Test Drive - 1931 Buick Series 90 Model 95 7-Passenger Phaeton!

This gorgeous and rare 1931 Buick Series 90 Model 95 7-Passenger Phaeton received a complete ground up restoration and was shown at the 2002 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This Phaeton is one of only a handful extant and has been single-family owned for 30 years. Tasteful touring upgrades have been made to make for a wonderful example that can be used for touring or concours competition. This Buick presents beautifully and is a pleasure to drive. She has been facetiously maintained and needs nothing to be enjoyed.

The Series 90 was the most formal and elegant Buick made. With a wheelbase of 132 inches and a powerful straight 8 engine, the Series 90 competed directly with Cadillacs. As a result, sales were limited making these Classics very rare. Only 460 of the Phaetons were produced in 1931 (392 domestic and 68 for export) and only a handful are still known to exist. There is only one 1931 Series 90 Phaeton listed in the Classic Car Club of Ameria (CCCA) directory.

This Phaeton was completed on December 15th, 1930, and is one of the very rare export models. While her earliest history is unknown, by 1984, Mr. Stanely Cheruban of Simi Valley, CA acquired this Phaeton and regularly toured her throughout the Southwestern US establishing her as a reliable driver and tour car. By 1994, Mr. “Buzz” Pitzen of Fullerton, CA acquired her to restore her as a safe and reliable touring car and to drive her for pleasure and to show. The complete frame-off restoration was a two-year process that was completed in 1996. Mr. Pitzen provided detailed written documentation of the Buick’s gorgeous frame-off restoration that will be provided to her next caretaker. Overall, this restoration presents beautifully, and one would never guess that it was restored 27 years ago. This is a testament to its loving owners.

The two-toned livery is stunning with its khaki (Paint Code Centari N9684A) body complemented by scarlet fenders (Paint Code Centari 8753AK). The paint is beautifully polished and is in overall excellent condition today. Orange pinstriping is a beautiful complement and is very tastefully applied. The tan canvas convertible top, chrome top frame and oak top bows are all beautifully restored and appear as new. The side curtains and irons were fabricated matching the original patterns and show well along with their accompanying carrying cases. The rear passenger compartment has a beautifully restored dual windshield, making touring in the rear seat a joy!

The stainless-steel and chrome are in excellent condition. She comes complete with a wonderful selection of accessories, including dual side mounts with side mirrors, a trunk rack and metal trunk, dual spotlights, dual trumpet horns, Trippe Safety Lights and a radiator rock guard. The six original wood artillery wheels were replaced with khaki painted wire wheels which are khaki powder coated to match the body. The six original artillery wheels are in excellent condition and can also be used alternately. The trunk is well detailed and contains two American parade flags which can be added to flag holders located on each of the front fenders. The overall exterior is simply stunning.

The Buick’s interior is beautifully restored with tan leather seats complete with powdered coated springs and new padding. The two jump seats are in as-new condition. The remaining interior is well finished with matching tan vinyl and shows very well. Included within the locked driver’s door pocket is a complete set of eight period tools, all beautifully restored. The brown carpet is in very nice condition showing little wear. All of the gauges are beautifully restored and re-painted as necessary including the very rare Buick accessory 8-day clock. The interior shows very well throughout and the attention to detail is apparent.

The engine compartment is beautifully detailed and shows very well. The original engine was replaced with a rebuilt and correct 345 ci straight 8 producing 104 hp. The Buick eight cylinder was an advanced engine of the period and featured an oil temperature regulator that cooled the oil at high speeds and warmed it in cold weather. The engine runs beautifully and is painted in a beautiful dark green engine enamel. During its rebuild, there were several upgrades to the components to increase power and longevity of the engine. The power is transferred through a 3-speed, technically advanced, synchromesh transmission which operates smoothly and quietly. A Borg-Warner RB10, 15% overdrive has been installed which raises the rear-end gear ratio to 3.63. The speedometer was recalibrated for the use of the overdrive. A period AC oil filter has also been added for the longevity of the engine. The radiator was replaced with a high efficiency V cell.

For more information and details, please call, text or email Chip Henson at +1.602.509.4776 or [email protected]. This Buick is available for inspection at our Phoenix showroom.