1940 Buick Super Model 59 Estate Wagon
Chassis no. 137554990
Engine no. 53947255
248ci OHV Inline Eight-Cylinder Engine
107bhp at 3,400rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension with Coil Springs
Semi-Floating Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Rare first year 1940 Buick Woodie Wagon
*1 of only 501 1940 examples produced, very few survivors
*Complete and well-preserved older restoration
*Recently returned to correct size wheels and tires

THE BUICK ESTATE WAGON

Throughout the 1930s, the Buick model range expanded, culminating in the revised 1940 lineup, which included no less than 10 open models. Ranging from the entry-level Series 40 Special to the Series 50 Super line, the larger Series 60 Century and Series 70 Roadmaster, the Buick line peaked with the Series 80 and 90 Limited models. The broadened Buick model line was very well received by the public with total calendar-year production reaching 310,995 units, including the four millionth Buick automobile built. In fact, 1940 marked the GM Division's best production year in its history to that point, with Buick occupying an enviable fourth place in American sales rankings.

The upscale Series 50 Super models for 1940 shared a 121-inch wheelbase chassis with the Series 40 Special line. Five Super body styles were offered, including a 4-door Touring Sedan, 4-door Convertible Phaeton, 2-door Sport Coupe, 4-door Estate Wagon, and the 2-door Convertible Coupe, with all featuring particularly clean styling and elimination of the old-fashioned running boards.

The arrival of an Estate Wagon on the roster was a new thing for Buick and rather intriguingly its inclusion is said to have been inspired by a passing conversation at a Los Angeles party between Harley Earl, Buick President Harlowe Curtice and the hosts Evelyn 'Bunny' McLeod, a Hollywood socialite and her Director husband Norman Z. McLeod. When the conversation of cars came up, Mrs. McLeod commented that she couldn't think of owning a Buick as they didn't make a station wagon.

The seed was sown! Back in Detroit, Earl went to the drawing board and Curtice ordered some 501 units of a new Wagon, the majority for the domestic market, and half a dozen for export. Built at Biehl's of West Reading Pennsylvania, the design was unquestionably a success not least because of the coverage generated when Earl and Curtice made a formal presentation of the prototype car to Mrs. McLeod at a party at the Coconut Grove nightclub in the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. The production Model 59s sold out quickly, and a successor for '41 built by Hercules who could provide greater volume also proved popular, it would lead to the post war versions built by Ionia and a trend that continued all the way through to 1953.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Of that ground-breaking first year Estate Wagons, very few survive, making opportunities such as that afforded here to be one worthy of close attention! The example we present is style appropriate balance of originality and sympathetic refurbishment, giving it that appealing honest 'Woodie' charisma and charm.

The majority of the work that it received was carried out in previous ownership in the late 1990s, with careful attention to the preservation of the original wood and replacement of items such as the carpeting. At this same time the car was repainted in a shade close to its original from the Biehl plaque of paint code 544 Royal Maroon Metallic. Its dash has been refurbished with an engine turned finish, while the interior is in tan leather. The painted metal trim, such as hinges are painted in a corresponding peach color. Details of the specification include period features such as fog lamps, dual rear view side mirrors and a dash clock as well as Sonomatic radio grace the interior.

In preparation for its sale the car has been returned to the correct size wheels and tires, since the catalog photography was completed, which enhances its overall road presence and stance. It is described by its seller as running and driving well.

A truly classy model of this genre, these super rare 1940 Buick Estates deserve to be coveted and provide their owners with a commodious and high quality automobile.

Note about Buyer's Premium for this lot:
The final bid (hammer) price of each lot will be subject to a buyer's premium. For MOTOR CAR lots the premium is 12% on the first $250,000 of the bid price and 10% on any amount of the bid price exceeding $250,000.