When Harlow Curtice took the helm of Buick in 1933, GM’s #2 division was on the ropes. To rectify the situation, Curtice did two things: one, he introduced the affordable Series 40, and two, he instructed his engineers to build the very best car they could. Now that might seem like standard marching orders from any boss to his staff, but it seems that the guys at Buick took their jobs incredibly seriously, because Buick quickly rebounded, becoming the #4 selling brand in the US, a position it would hold for decades. And the cars rolling out of Flint, Michigan have proven themselves time and time again to be exceptional in every way. If you don’t have a pre-war Buick in your collection, it’s only because you haven’t driven one. They’re simply excellent cars in every sense of the word.

Although this 1940 Buick Special Model 41 4-door sedan was the most affordable and most popular model that year, that doesn’t mean they were cheap or built down to a price. The cheapest Buick was still more expensive than the best Chevy or Pontiac, and by 1940 Buicks carried a well-earned reputation for quality and, perhaps more importantly, performance. There were more expensive cars, but there probably weren’t many BETTER cars in 1940. The 4-door sedan is plenty stylish and very practical if you have a family—most of my personal collection consists of 4-door sedans simply because I have kids, and that makes this Special very appealing. Someone spent a great deal of money on it in the not-too-distant past, including a high-quality Carlsbad Black paint job, lots of fresh chrome, and mechanical upgrades to make it easy to drive. You’ll note that all four doors fit beautifully, the paint has a deep shine that doesn’t come cheap, and the whole car has a well-assembled look that only comes from spending money. There’s probably more in the paint and chrome than we’re asking for the entire car! The bumpers are fresh chrome, the grille has been restored at some point although it’s starting to show some micro-blisters once again (it’s just pot metal), and the stainless along the sides is in great shape. It’s worth noting that in 1940, running boards were optional, and this car has them, making it easy to climb in and out.

The gray cloth interior is brand new and again, wasn’t done inexpensively. The soft mohair-like fabric isn’t quite what they were using in 1940, but the patterns on the door panels and plain seating surfaces are quite correct. The factory bench seats remain firm and supportive, perfect for long tours, and the commanding driving position gives you a great view in all directions. We’re guessing that the plastic parts like the steering wheel, horn button, and knobs were restored at some point in the past, as they’re showing some age but nothing like what you’d see if they were vintage 1940 plastic, which had a tendency to turn into dust. All the gauges are fully operational and the engine-turned panels for the instrument panel and glove box door are correctly patterned and very nicely restored. Radios were still optional in 1940, so this Special makes due with a block-off plate, but correct radios are easy to find and it might make a worthwhile addition if you like to drive. Plush carpets are neatly trimmed and protected by modern floor mats, so you shouldn’t worry about getting in and going somewhere in your new Buick. Unfortunately, the clock is not working, which is common, but on the plus side, everything else is, including the turn signals, which actuate bulbs in the Buick emblem on the trunk lid. And speaking of the trunk, it’s neatly finished with gray mouse fur upholstery and includes a full-sized spare tire with tools.

But the real reason Buicks are special is under the long hood: the “valve in head” straight-8 engines. Buicks used overhead valves from the very beginning, so the 248 cubic inch straight-8 looks, feels, and acts very modern in this Special. It makes 110 horsepower, which doesn’t seem like much until you feel the seamless flow of torque that zips the sedan around without any effort at all. There’s a wonderful sewing machine smoothness and a distinctive sound to the Buick Eight that is all part of the charm, and it cruises at 50-55 MPH pretty easily. Around town, let the torquey little eight pull the car around in high gear—you don’t really need to downshift unless you drop below about 8 MPH. Impressive! It’s also nicely detailed with correct gray engine enamel, a factory oil bath air cleaner now converted to a paper element, and a proper 2-barrel carburetor. The automatic choke works as advertised, and to start a Buick all you need to do is turn the key and put the throttle pedal to the floor. A few turns of the starter and it barks to life with a pleasing yet unusual exhaust note that’s unique to the straight-8s. This car also features a new wiring harness, freshly rebuilt carburetor, and a fresh tune-up, so it’s read to drive and enjoy.

The 3-speed manual transmission doesn’t need any special techniques—it’s a standard 3-on-the-tree. Gear ratios are well-chosen and with 4.10 gears in the rear end, it makes shifting unnecessary except for very slow going and dead stops. There’s a very specific Buick sound to the gears meshing in the gearbox, and even though this transmission shares zero parts with the one in the large-series cars, they sound EXACTLY the same. The front suspension is conventional GM fare, with knee-action shocks on the independent front end, but the rear is supported by coil springs, a torque tube, a panhard rod, and a sway bar, making Buicks some of the best-riding and handling cars of the era. It’s a difference you can feel. And even though the Special was the entry-level Buick, it still feels substantial and like a luxury car. Brakes are reasonably powerful hydraulic drums and the steering is properly sorted so it is neither heavy nor imprecise, making it a joy to drive. Original steel wheels wear trim rings and hub caps, as well as correct Dante Red paint, and it sits on brand new 6.50R16 Coker wide whitewall radials that absolute transform the ride and handling. It’s extraordinary how competent this car feels on the road!

I should probably admit that I’m a Buick guy myself—I own two 1941s. But I don’t love this Special because I’m a Buick guy already. No, I became a Buick guy because of cars like this Special. My Buicks have never let me down, never left me stranded, never done anything but put a smile on my face. I suspect this handsome 1940 Special sedan will do the same for you, all at a very reasonable price. Today, as in 1940, this is a heck of a lot of car for the money. Call today!