An excitingly rare Buick, this 1938 Buick Series 90 Limited Limousine was one of just 674 produced that year. It’s the recipient of a body-off restoration and wears dark blue, its body beset with dual side-mount spares in hardcases topped by accessory mirrors. A careful, but bold, use of brightwork includes a grille guard, front and rear bumpers, dual fog lamps and front fender running lights. The interior is separated by a glass divider, creating two distinct spaces. The rear is upholstered in gray cloth with blue carpeting and fitted with wood trim, a bench seat, twin fold-away jump seats and a speaker-microphone system for driver and passenger communication. The front features a bench seat, black upholstery, black carpeting with a matching mat, and woodgrain window surrounds and dashboard, which is fitted with an ivory instrument bezel and bright metalwork. Powered by a professionally rebuilt and detailed 302 CI inline 8-cylinder engine, the Buick rolls on wide whitewall tires complemented by bright hubcaps and trim rings. The 1936 model year would be very successful for Buick, and an important turning point for the division. For the first time, names would denote models rather than serial numbers, and a short, but impressive list of improvements would help assure Great Depression-weary customers Buick was a smart buy. Some of the improvements included a new full-steel roof body design, alloy engine pistons, an enhanced engine cooling system, an improved front suspension and upgraded hydraulic brakes. The Buick model lineup was bookended by the stylish, entry-level Special and the top-of-the-line Limited. Somewhere in between was the Century, arguably the grandfather of the muscle car. While the Special was “entry level,” it didn’t leave customers wanting for much. It was well equipped, beautifully styled and very well built. Likewise, the Limited was all that with a heavy dose of luxurious appointments, rivaling even Cadillac, Lincoln and Packard. Needless to say, the Buick lineup was very competitive, and the 1936 model year largely established the formula for future Buicks. The following year, Buicks benefited from a longer wheelbase that improved ride comfort and general driving dynamics. Other improvements continued to make Buick one of the most competitive, upscale brands on the market. The Limited ceased production for wartime in 1942, returning in 1958 as a trim package to celebrate GM’s 50th Anniversary.
