bezels and knobs on their ends. Inside a button and tufted tuck and rolled front bench spans the distance between the nice door panels. The broadcloth is flawless and has some darker thin stripes for its pattern. Entering through the rear doors you are greeted with an open table like cabinet in lieu of the optional jump seats, topped with a padded seat tucked in just behind the front bench. A big expanse of tan carping floods the floors between the "bar"/chair and overstuffed rear bench. This bench has the striped broadcloth of the front bench and is overstuffed with buttoned pleats and a padded fold down armrest is present in the center. Padded and upholstered arms on either side with ashtrays are installed...smoke 'em off ya got 'em! Beautiful fuzzy broadcloth covers all vertical pillars and even the headliner is said cloth. The art deco for the dash is metal in shades of brown and has satin aluminum insert panels for the instruments along with some chromed horizontal ribbed accenting and a banjo style steering wheel in black bakelite. Putting' on the ritz...super-duper!

DrivetrainThe cowled hood hides underneath it a 320ci Inline 141hp 8-cylinder engine with a single 2-barrel carburetor and a 3-speed manual transmission on back. 4.55 is the rear axle ratio.

UndercarriageThe engine bay has been restored a while ago and presents nicely, and the undercarriage shows surface rust covering the X frame and floor pans. Side rockers and body hangers are in good condition structurally sound. No invasive rust damage anywhere to be seen. Independent coil springs for the upfront suspension and a 3 link with coil springs for the back. Drum brakes are all around and Smitty mufflers have been recently installed.

Drive-AbilityThis big car fired right up and off to the test track where it produced a very smooth enjoyable ride. Good acceleration, strong shifting and good braking are just a few of the highlights of my experience. The radio works as it's been rewired. The heat blows nice toasty air. All functions are working except for the windshield wipers and clock.

This beautiful big Buick graces our hallowed halls here at the Mall and is a real standout. In beautiful Gainsborough Blue, wonderful trimmings, are deco inspired living room-esque interior, and mechanically sound. Fly under the Cadillac radar without sacrificing luxury. Documented maintenance provided of all performed tasks whole in the current consigner's possession.

TRIM TAGMODEL 38 91-Series 91 SaloonSTYLE 38 4919-1938 Series 91 Saloon 6 Passenger BODY 243-Flint Body # TRIM 623-Tan Bedford Cloth PAINT 515-Black

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.