| Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey Friday, October 10, 2008 |
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| 1941 Buick Roadmaster Convertible Phaeton | ||||||||
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Model 71C. 165bhp, 320 cu. in. dual two-barrel carburetors, Fireball inline eight-cylinder engine, three-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension with coil springs, semi-floating rear axle with coil springs, and four-wheel hydraulically-actuated drum brakes. Wheelbase: 126" Many pivotal factors contributed to Buick’s success in the late 1930s and early 1940s. An expanding model line, starting with the Special, which was priced only $200 more than comparable Chevrolets, put Buick quality, prestige and an eight-cylinder engine within reach of a broader market. Additionally, the 1941 Buick models featured clean, modern styling to complement their solid engineering. Furthermore, the 1941 Buick models featured a series of performance enhancements, thanks to Charles Chayne and his engineering team. One development, known as “compound carburetion”, utilized two two-barrel carburetors that were mounted in tandem and connected by a progressive linkage. With this system, the forward carburetor operated full-time, while the rear carburetor operated under hard acceleration. In addition, higher piston crowns and an increase in compression to 7.0:1 brought the output of the proven 320 cubic inch valve-in-head eight cylinder engine to 165 horsepower, and a stout 278 pound-feet of torque. It was, by 15 horsepower, the most powerful engine in any 1941 GM automobile, and Buick claimed that it could cruise all day at 80 miles per hour, with “plenty of power left for passing.” What’s more, Buick owners had their choice of rear axle ratios, depending upon their specific needs, at no additional charge. In 1941, the Series 70 Roadmaster topped Buick’s model range aside from the long-wheelbase Limited that Buick’s President, Harlow Curtice, used to encroach on Cadillac’s luxury limousine and formal sedan business. The Roadmaster was offered with four handsome body styles, including Sedan, Sport Coupe and Convertible Coupe models, along with the unique Convertible Phaeton. Out of total 1941 Buick production, which exceeded 377,000 automobiles, only 15,372 were Roadmasters. Notably, a mere 312 examples of the handsome and distinctive Convertible Phaetons were produced. Purchased new in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this Roadmaster Phaeton was used early in its history as a taxi in the Cleveland-Akron area. An individual in Denver purchased the car in 1972 and owned it for over 30 years, although old age prevented him from restoring the car. Its current Colorado owner purchased the car in 2003, performing a detailed, two-year body-off restoration. The car has remained in heated storage ever since with just 80 miles of limited road use. During the extensive restoration process, all rust spots were properly addressed with new metal, while the fenders were replaced with new old stock pieces. The lovely Royal Metallic Maroon livery and rich maroon leather upholstery are correct, as per factory specifications. Every detail and trim piece, including the attractive engine-turned dash on the interior appears to be in excellent condition. Meanwhile, the frame was powder-coated and the original “Fireball” engine was rebuilt. A spare tire resides in the equally impressive trunk, and an original owner’s manual accompanies the car. It is estimated that less than 50 Roadmaster Phaetons remain in existence today, and this particular example may very well be one of the finest available. Professionally restored to the highest standards, it will continue to complement any collection of fine pre-war American automobiles. |
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