Few motor cars capture the elegance, craftsmanship and unmistakable character of pre-war American motoring quite like the 1939 Buick Series 40 Eight.

With its sweeping front guards, imposing chrome grille, beautifully sculpted bodywork and generous proportions, this magnificent Buick represents an era when style, comfort and road presence were every bit as important as performance. Finished in a rich burgundy, complemented by gleaming chrome appointments and distinctive whitewall tyres, it is a wonderful reminder of a time when automobiles were designed to make a statement.

Introduced during a period of remarkable progress in automotive engineering, the 1939 Buick Series 40, also known as the Special, combined Buick’s renowned build quality with the smoothness and refinement of its celebrated straight-eight engine. Its 248 cubic-inch (4.1-litre) Fireball Eight delivered effortless performance for its day, while Buick’s attention to passenger comfort and driving refinement helped establish the marque as one of America’s most respected manufacturers. The result was a motor car offering the prestige and sophistication associated with more expensive automobiles, yet remaining accessible to a broader market.

Today, the 1939 Buick Series 40 Eight stands as a wonderful example of American automotive heritage, combining distinctive Art Deco influences with the charm and mechanical simplicity of pre-war motoring. From its beautifully detailed exterior to its spacious passenger accommodation and unmistakable straight-eight character, it offers an ownership experience that modern vehicles simply cannot replicate. Whether admired as a collector’s piece, enjoyed on leisurely weekend outings or presented at classic motoring events, this Buick is a splendid celebration of an extraordinary chapter in automotive history.

• Manufacturer: Buick Motor Division, General Motors, USA

• Model: Buick Special Series 40 Eight

• Year: 1939

• Body: Fisher-built all-steel body

• Engine: 248 cu in (4,064 cc) straight-eight

• Valve Configuration: Overhead valve (OHV), 16 valves

• Maximum Power: 107 bhp at 3,400 rpm

• Bore × Stroke: 3.094 × 4.125 inches

• Compression Ratio: 6.1:1

• Fuel System: Carter dual downdraught carburettor

• Transmission: Three-speed synchromesh manual

• Drive: Rear-wheel drive

• Clutch: Single dry plate

• Front Suspension: Independent, coil springs

• Rear Suspension: Coil springs

• Brakes: Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes

• Steering: Worm and roller

• Wheelbase: 120 inches (3,048 mm)

• Overall Length: Approximately 202 inches (5,131 mm)

• Overall Width: Approximately 72.2 inches (1,833 mm)

• Country of Manufacture: United States of America

A magnificent example of pre-war American motoring, this 1939 Buick Series 40 Eight presents in immaculate condition throughout, reflecting the care and attention it has received over the years. Benefiting from an older restoration that has stood the test of time remarkably well, this elegant Buick combines beautiful presentation with the charm, character and unmistakable road presence of a genuine pre-war classic.

The bodywork is exceptionally clean and straight, complemented by lovely burgundy paintwork that beautifully accentuates the Buick’s sweeping lines and distinctive styling. The chrome appointments present particularly well, while a beautiful set of wide whitewall tyres completes its striking period appearance. Inside, the immaculate passenger compartment is equally impressive, offering a wonderful glimpse into the comfort and craftsmanship associated with Buick’s prestigious reputation.

Importantly, this Buick is much more than simply a beautiful motor car to admire. It starts, runs and drives beautifully, delivering the smooth, relaxed motoring experience for which Buick’s legendary straight-eight engines became renowned. The engine bay and boot are both exceptionally clean and tidy, further demonstrating the overall quality of its presentation.

Vehicle Highlights

• NZ NEW – Factory RHD – Canadian Built.
• Previous Owner 17 years.
• Immaculate overall condition, presenting beautifully inside and out.
• Older restoration that has been exceptionally well maintained and preserved.
• Excellent bodywork, with clean, straight panels and lovely paintwork.
• Beautiful burgundy exterior, perfectly complementing the Buick’s elegant pre-war styling.
• Immaculate interior, beautifully presented and reflecting the craftsmanship of its era.
• Exceptionally clean and tidy engine bay, with excellent overall presentation.
• Beautifully maintained boot compartment, equally clean and tidy.
• Smooth-running straight-eight engine, delivering the refinement for which Buick became famous.
• Runs and drives beautifully, making it a pleasure to enjoy on the open road.
• Beautiful set of wide whitewall tyres, enhancing its authentic period appearance.
• Attractive chrome appointments and distinctive original-style exterior detailing.
• Original Certificate of Registration, an important piece of historical documentation accompanying the vehicle.
• Photographic Restoration records available.
• Everything works as it should, adding to the enjoyment and confidence of ownership.
• Wonderful collector’s motor car, equally suited to classic motoring events, weekend outings or a distinguished collection.

Our Thoughts

Finding a pre-war motor car that combines such impressive presentation with genuinely enjoyable driving characteristics is always a pleasure. This 1939 Buick Series 40 Eight is a particularly appealing example, retaining all the charm and grandeur of its era while benefiting from an older restoration that continues to present exceptionally well.

With its immaculate interior, lovely paintwork, beautifully detailed engine bay and smooth straight-eight performance, this is a motor car that deserves to be driven, admired and enjoyed.

An elegant and thoroughly charming American classic, ready for its next custodian to appreciate and preserve.

The market for pre-war American automobiles occupies a fascinating and increasingly specialised segment of the international collector car industry. While post-war classics, muscle cars and European sports cars often attract greater attention, automobiles from the 1920s and 1930s continue to enjoy a loyal following among collectors who appreciate their historical significance, distinctive engineering and connection to the golden age of motoring. Within this market, Buick enjoys an established reputation as one of America’s most respected manufacturers, offering collectors an appealing combination of heritage, quality and relative affordability. The 1939 models are particularly interesting, representing the final years of American automotive development before the Second World War. Although the Series 40 was Buick’s entry-level offering, it benefited from the marque’s engineering expertise and remains an attractive and accessible proposition for enthusiasts seeking an authentic pre-war motoring experience.

Unlike certain categories of classic automobiles that experience considerable speculative activity, the pre-war market tends to be driven by genuine enthusiasts and established collectors rather than investors seeking short-term financial returns. Desirability is influenced by condition, originality, provenance, body style and mechanical reliability, with open-bodied models generally commanding substantial premiums over conventional sedans. Importantly, the escalating cost of restoration has made well-preserved, roadworthy examples increasingly attractive, particularly when the expense of returning a neglected vehicle to a comparable standard can easily exceed its eventual market value. Internationally, values for closed-body Buick Series 40 models of this era generally remain relatively modest compared with prestigious marques such as Packard and Cadillac, although exceptional examples can command meaningful premiums.

Looking ahead, the outlook for pre-war American automobiles is likely to remain selective, with changing generational preferences continuing to influence demand. Younger collectors are increasingly attracted to vehicles from more recent decades, while the traditional pre-war enthusiast market has gradually become more specialised. Nevertheless, the historical importance, distinctive character and finite supply of these automobiles should continue to sustain interest among dedicated collectors internationally. For the 1939 Buick Series 40 Eight, the appeal lies in its combination of recognised American heritage, relative affordability and the opportunity to own a substantial piece of automotive history without the considerable financial commitment associated with more prestigious pre-war marques. While significant capital appreciation should not be assumed, carefully selected examples purchased at sensible market values can offer considerable enjoyment and enduring collector appeal. Ultimately, these are automobiles best acquired for their historical significance and the pleasure of ownership, with any future appreciation regarded as an added benefit rather than the principal motivation.

New Zealand Sales
Unless otherwise stated, vehicles sold for use in New Zealand will be supplied with a new Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and 12 months New Zealand registration at the time of sale.

Transport & Shipping
New Zealand transport and worldwide shipping can be arranged on the Buyer’s behalf and at the Buyer’s cost and risk. Any freight, shipping, insurance, customs charges, duties, taxes, import costs, certification or compliance costs are the responsibility of the Buyer unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Export Sales
For vehicles purchased for export, the Buyer is responsible for determining and satisfying all import, registration, certification, compliance, tax and regulatory requirements applicable in the destination country.

Viewing
All vehicle inspections and viewings are strictly by appointment only.

Applicable Law
All sales are subject to applicable New Zealand law. Nothing in these Conditions of Sale excludes or limits any statutory rights or obligations that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

For more information about this vehicle, please contact us Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 6:00pm (New Zealand Standard Time) on +64 (0) 3 310-6485. Alternatively, you may email us at [email protected] anytime, or contact us through the form below.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak.

NOTIFICATION AS TO NATURE OF GOODS IN TERMS OF THE CONSUMER GUARANTEES ACT 1993

Waimak Group Ltd is a New Zealand registered company and accepts that the vehicle being sold must be of “acceptable quality” in terms of section 7 of the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (the Act) having regard to “the nature of the goods”. Waimak Group Ltd is not aware of any specific defects with the vehicle, however (a) such a vehicle being a classic vehicle may have mechanical breakdowns, electrical failures at inconvenient times and maintenance costs being part of and parcel of ownership of a classic vehicle; (b) reliability is a combination of the particular nature of the classic vehicle, how it is being driven, how it has been maintained, and to a certain extent luck; (c) because of the age of the vehicle, and its propensity to rust, it is likely that the vehicle would have been fully or partially restored, or at least repainted at some point in its life, maybe even more than once. Waimak Group Ltd does not know, and cannot give advice on how good any restoration work on the vehicle had been.

The Purchaser acknowledges that the vehicle is being sold as a classic car; that in terms of the Act and the nature of the goods, the vehicle is an old car, bike or boat, that may have visual and hidden faults, unlike a new motor vehicle.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak Group Ltd.

The Purchaser acknowledges that they have read and fully understand this notification and the nature of a car which is many years old.