1934 Streetrod Automatic

The 1934 Buick 40 Series single-handedly saved the company following their worst production year ever. But even with cars like this lovely 4-door sedan in showrooms, 1934 Buicks are rather rare machines. Better yet, with this one you get all the modern conveniences and the power of a 350 cubic inch LT1 V8, making it as good a runner as it is a looker. There's no arguing that the 1934 Buicks were among the best-looking cars of the period and the modifications on this handsome sedan do nothing to diminish those looks. The medium green metallic paint is a handsome, understated choice, and the rounded art-deco shape has never looked better. In 1934, mono-tone paint jobs were the norm and while the paint isn't 1930s lacquer, the modern finish shines beautifully. Obviously a ton of time went into the build, and they made sure that all the bodywork was ready for primetime, which means all four doors fit well, the hood is aligned just right, and all the period details were retained. The roof hasn't been chopped, and even the rear-mounted spare is still in place, giving the car a dignified look that fits the period. There are a few signs of use, but there's no question that this was a very expensive build a few years ago. With a 117-inch wheelbase, there's plenty of room inside, where it has been handsomely reupholstered in tan leather. Front buckets from a late-model look great up front and there' still a full-sized back seat, which makes this a family-friendly rod. They skipped any pretense of making it look like a 1934 Buick inside, but that's OK because the handsome trim work shows well and makes it a very comfortable place to be on a road trip. The original dash was scrapped in favor of a matching tan vinyl fascia with a full set of cream-faced Dolphin gauges and with the neatly integrated A/C vents and AM/FM/CD stereo head unit underneath, it looks like it has always been this way. Light carpets add a plush feeling that speaks softly of luxury and the tilt column with an OEM Buick 3-spoke steering wheel is a nice touch. And please take a moment to note that this car includes a spacious trunk that's ideal for touring. Power comes from a 350 cubic inch Chevrolet LT1 V8, which is always the engine of choice when reliability and performance count. It's a tight fit in the Buick's engine bay, which was originally designed for a 233 cubic inch straight-eight, and with plenty of chrome and billet aluminum dress-up bits, it certainly looks good enough to show with the hood open. With OEM fuel injection and other components, it's a very reliable travelling partner and 300 horsepower is about triple what it had originally, so it's plenty quick. Dual exhaust sounds muted and muscular, the way you'd hope your new Buick would sound, and with a 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission and a Camaro 10-bolt rear end, it's an easy highway cruiser. Up front, a Camaro subframe adds power steering and disc brakes, plus modern suspension geometry, so it drives beautifully, tracks straight, and feels rather modern. 15-inch wire wheels help with the classic look and they sit on 205/75/15 blackwall radials for a low-key look. One of Buick's better-looking cars transformed by a big injection of horsepower and performance, this '34 sedan is one way to be sure you're the only guy at the show who has one. Call today!