Vehicle Description
The 1934 Buick 40 Series single-handedly saved the company
following their worst production year ever. But even with cars like
this lovely 4-door sedan in showrooms, 1934 Buicks are rather rare
machines. Better yet, with this one you get all the modern
conveniences and the power of a 350 cubic inch LT1 V8, making it as
good a runner as it is a looker.
There's no arguing that the 1934 Buicks were among the best-looking
cars of the period and the modifications on this handsome sedan do
nothing to diminish those looks. The medium green metallic paint is
a handsome, understated choice, and the rounded art-deco shape has
never looked better. In 1934, mono-tone paint jobs were the norm
and while the paint isn't 1930s lacquer, the modern finish shines
beautifully. Obviously a ton of time went into the build, and they
made sure that all the bodywork was ready for primetime, which
means all four doors fit well, the hood is aligned just right, and
all the period details were retained. The roof hasn't been chopped,
and even the rear-mounted spare is still in place, giving the car a
dignified look that fits the period. There are a few signs of use,
but there's no question that this was a very expensive build a few
years ago.
With a 117-inch wheelbase, there's plenty of room inside, where it
has been handsomely reupholstered in tan leather. Front buckets
from a late-model look great up front and there' still a full-sized
back seat, which makes this a family-friendly rod. They skipped any
pretense of making it look like a 1934 Buick inside, but that's OK
because the handsome trim work shows well and makes it a very
comfortable place to be on a road trip. The original dash was
scrapped in favor of a matching tan vinyl fascia with a full set of
cream-faced Dolphin gauges and with the neatly integrated A/C vents
and AM/FM/CD stereo head unit underneath, it looks like it has
always been this way. Light carpets add a plush feeling that speaks
softly of luxury and the tilt column with an OEM Buick 3-spoke
steering wheel is a nice touch. And please take a moment to note
that this car includes a spacious trunk that's ideal for
touring.
Power comes from a 350 cubic inch Chevrolet LT1 V8, which is always
the engine of choice when reliability and performance count. It's a
tight fit in the Buick's engine bay, which was originally designed
for a 233 cubic inch straight-eight, and with plenty of chrome and
billet aluminum dress-up bits, it certainly looks good enough to
show with the hood open. With OEM fuel injection and other
components, it's a very reliable travelling partner and 300
horsepower is about triple what it had originally, so it's plenty
quick. Dual exhaust sounds muted and muscular, the way you'd hope
your new Buick would sound, and with a 700R4 4-speed automatic
transmission and a Camaro 10-bolt rear end, it's an easy highway
cruiser. Up front, a Camaro subframe adds power steering and disc
brakes, plus modern suspension geometry, so it drives beautifully,
tracks straight, and feels rather modern. 15-inch wire wheels help
with the classic look and they sit on 205/75/15 blackwall radials
for a low-key look.
One of Buick's better-looking cars transformed by a big injection
of horsepower and performance, this '34 sedan is one way to be sure
you're the only guy at the show who has one. Call today!