1940 Buick Super 56C 66237 Miles Gray Convertible 248 cubic inch straight-8 Man

1940 Buick Super 56C -- Description:

 440-565-5335440-565-5335 123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172737475767778798081828384858687888990919293of93 Full size photosVideo Full size photosVideo 1940 Buick Super 56C 66237 Miles Gray Convertible 248 cubic inch straight-8 Man Stock #: 116120 Exterior Color: Gray Interior Color: Red Body Type: Convertible Transmission: Manual Engine: 248 cubic inch straight-8 Buick introduced the Super line in 1940, presumable to bridge the gap between the entry-level Special and the bigger, more powerful Century and add to their bottom line. While 1940 was the best sales year to date for Buick, what really happened is instead of enhancing sales of the models around it, the Super stole sales from the Special AND Century. Wearing Roadmaster bodywork and upscale interiors, the Super was far more car than a Special for not a lot more cash, yet was still significantly less expensive than a Century. For a value-oriented customer who still wanted style, the Super was as good as it got. Total 1940 Super production was 129,527 which far outpaced everything else in the lineup including the Special. But despite these record-setting numbers, only 4804 Super Model 56C convertible coupes were built making them rather rare in the grand scheme of things. This lovely Yosemite Gray 56C was restored by the legendary Lewis Jenkins in the late 1990s and the quality of his workmanship is evident everywhere you look. As one of the biggest names in pre-war Buick restoration, a Jenkins car still carries a certain amount of prestige because you know it was done right, particularly inside, which was a Jenkins specialty. Code 547 Yosemite Gray is this car’s original color, and since automakers were just starting to experiment with metallic paints, it has a wonderful iridescent shine to it that looks entirely appropriate. It’s not a modern metallic, but it does glow in the sunlight. Fit and finish are excellent, with doors that fit flush and well-fitted stainless trim that hugs the body’s curves. There are very few signs of use or age, again indicative of the quality of the work and the car it has received in a prominent New England Buick collection. The Super benefitted from GM’s all-new “torpedo” bodies, which deleted running boards and gave a longer, lower profile with fenders that were tucked in a little tighter. Dressed in the lovely gray paint, this car looks sleek and elegant all out of proportion to its price. On any car of this period, the chrome trim can be especiall problematic to restore. Things like the grille, hood ornament, parking light housings, and side vents were all made of what we commonly call “pot metal.” In practice it was easy to cast and took plating easily, but in the long term it tended to corrode from within, developing pits that are notoriously difficult (read: expensive) to repair. Nevertheless, someone either found excellent original pieces and had them re-chromed or spent an astronomical amount of cash refinishing the brightwork on this Super, because it remains in first-class condition throughout. Bearing in mind that this restoration is now 30 years old, there’s only the slightest wear on the grille and other cast pieces and the stainless body accents shine up like chrome. Details are crisp and the custom cloisonné emblems front and rear remain bright. This Buick doesn’t resemble a cost-leader in any way and the restoration, even in 1998 dollars, probably cost at least twice the asking price. It’s just gorgeous. Code 855 means a red leather interior, and that’s what’s inside today. Lewis Jenkins specialized in Buick interiors, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that his work is beautifully done. Stitched in the original patterns, it shows only very slight use and the contrast with the charcoal gray paint is just gorgeous. However, as beautiful as the leather is, just look at that dashboard, which has some of the most convincing woodgraining we’ve ever seen plus ornately turned dash instrument panels that replicate the factory pattern exactly. Most of the plastic pieces were re-cast, including the steering wheel and gauge faces, although it appears that the piece around the ignition lock is original—unlikely that those are being reproduced. All the gauges work except the temperature gauge, but NOS replacements are readily available and installation is straightforward. We believe the radio was installed by the dealer given the location of the antenna on the side of the cowl instead of inside the front fender, and the Sonomatic AM radio does work properly. The black canvas top is power-actuated by a pair of vacuum cylinders, and it does work but is a bit sluggish, particularly going up, and it might just need some exercise. There’s also a matching burgundy boot that matches the interior. In back, the torpedo body style offers a larger trunk that was fully upholstered in correct burlap-like material and there’s a full-sized spare tucked underneath along with a jack assembly. The Super used the same 248 cubic inch OHV straight-8 engine as the Special, which was rated at 107 horsepower in 1940. In application, however, this car feels lively and energetic around town and cruises easily at 55 MPH without much drama at all. That all suggests someone did their homework in the mechanical department. It starts quickly and easily using the accelerator pedal starting system and settles into a smooth idle quickly without any drama. It’s also correctly detailed with corporate gray engine enamel, an oil bath air cleaner, a replacement cloth wiring harness, and proper hose clamps, decals, and other markings. It’s extremely quiet at idle and there’s a pleasing 8-cylinder burble out back on the road, but under all circumstances it’s polished and smooth as you’d expect. Speaking from experience, these are reliable, durable engines, parts are easy to get, and despite what you may hear about cruising speeds, this one seems to be eager to run. It’s just fantastic to drive. Underneath it’s just as detailed, with body-colored floors showcasing the satin black frame and suspension components. The rockers have been expertly reconstructed, as is common with the early GM torpedo bodies (the rockers are box-section steel that collected debris that stayed wet and rotted them from within), but the floors themselves are original. You’ll note the optional under-seat heater, 3-speed manual transmission with a torque tube driving the rear, which we believe has high-speed 3.90 gears inside. Even the splash pans around the engine are in place—good luck finding a set of those today! The suspension is appropriately luxurious and the manual drum brakes are plenty powerful for the car’s weight and performance. 16-inch steel wheels were painted to match the bodywork and treated to red pinstripes, as well as a set of 6.50-16 BFGoodrich wide whites. We know these cars extremely well—Harwood Motors owns two 1941 Buicks and recently sold a 1941 Super 56C convertible coupe very similar to this one. In comparison, this car is superior in almost every way. It’s beautiful, smooth, competent, and almost practical with a full-sized back seat. It’s the right size so that anyone can manage it and around town it’s quick and nimble. On the open road, it’s a pleasant cruiser, making it an ideal tour car. If you can’t tell, we really like this Buick a lot. Call today! Harwood Motors welcomes and encourages personal or professional inspections of any vehicle prior to purchase. More description Buick introduced the Super line in 1940, presumable to bridge the gap between the entry-level Special and the bigger, more powerful Century and add to their bottom line. While 1940 was the best sales year to date for Buick, what really happened is instead of enhancing sales of the models around it, the Super stole sales from the Special AND Century. Wearing Roadmaster bodywork and upscale interiors, the Super was far more car than a Special for not a lot more cash, yet was still significantly less expensive than a Century. For a value-oriented customer who still wanted style, the Super was as good as it got. Total 1940 Super production was 129,527 which far outpaced everything else in the lineup including the Special. But despite these record-setting numbers, only 4804 Super Model 56C convertible coupes were built making them rather rare in the grand scheme of things. This lovely Yosemite Gray 56C was restored by the legendary Lewis Jenkins in the late 1990s and the quality of his workmanship is evident everywhere you look. As one of the biggest names in pre-war Buick restoration, a Jenkins car still carries a certain amount of prestige because you know it was done right, particularly inside, which was a Jenkins specialty. Code 547 Yosemite Gray is this car’s original color, and since automakers were just starting to experiment with metallic paints, it has a wonderful iridescent shine to it that looks entirely appropriate. It’s not a modern metallic, but it does glow in the sunlight. Fit and finish are excellent, with doors that fit flush and well-fitted stainless trim that hugs the body’s curves. There are very few signs of use or age, again indicative of the quality of the work and the car it has received in a prominent New England Buick collection. The Super benefitted from GM’s all-new “torpedo” bodies, which deleted running boards and gave a longer, lower profile with fenders that were tucked in a little tighter. Dressed in the lovely gray paint, this car looks sleek and elegant all out of proportion to its price. On any car of this period, the chrome trim can be especiall problematic to restore. Things like the grille, hood ornament, parking light housings, and side vents were all made of what we commonly call “pot metal.” In practice it was easy to cast and took plating easily, but in the long term it tended to corrode from within, developing pits that are notoriously difficult (read: expensive) to repair. Nevertheless, someone either found excellent original pieces and had them re-chromed or spent an astronomical amount of cash refinishing the brightwork on this Super, because it remains in first-class condition throughout. Bearing in mind that this restoration is now 30 years old, there’s only the slightest wear on the grille and other cast pieces and the stainless body accents shine up like chrome. Details are crisp and the custom cloisonné emblems front and rear remain bright. This Buick doesn’t resemble a cost-leader in any way and the restoration, even in 1998 dollars, probably cost at least twice the asking price. It’s just gorgeous. Code 855 means a red leather interior, and that’s what’s inside today. Lewis Jenkins specialized in Buick interiors, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that his work is beautifully done. Stitched in the original patterns, it shows only very slight use and the contrast with the charcoal gray paint is just gorgeous. However, as beautiful as the leather is, just look at that dashboard, which has some of the most convincing woodgraining we’ve ever seen plus ornately turned dash instrument panels that replicate the factory pattern exactly. Most of the plastic pieces were re-cast, including the steering wheel and gauge faces, although it appears that the piece around the ignition lock is original—unlikely that those are being reproduced. All the gauges work except the temperature gauge, but NOS replacements are readily available and installation is straightforward. We believe the radio was installed by the dealer given the location of the antenna on the side of the cowl instead of inside the front fender, and the Sonomatic AM radio does work properly. The black canvas top is power-actuated by a pair of vacuum cylinders, and it does work but is a bit sluggish, particularly going up, and it might just need some exercise. There’s also a matching burgundy boot that matches the interior. In back, the torpedo body style offers a larger trunk that was fully upholstered in correct burlap-like material and there’s a full-sized spare tucked underneath along with a jack assembly. The Super used the same 248 cubic inch OHV straight-8 engine as the Special, which was rated at 107 horsepower in 1940. In application, however, this car feels lively and energetic around town and cruises easily at 55 MPH without much drama at all. That all suggests someone did their homework in the mechanical department. It starts quickly and easily using the accelerator pedal starting system and settles into a smooth idle quickly without any drama. It’s also correctly detailed with corporate gray engine enamel, an oil bath air cleaner, a replacement cloth wiring harness, and proper hose clamps, decals, and other markings. It’s extremely quiet at idle and there’s a pleasing 8-cylinder burble out back on the road, but under all circumstances it’s polished and smooth as you’d expect. Speaking from experience, these are reliable, durable engines, parts are easy to get, and despite what you may hear about cruising speeds, this one seems to be eager to run. It’s just fantastic to drive. Underneath it’s just as detailed, with body-colored floors showcasing the satin black frame and suspension components. The rockers have been expertly reconstructed, as is common with the early GM torpedo bodies (the rockers are box-section steel that collected debris that stayed wet and rotted them from within), but the floors themselves are original. You’ll note the optional under-seat heater, 3-speed manual transmission with a torque tube driving the rear, which we believe has high-speed 3.90 gears inside. Even the splash pans around the engine are in place—good luck finding a set of those today! The suspension is appropriately luxurious and the manual drum brakes are plenty powerful for the car’s weight and performance. 16-inch steel wheels were painted to match the bodywork and treated to red pinstripes, as well as a set of 6.50-16 BFGoodrich wide whites. We know these cars extremely well—Harwood Motors owns two 1941 Buicks and recently sold a 1941 Super 56C convertible coupe very similar to this one. In comparison, this car is superior in almost every way. It’s beautiful, smooth, competent, and almost practical with a full-sized back seat. It’s the right size so that anyone can manage it and around town it’s quick and nimble. On the open road, it’s a pleasant cruiser, making it an ideal tour car. If you can’t tell, we really like this Buick a lot. Call today! Harwood Motors welcomes and encourages personal or professional inspections of any vehicle prior to purchase. Less description Vehicle Warranty

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ALL VEHICLES ARE SOLD "AS-IS, WHERE-IS", and Harwood does not in any way, expressed or implied, give any warranties to Buyer. Harwood expressly disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or of fitness for a particular purpose. No statements in Harwood’s advertising whether in print or online shall be deemed to create a representation of a warranty.

About Harwood Motors

ABOUT HARWOOD MOTORS

Harwood Motorsoffers enthusiasts an effortless way to buy and sell collector vehicles. Matt and Melaniehave years of experience buying, selling, and collecting vintage automobiles. We are a family business with close ties to the hobby itself and we like to think of ourselves as matchmakers rather than a mere car dealership. There's a right car for you out there, and we can help you find it, even if you don't particularly know where to start. WhatHarwood Motorsdoes isn't new, but the way we do it will make you a client for life, whether you're a buyer or a seller. Call us any time to talk cars, trucks, or even just about the hobby in general; you'll be surprised to find you already have a friend.

If you have a special car that you would like to market, Harwood Motors can put it in front of real buyers. We have an extensive network of clients who are always looking for their next special vehicle. Please contact us for more information on any of our programs.

Feel free to contact us at any time usingWeLoveGreatCars@HarwoodMotors.comor by phone at 440-565-5335.

More about us

ABOUT HARWOOD MOTORS

Harwood Motorsoffers enthusiasts an effortless way to buy and sell collector vehicles. Matt and Melaniehave years of experience buying, selling, and collecting vintage automobiles. We are a family business with close ties to the hobby itself and we like to think of ourselves as matchmakers rather than a mere car dealership. There's a right car for you out there, and we can help you find it, even if you don't particularly know where to start. WhatHarwood Motorsdoes isn't new, but the way we do it will make you a client for life, whether you're a buyer or a seller. Call us any time to talk cars, trucks, or even just about the hobby in general; you'll be surprised to find you already have a friend.

If you have a special car that you would like to market, Harwood Motors can put it in front of real buyers. We have an extensive network of clients who are always looking for their next special vehicle. Please contact us for more information on any of our programs.

Feel free to contact us at any time usingWeLoveGreatCars@HarwoodMotors.comor by phone at 440-565-5335.

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While we do our best to present all vehicles as honestly and accurately as possible, Harwood Motors Ltd. cannot guarantee the veracity of the information contained herein. This site and all advertising information may be updated without notice whenever new information is obtained and may contain mistakes and inaccuracies. Information is provided to the best of our knowledge and that of the owners of the vehicles, and we make no warranty or representation regarding the accuracy, truth, suitability, or reliability of such information. We cannot be responsible for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies contained in information provided by third parties. Harwood Motors Ltd. is not an expert in the construction, metallurgy, engineering, finishes, materials, and componentry of every single vehicle ever made. Harwood Motors Ltd. strives to perform extensive visual inspections on all vehicles we represent but we do not disassemble vehicles or components for inspection purposes and therefore it is always possible that there is hidden damage that is not readily apparent. We cannot guarantee the fitness of any components beyond a visual inspection and normal operation of the vehicle. We do not perform internal examinations, so we cannot guarantee the condition of unseen internal components such as crankshafts, bearings, gears, and other mechanical equipment. This also applies to electronics such as radios, clocks, gauges, light fixtures, switches, or other electrical devices. Buyer should personally inspect the vehicle and satisfy himself as to its mechanical and cosmetic fitness. We always welcome inspections by Buyers and/or third parties who wish to undertake such examinations at their own expense. Harwood makes no warranty or representation regarding mileage unless otherwise stated. Listed prices do not include additional fees, state, federal, or local taxes, or shipping and delivery costs. Harwood Motors Ltd collects a $150.00 documentation fee on every vehicle purchase. Buyer is entirely responsible for satisfying himself that the car is as-represented prior to purchase and there are no warranties, expressed or implied, involved in the sale of any motor vehicle represented by Harwood Motors Ltd.

PAYMENT AND SHIPPING

A non-refundable PayPal deposit is required within 24 hours of the auction's end, or immediately for those buyers using the "Buy It Now" feature. Please see vehicle listing for the required amount.For final payment, we accept certified bank checks, and bank to bank wire transfer of funds. We will also accept your credit union or bank auto financing check from any reputable institution. Please contact us for financing options. Note that no vehicle ships without payment in full clearing our bank.

The Buyer is responsible for pickup and/or shipping of the vehicle. If you wish to have it shipped we will gladly assist you in making arrangements and work with several large shipping companies to deliver cars all over the world. Please contact us for details.

More about term and condition

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

While we do our best to present all vehicles as honestly and accurately as possible, Harwood Motors Ltd. cannot guarantee the veracity of the information contained herein. This site and all advertising information may be updated without notice whenever new information is obtained and may contain mistakes and inaccuracies. Information is provided to the best of our knowledge and that of the owners of the vehicles, and we make no warranty or representation regarding the accuracy, truth, suitability, or reliability of such information. We cannot be responsible for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies contained in information provided by third parties. Harwood Motors Ltd. is not an expert in the construction, metallurgy, engineering, finishes, materials, and componentry of every single vehicle ever made. Harwood Motors Ltd. strives to perform extensive visual inspections on all vehicles we represent but we do not disassemble vehicles or components for inspection purposes and therefore it is always possible that there is hidden damage that is not readily apparent. We cannot guarantee the fitness of any components beyond a visual inspection and normal operation of the vehicle. We do not perform internal examinations, so we cannot guarantee the condition of unseen internal components such as crankshafts, bearings, gears, and other mechanical equipment. This also applies to electronics such as radios, clocks, gauges, light fixtures, switches, or other electrical devices. Buyer should personally inspect the vehicle and satisfy himself as to its mechanical and cosmetic fitness. We always welcome inspections by Buyers and/or third parties who wish to undertake such examinations at their own expense. Harwood makes no warranty or representation regarding mileage unless otherwise stated. Listed prices do not include additional fees, state, federal, or local taxes, or shipping and delivery costs. Harwood Motors Ltd collects a $150.00 documentation fee on every vehicle purchase. Buyer is entirely responsible for satisfying himself that the car is as-represented prior to purchase and there are no warranties, expressed or implied, involved in the sale of any motor vehicle represented by Harwood Motors Ltd.

PAYMENT AND SHIPPING

A non-refundable PayPal deposit is required within 24 hours of the auction's end, or immediately for those buyers using the "Buy It Now" feature. Please see vehicle listing for the required amount.For final payment, we accept certified bank checks, and bank to bank wire transfer of funds. We will also accept your credit union or bank auto financing check from any reputable institution. Please contact us for financing options. Note that no vehicle ships without payment in full clearing our bank.

The Buyer is responsible for pickup and/or shipping of the vehicle. If you wish to have it shipped we will gladly assist you in making arrangements and work with several large shipping companies to deliver cars all over the world. Please contact us for details.

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The buyer is responsible for all local state, county, and city tax fees, as well as title and registration fees and any other costs that may apply, and Harwood Motors charges a $150 document preparation fee on each transaction.