Highlights

Beautifully presented and highly original 8-96 rarity
Genuine low mileage with only 26,340 miles
Dry stored for 50 years until 2016
Careful 3 yr recommissioning by seller
Retains all original features as fitted in the factory in 1931
Evocative and handsome ‘opera’ or ‘business’ coupe style

The Appeal

In 1930s America, if you were anyone, you wanted Buick’s new 8-90. The firm’s biggest model, it was the pinnacle of Detroit engineering, a smooth, comfortable and effortless range of cars. And, if style was your thing, you wanted one of the Victoria Opera Coupes.

The Opera Coupe - also known as the Business Coupe - was for those who preferred to travel a little incognito, which is why this marvellous dark blue 1931 8-90 Opera Coupe may bring to mind names like Al Capone and Bugsy Malone.

Likely neither travelled between nefarious pursuits in this particular one, because it has covered a mere 26,340 miles in its 94 years. We are told that it was dry stored for 50 of those years, before the vendor acquired it and imported it to the UK in 2016.

Quickly appraising what he had acquired, he decided on recommissioning rather than restoration, so that all of the lovely period features and character that shine out of the photos would be retained. The work took three years, and it has only covered 240 miles since completion.

The joy of this remarkable and beautiful Buick is the depth of character, the original details and the apparent depth of original workmanship. It is in real condition, albeit naturally with some light marks typical of a 96-year-old car.

The vendor tells us that the Buick is in great running order and comes to market with recent service, greasing and brake adjustments. We doubt there is another like it, so we expect this one to be popular.

The vendor says:

“The model 8-96 was on the longest wheelbase with the largest engine, and being a two-door coupe, would have only been bought by wealthy customers, some of whom were gangsters, for visits to the theatre and the golf club. There is a good-sized boot, but the car was never intended for 'touring', which would have contributed to the very low mileage.”

History and Paperwork

First registered in 1931 in the USA
Imported to UK by seller in 2016
First registered in UK February 2016
Current keeper since first UK registration
Dry stored for about 50 years before purchase 10 years ago
Original condition with only 26,100 miles on the clock at the time of purchase
Genuine low mileage car, requiring careful recommissioning rather than restoration
The recommissioning process took about three years, resulting in fully roadworthy condition
Servicing and oil changes performed on engine, gearbox, and rear axle
V5C in current keeper’s name
Original Buick factory handbooks as shown
Various invoices related to recommissioning
DVLA importation documents

The vendor says:

“The car had been dry stored for about 50 years when I bought it 10 years ago. It was in very sound original condition with only 26,100 miles on the clock. After careful examination, it became obvious that this was a genuine low-mileage car which just needed careful recommissioning and not restoring. This process took about three years and has put the car in fully roadworthy condition.”

The Condition

Very original and carefully recommissioned car
Five seat layout, often referred to as the 'Five Passenger Coupe'
Light patination to bodywork as shown in photos due to restoration approach
Attractive Opera Coupe two-door body in dark blue with black wings and pinstriping around the waistline
Original paint has held up well, with some crazing, cracks, and micro blistering
Some paintwork covering the chassis rails has flaked off, but it is not easy to see
Vendor states that the car is solid throughout with no welding or similar work carried out
Whitewall tyres in very good order
Twin side-mounted spares, referred to as 'six-wheelers' in the US
Exterior chromework and fittings are largely original and in good, lightly aged condition
Beautiful beige cloth interior likely a later retrim and is in very good order
Vendor states that the interior is a match the original
Interior needs no work and is a five-seater we are told
Instruments and lights work, except for the water temperature gauge
Interior features many original features as picked up in the photos
Car now has hidden indicators in the existing lights for safety
Good size boot as shown

The vendor says:

“The car has never been dismantled or taken apart and retains all the original features as fitted in the factory in 1931.”

The Mechanics

Straight-eight 5.6L OHV engine delivering over 100bhp
Three-speed gearbox with synchromesh on second and top gear
Low mileage means there is no play in any bearings
Vendor reports that everything feels tight and correct
Recommissioning included complete original matching cloth-covered wiring loom
Fuel system overhaul from the carburettor to the original tank, which was renewed
Brakes overhaul with new linings and oil seals all around
Shock absorbers rebuilt to original specification with new bushes
Underbonnet electrics updated with new coil, condenser, points, plugs, leads.
No reported running or driving issues
Car has covered 240 miles since work was completed
Recent service with brake adjustments and greasing as required

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..