1937 Buick Opera Coupe

Year:	1937
Make:	Buick
Model:	Opera Coupe, Model 40
Price:	$18,900

Description:

This 1937 Buick is from the era when true elegance defined the Buick marque. This Model 40 Opera Coupe is no exception. Set up as a two passenger car, the Opera Coupe has two pull down jump seats that each face inward so the rear occupants sit facing one another. Apart from the unusual design of this model, the car is very fast and amazingly light to the driver’s touch.

The body was refinished about 12 years ago with lacquer in a pleasing cream color. However some areas are showing cracks in the paint, mainly on the doors (see photos). The chrome is in good condition as is the glass. With its split rear window, this is an attractive and unusual car that would fit right in at most cruise-ins.

The interior of this Buick is finished in a tan cloth. The seats—front and rear—and in good condition as are the door panels and the headliner. The jump seats fold out of the way to create a large storage area behind the front bench seat or can be pulled down in an instant to accommodate one or two extra passengers. The carpeting is in good condition as well. The interior metal on the doors and dash was redone in the wood-grained motif and while not professional, looks good.

All of the instrumentation in the car is in place, and the gauges—amp, oil, temperature and gas—work properly as does the speedometer. While the original radio is installed, it needs servicing. The original clock, however, works! This car also has the optional heater/defroster.

Mechanically, the car runs and drives like the spirited performer the Series 40 was. It features a completely rebuilt straight 8 engine and a 3-speed, floor shift transmission that really run great. The steering geometry, combined with the 6.50-16 (wide whitewall) tires, makes the car easy to steer and almost effortless to drive. Most of the lights work but the aftermarket turn signals do not.

Although this car has undergone an amateur restoration, it is not a show car. It is a nice “driver” and is unique enough so that it will draw attention whether at a local car show, the gas station or driving around your neighborhood. And, best of all, it is a car that you can start enjoying tomorrow without some long “fix it” list that must be done first.