Drivetrain
Chassis
Body
1931 Buick Series 90 Roadster in Excellent Running and Driving Condition
Buick's top platform was introduced as the Series 90 as a competitor to the Packard Standard Eight introduced earlier. It had an 344.8 cu in (5.7 L) Buick Straight-8 engine OHV I8 engine, developing 104 bhp of power at 2,800 rpm. Due to its size, it was the top model of the Buick range, using the GM "C-body" platform shared with the Cadillac Series 355. Closed car interiors came with mohair velvet interiors with retractable silk roller shades for rear side windows and the back window, and wool carpeting throughout. Roadsters, Phaetons and convertibles came standard with leather interior. Retail prices for the 7-passenger Limousine were US$2,035 ($34,631 in 2020 dollars). The Series 90 offered the same refinement and attention to detail, along with an eight-cylinder engine that Cadillac clients were paying a premium price for, while the Cadillac had a V8 and the Buick had a straight eight. Coachwork for Buick was exclusively supplied by Fisher Body while arrangements could be made for the Buick chassis to be specially modified at a range of coachbuilders available. Buick was also a contender against the Packard Eight in that both brands exclusively used straight eights of comparable displacement, while the Packard charged extra for the appearance and refinement that was manufactured on site at the Packard Factory but only offered a flathead engine.
The next year the size grew and a new high performance engine was introduced developing 113 hp. In 1933, the aesthetics of all Buicks were updated with a new, corporate "streamlined" appearance shared with all GM cars for that year due to GM's Art and Color Studio headed by Harley Earl. In 1934, however, the running board was shortened and the engine output increased again, reaching 116 hp. In 1935 the appearance was updated, while the mechanics remained unchanged, and Buick manufactured 43,321. In 1936 the model changed its name to "90 Limited".
This very nicely restored Buick 90 Roadster is an excellent running and driving car. Finished in a Catalogue Color Scheme, the car is striking from every angle. Fully decked out with many period accessories such as the Spot lights and Chrome Spare Tire Covers, the car features Wire Wheels, Dual Side Mounts, Trippe Lights, Stone Guard, Wind Wings. Spot Lights, Wide White Tires, Trunk Rack, Steel Trunk, Golf Bag Door, and more. A CCCA Full Classic, this is the perfect car for CCCA CARavans or other Vintage Tours. The Buick Series 90 is one of the most interesting and desirable GM Products of the early 30's, an easy driving and shifting car with an advanced engine, and classic Harley Earl styling.