1942 Buick

Sedan

8 - Cyl.

Manual

Gasoline

1942 Buick Torpedo Back Straight Eight - Barn Find NO RESERVE You are looking at a 1942 Buick Torpedo Back Barn Find. This car was lovingly restored at one point, and then got put into a barn in 2001. It has been sitting there, and it has not run since then. It does look to have been very well restored at one point, and it is a very solid car, with no rust showing anywhere. The dry climate of Arizona has been kind to the sheet metal If you have been watching my auctions for the last 3 years, you will know that I have liquidated my assets including boats, RVs, exotic and muscle car collections at $1 with NO RESERVE to let the market determine the real value. This auction is no different, and the car will sell to the high bidder, so PLEASE BID TO OWN IT. It would be a great candidate for a quick clean up driver, or a more serious Hot Rod Project. The 1942 Buick was indeed a rare car. It was the last of the Pre-war Buicks, and it was one of the most desireable cars of its day. Harley Earls Buick Y Job (the very first "show car" prototype) had created a stir, and Buick followed through with the industrys first "Airfoil fenders". This design led the way for other US cars, however, the government put limits on development and usable materials (Chrome) in 1942. While Buick had redesigned in 41, most of the other US manufacturers had not, so the Buick was the clear leader. In mid 42, government mandated reductions in Chrome meant that a few "black out" Buicks were built, but they made the chrome thinner to keep production going. By the time that Chrome was completely banned, Buick had stockpiled enough bumpers to continue the production line until just February 2, which was when all US car production stopped. Consequently, this is a very rare and desireable model, from an era when there were very few cars built at all. The lines are very clean, as all of Haley Earl's cars were. The grill was massive, and the bumpers started the large chrome trend followed in the late 40s, and 50s. The hood was especially innovative, since it can open from either side. The latches double as hinges, and when one side is unlatched, the other side acts as the hinge point. It would make a great Hot Rod, since you can unlatch both sides to remove the hood for show. Make no mistake, this car needs to be reconditioned to bring up to its former glory. You will have to buff it out, since it has been sitting and the paint is very dry. You will also have to spot in some scratches on the front fenders, and other areas as the pictures show. If I were to keep it, I would remove the trim and repaint it perfectly. The clutch still has pressure, and it does not go to the floor. I have not tried to start it, but the engine is free. The interior was very nice at one point, and the seats and door panels look to have been recovered in a period correct blue fabric. Unfortunately, a squirrel took residence in the car, and had a feast on the carpet underpad in a few spots. For some reason ,the seats are mostly left alone. I guess he preferred the original mohair underpad under the carpet. The carpets will definately have to be redone, and the seats and door panels are definately savable. However, if you are looking to restore it properly, you might want to trdo the entire thing. The car is a great starting point for any restoration project, as it is remarkable straight and solid. It will make a great show cruiser, or Hot Rod. The car is being listed at $1, with NO RESERVE so please bid to own it. Terms: 20% Paypal deposit due in 48 hours. Full payment in 7 days. Car is sold "As-is, Where-is", so transportation is the responsibility of the buyer. The car can be seen in Quartzsite, Arizona, Please call Anthony at 407 399 9287 with any questions. Happy Bidding!On Jan-21-11 at 18:58:00 PST, seller added the following information: Hello bidders, A fellow eBayer Pete contributed the follwing information on the Buick. I will check for the series number tomorrow and post. Thanks Pete! From what I can see you have a Century thats a Special body with a longer wheelbase and a Roadmaster engine sometimes called the bankers hot rod. Open the hood on the right side and there should be a data plate the model will be a 61 if a Century and a 41 if a Special. From the pictures showing the long front end I believe its a Century. The Century was called so due to the fact it would do over 100 mph. From what I can quickly find a total of 3319 Centurys were made in 1942. I can't find my "70 Years of Buick" by George Damann or I could give you the exact production for sedans. I have a 41 Century two door the do get out and go. Regards Pete On Jan-22-11 at 20:30:40 PST, seller added the following information: Hello all, At fellow eBayer Pete's request, I have posted the data plate picture. The codes are as follows: 1942 MOD Series 42-4609: ????? Paint Code 19: Upper-Silver French Gray Poly - Lower-Lancster Gray Poly Trim Code 54 OK: ????? The car currently has its correct twin carburator setup, and it looks to have been painted to factory original colors and specs. This might be one to save... Any help with the series and trim codes would be appreciated. Thanks!