We're seeing more and more "dare to be different" hot rods, and if you have a family that likes a little luxury with their performance, this 1938 Buick Special 2-door deserves a closer look. You don't see many '30s Buick rods, and this handsome Special fastback provides style, comfort, and performance in equal doses.
The shiny black paint certainly makes this Buick a real attention-grabber, but the good news is that it stands up to the scrutiny. The build is a few years old so it's got some mileage on it, but the handsome Buick shape and tall, narrow grille make it one of the best-looking cars of the era. Long, sweeping fenders, those cool bullet-shaped headlights (note that the fender lights have been tucked underneath in a cool little bit of remodeling) and the narrow grille bars make it look fast just sitting still. Is it chopped or not? Hard to tell, but the answer is no, it's not and the body is 100% original steel, not fiberglass. Most of the trim remains in place, including the unique bumpers and cowl-mounted radio antenna, which really gives it a throwback look we like. They even kept the original taillights perched on top of the rear fenders and the split rear window that would allow this car to pass for almost original if not for the oversized rolling stock. Cool!
The handsome red interior is nicely done, combining a vintage vibe with some OEM components for a very modern driving experience. The cloth seating surfaces on the power bucket seats give it a luxurious feel, and the pleated patterns are very much like what GM was doing in 1938. The driver gets a full array of white faced VDO gauges that look suitably vintage, and the center stack was only lightly modified to handle the Vintage Air A/C controls and the Sony AM/FM/CD stereo head unit. A tilt steering column with a 4-spoke wheel has a traditional look and the red carpets and contrasting mats work well to keep it all tied together. Original knobs and cranks on the doors enhances the 1930s feel and there's a generous back seat for cruising with the family. Under that fastback rear end, you'll find a surprisingly spacious trunk, which also includes a custom housing for the Optima gel-cell battery and matching red carpeting.
The engine is a smooth-running 350 cubic inch Chevy V8 that's detailed enough to look great down in the engine bay, but not so over-chromed that it's a part-time job keeping it clean. Standard upgrades like an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor and aluminum intake manifold, Mallory Unilite distributor, and long-tube headers mean that it's plenty powerful to move the luxurious Buick sedan, and it's been upgraded with R134a refrigerant in the A/C system, power steering and brakes, as well as a 700R4 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission. The front clip offers disc brakes, while the independent Corvette rear end improves handling and offers another set of disc brakes. A custom dual exhaust system uses resonators and mufflers for a unique sound that never gets annoying on the highway (no need to fight with the entertainment system, right?) and the stance is exactly right. Beautiful polished Torque Thrust wheels fill the fenders and carry 17-inch Hankook performance radials.
A unique car that gets everything exactly right, this big black Buick is big time affordable fun. Call today!