- Original right-hand-drive Buick with Australia-built and installed body
- Very well-appointed with dual side mounts, luggage rack and more
- Believed to be 1 of only 2 Model 55 Australian Sport Phaetons to survive
- Well-maintained older restoration
- Assembled new in Australia by General Motors-Holden, Ltd.; originally delivered with right-hand-drive steering
- Folding top presented in pleasing tan with matching side curtains
LOT 177
Selling on Friday
1932 Buick Series 50 Sport Phaeton
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
The Buick Series 50 was introduced in 1930 originally powered by an inline six-cylinder or optional inline eight-cylinder engine. For 1932, all body styles in the Series 50 lineup were now powered by an improved "Valve-In-Head" eight with a 230-cubic-inch displacement and when fitted with the "High Compression" head could produce a strong 82.5 HP at 3,200 RPM. Other improvements seen for 1932 included a "Dual Carburetor" which delivered a cooler mix of fuel to the combustion chambers, a larger more efficient radiator that provided better engine cooling, by as much as 10 degrees. Buick went to great lengths in 1932 promoting their new 'Wizard Control' which offered both freewheeling and no-clutch shifting between second and third gears. This allowed the driver to shift through the gears without touching the clutch pedal, instead utilizing an automatic-style clutch. More comfortable motoring was also available with Buick's new Ride Regulator that could be controlled by the driver inside the car while on the go. As advanced as Buick's Series 50 models were mechanically, their styling under the guidance of Harley Earl, were at the forefront of fashionable motoring. Hoods were equipped with hinged ventilation doors on the side panels that allowed for a freer flow of air than the previous louvers had, while the new larger radiator had a thinner appearing surround shell that accented the overall beauty of this superb motorcar. The windshield on closed cars featured a more pronounced 10-degree rake which eliminated the external sun visor. Fenders were longer and were more aerodynamic in design, flowing into the overall appearance of these vehicles. For open cars, dual taillights were employed and a fold-down windshield was standard.
This particular Buick was originally assembled as a right-hand-drive chassis and was sent to GM's Holden operations in Australia. Dating back to 1859, Holden had been a name involved in transportation needs starting as a saddlery shop. Through a number of changes and advancements occurred by 1905, the new horseless carriages sold in Australia were wearing bodies by Holden. In 1919, General Motors cemented a working relationship with Holden and, in 1931, acquired the company to form General Motors-Holden Ltd., making the company the largest automotive company in the country. Once this Buick was received by Holden, a locally designed and fabricated phaeton body was installed on the chassis and expertly trimmed out. This Buick served a number of owners well in Australia for many years. In the late 1960s, this Buick made a move from down under to Quebec, Canada, where it was part of a museum display for a total of 40 years.
In 2006, this phaeton was sold to a private collector, and by that time it had been reconverted to a left-hand-drive system. In 2007, this Buick was treated to a comprehensive restoration during which time the engine, synchromesh transmission, and related components were returned to "excellent touring condition". During the restoration, a new interior in saddle brown was installed and a new tan folding top was installed. Also created during this restoration was a fresh complete set of side curtains. In addition to the sporty folding windshield, which are adorned with wind wings, this rare Model 55 is fitted with left and right side-mounted spare tires, a rear luggage rack with metal trunk attached, dual chrome horns and a pair of Unity driving lights. Additionally, you will find dual taillights, an exhaust deflector, and painted wire wheels wearing a fresh-looking set of Firestone 6.00-6.50/28 whitewall tires. A few years back the Buick Club of America's membership roster showed but one surviving Model 55 Sport Phaeton to be located in Australia. For years, Buick promoted their cars by touting the claim, "When better cars are built, Buick will build them" and in this case, they were pretty much spot-on.
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