1938 Buick 8/40 Sedan

Description

The 1938 Buick range came with only minor styling revisions, a more vertical radiator grille, longer bonnet and updated trim being the most obvious changes. Under the skin the changes were more serious, with a redesigned frame incorporating channel-section X-members and a revamped range of engines. The "Dynaflash" 248-cid straight eight had the compression ratio raised to 6.15:1, new "Turbolator" domed pistons and more power as a result, with horsepower lifted to 107hp at 3400rpm. The standard gearbox was a three-speed manual but, in a first for Buick, a new semi-automatic transmission was made available on the Series 40. Although offering an insight into the future, the "Automatic Safety Transmission" (as labelled by Buick's marketing department) proved troublesome and was dropped after just one year. Other changes for 1938 included new coil sprung rear suspension with extra heavy-duty shock absorbers, giving the Buick a superb standard of ride, and a battery relocated under the bonnet. Out of a total production figure of 168,689 units for the 1938 model year, Buick exported just 7,092 Series 40 Specials in chassis form and a number of these were delivered to Australia where they were bodied locally by the likes of Holden.