1940 Buick Century for sale in Cleveland, Ohio

$49,900

One of only 194 built. Older restoration with fresh canvas top. Excellent highway car with high-speed gears, functional AM radio, and superlative road manners. According to the body tag, this car was originally code 541 Black, but sometime in its past it was switched to Royal Maroon, which is also on the 1940 Buick color chart. This was most likely done when the car was fully restored, perhaps back in the 90s, and it was clearly a complete frame-off job because there€™s no trace of black paint anywhere on the car. It shows nicely, with a great shine that looks right on the 1940s sheetmetal, and there€™s absolutely no sign of rust anywhere on the car, including the trouble-prone areas in the trunk tool tray and at the base of the A-pillar. The chrome was likely refinished when the car was restored, although the bumpers look more recent. All the critical pot metal trim pieces, including the grille, are very well preserved showing only modest signs of age, but no pitting or other damage. The maroon leather interior was probably done within the past 7-10 years. With the exception of the clock and the fuel gauge (we suspect a bad ground at the sending unit), everything works, including the Sonomatic AM radio, which pulls in stations loud and clear. The tan canvas top is brand new, and folds into the well where it€™s covered by a matching boot that appears to have never been used and stores in its own bag. The trunk is neatly finished in tan carpet with cardboard side panels, with the spare tire and original jack assembly stowed in the area underneath the trunk floor. And as I mentioned, the trunk floor is 100% original and 100% rust-free. Buick€™s legendary 320 cubic inch straight-8 spins to life quickly using the accelerator-pedal-mounted starting system, and settles into an even idle almost immediately, even when cold. It€™s uncannily smooth, with just enough of a rumble to let you know that there are eight muscular cylinders at work under that long hood. It was most likely rebuilt during the restoration some years ago, but runs superbly today with no smoke, blow-by, or unpleasant noises. With good oil pressure and an effective cooling system (it idled for 15 minutes during the photo shoot in 95-degree weather without going above 180 on the gauge), it is ready to drive any distance. No longer detailed for show, the engine bay is nonetheless quite clean, making it worry-free on tours and other driving events. A 3-speed manual transmission has well-chosen gear ratios, and we believe that this car has been fitted with high-speed 3.60 gears for touring. It gathers speed quickly and easily out-paces traffic if you prod it, and once you€™re in high gear, it rushes up to 65 MPH effortlessly and stays there without complaint. The chassis is clean and undamaged, showing signs of regular maintenance over the years, and the older exhaust system still has plenty of life left in it. Tires are slightly oversized 8.20-15 BFGoodrich Silvertown wide whites which really stuff the wheel wells, and they€™re mounted on the original wheels with correct triple pinstripes, hubcaps, and trim rings. Handsome, powerful, smooth, and quite fast, it€™s everything the name Century promises. It€™s also incredibly rare, nicely finished, and beautifully presented as a top-tier touring car with all-weather capabilities. If you€™re a fan of driving your cars, few can match this big Buick€™s performance on the road, and its style and practicality make it an A-list choice for any old car event. And without a doubt, you will always be at the head of traffic with this one€”it really is a wonderful performer. For more information and photos, please visit

Year:  1980 or older
Miles:  0 - 4 999
Transmission: Manual

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