40-Years Family-Owned 1940 Buick Roadmaster Model 71C Sport Phaeton

Description

“The Roadmaster is Buick’s finest expression of power and luxury.” That statement rang true in 1940 with the introduction of the Buick Roadmaster Model 71C Sport Phaeton—a rare and elegant example of pre-war American automotive design. Part of Buick’s Series 70 line, the Roadmaster nameplate embodied prestige, performance, and innovation. The Sport Phaeton body style, with four doors and seating for six, offered open-air motoring with upscale refinement.

Buick’s 1940 lineup debuted its new “torpedo” styling, featuring integrated headlights, streamlined fenders, and a wider, lower profile. Under the hood, the Roadmaster carried Buick’s powerful 320ci straight-eight engine, delivering 141 horsepower, paired with a smooth three-speed manual transmission. Advanced coil spring suspension and hydraulic brakes ensured a comfortable and safe ride.

Only 238 Sport Phaetons were produced in 1940, making them exceptionally rare.

This particular example has been with the seller's family for four decades. It's finished in black over burgundy vinyl, and it has been fitted with a tan replacement convertible top at some point. A Sonomatic AM radio is located in its dashboard.

The car has been in storage since at least 2025.

This 1940 Buick Roadmaster is now offered with a clean Wisconsin title in the name of the seller's family trust.

Highlights

• Owned by the same family for over 40 years

• One of 238 Sport Phaetons produced in 1940

• 320.2ci inline-eight

• Three-speed manual gearbox

Factory Equipment

• 320.2ci “Buick Fireball Eight” inline eight-cylinder rated at 141 hp when new

• Three-speed manual, column-shift transmission

• Independent coil spring front suspension

• Hydraulic, internal expanding drums (12-inch front and rear)

• Fisher Body Sport Phaeton convertible body

• Sonomatic AM radio

Servicing

• The seller notes that the convertible top has been replaced at some point

Known Imperfections

• Lighter is missing

• Paint and chrome show wear throughout

• Some underside corrosion

Ownership History

The seller states, “The car has been in the family for more than 40 years.” He further says the Buick has “only slight surface rust on the underside, and the sides are straight and clean and might be considered great a 10-foot away car. I believe the interior is quite nice.”

Included Items

• Both original convertible top center posts

Additional Notes

The seller states that the car has been in storage and not driven since 2025. This 1940 Buick Roadmaster was offered on Hagerty Marketplace in December 2025. You can view the previous listing here.