1937 Buick Special

To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys The Hershey Auction event, 7 - 8 October 2026.
Offered Without Reserve $25,000 - $40,000 USD

• Single-family ownership until 2012; an incredible survivor ideal for presentation class exhibition
• The rarest of the 1937 Buick Specials, as one of 1,689 produced; new-for-1937 Art Deco styling, and the first year for all-steel Buick bodies
• 100-hp 248-cid overhead-valve inline-eight; three-speed manual transmission
• Wears its original Coronary Green paint over a Green leather interior; displayed 27,557 miles at cataloguing

Styling for 1937 was on trend, with the new Buick models receiving a fresh Art Deco grille design, elongated headlamp buckets, and revised fenders. The updated Special (Series 40) models now rode on a longer 122-inch wheelbase and were also made 1.5 inches lower overall, with the floor lowered by 2.5 inches for that much-desired lower, sleeker look. Along with the Century (Series 60) lineup, these bodies were for the first time made entirely of steel. Output from the 248-cubic-inch inline-eight was an even 100 horsepower, which Buick advertised as having a quieter overhead valve mechanism and streamlined intake valves.

The 1937 Buicks were all fine automobiles, but this Series 40 Special is, true to its name, something very special indeed. As one of 1,689 Convertible Phaetons (model 40C) produced, it was the rarest of the Special body styles for 1937. Relatively few have survived to the present in any condition, but this example is remarkable for its overall state of preservation; finished from the factory in elegant Coronary Green over a Green leather interior, it retains this original paint and predominantly original interior fabric to this day.

Acquired new by Mrs. Frances Crocker Sloane, the widow of W & J Sloane Furniture Company President William Sloane, this car would remain in the possession of its original family for three-quarters of a century. Kept at the familys home in Mount Kisco, New York, it was reportedly only driven in summer; when it was placed into long-term storage in 1953, it displayed 17,582 miles. In the 1990s, a family member brought the car back to life, wisely refurbishing it only as needed (including fitment of a new top and front seat fabric) rather than fully restoring it.

In 2012, the Buick finally found a new home in the collection of the consignor. Showing 27,557 miles at cataloguing, believed to be actual, it has benefited from continued care to ensure it is prepared for touring use, all while maintaining its overall state of authentic originality. Invoices on file from Newhall Mobileworks of Waynesboro, Virginia, illustrate the work performed from 2013 to 2024, including renewal of any leaking seals, chassis lubrication, replacement of any missing or inoperable components, repair of items including wipers and horn, and fitment of a replacement carburetor (a Marvel carburetor also accompanies the sale, along with tools and jack).

Offered now from its enthusiastic current ownership, the Buick proudly wears an AACA Historical Preservation of Original Features (HPOF) badge on its grille, and it would be a wonderful candidate for continued conservation and exhibition though one should not overlook its suitability for driving and touring enjoyment. This is a wonderful pre-war Special in a rarely seen body style, with all of the patina and presence that only an unrestored car possesses. To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/hf26/.