1949 Buick Special Model 41 Sedan

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE 

Out of a combination of a lifelong automotive passion and an unyielding desire to support the people of his Alabama community, the Generous Collection was born. Mr. Greg Rusk, a successful business leader in the cardboard industry, with a big heart for helping families and friends in times of need, would regularly pay overly generous fees to acquire an interesting vehicle. After decades of collecting and supporting local automotive enthusiasts, the Rusk family is ready for these vehicles, each with their own story, to write their next chapter back on the road, where they belong. 

The Generous Collection debuts with Part 1 offering over 200 cars in October, all offered without reserve, emerging from years of long-term silent storage. Many additional lots will be offered in the coming months. From the quiet shadows of the Generous Collection to the sunshine of backroads and highways, enthusiasts now have the opportunity to own a piece of a generous car-collecting legacy. 

* * * 

“Buick Looks Fine for ’49.” The 1949 Buick Special Model 41 Four-Door Sedan marked a transitional moment in postwar American automotive design. As part of Buick’s entry-level Series 40, the Model 41 offered a blend of affordability, reliability, and understated elegance. It retained the pre-1949 body styling, making it visually similar to the 1948 model, but featured mechanical refinements and improved ride quality. 

Powered by Buick’s dependable 248 cubic-inch Fireball inline-eight engine, the Model 41 produced 110 horsepower and was paired with a three-speed column-shifted manual transmission. Its coil spring suspension system provided a smoother ride compared to competitors still using leaf springs. The car’s spacious interior accommodated six passengers comfortably, making it a popular choice for families and professionals alike. 

With a wheelbase of nearly 121 inches and a curb weight around 3,700 pounds, the Model 41 balanced size and maneuverability. Buick produced 5,777 units of this model for the U.S. market, making it relatively rare today. Though overshadowed by the more luxurious Super and Roadmaster lines, the Model 41 remains a beloved example of Buick’s craftsmanship and postwar optimism. 

According to a letter from a previous owner, this car was used as a command car for the U.S. military and was lengthened to allow for additional rear legroom.  

Highlights 

• Offered from The Generous Collection 

• Finished in Gala Green (11) paint over light gray cloth upholstery with black trim 

• Powered by a 248 cu-in straight-eight engine rated at 110 hp 

• Three-speed column-shifted manual transmission 

• The data plate decodes as: 

  • Style: 9-4409 – 1949 Series 40 four-door sedan (Model 41) 

  • Body No. G 3143 – Flint (Michigan) Fisher Body plant production number 3143 

  • Trim: 40 – Gray striped broadcloth 

  • Paint: 11 – Gala Green 

Features 

• Four-door sedan with “Airflyte” body, VentiPorts, and sweeping grille 

• Original Sonomatic AM pushbutton radio (buttons spell out B-U-I-C-K) 

• 120-mph speedometer 

• Green-painted steel wheels with chrome rings and hubs 

• Firestone 6.00-16LT tires 

Known Imperfections 

• While reasonable efforts were made during preparation for the sale, due to the volume of cars in this collection it was not possible to diagnose or detect all imperfections present in the cars. 

• Rear fender guards and trim are missing 

• Front bench seat is torn, worn, and the springs are showing through 

• Interior door handles are worn 

• Back sill and top of rear seat are sun damaged 

• Hood paint is scratched and scuffed 

• Front of trunk upholstery is falling off 

Included 

• Spare tire 

• Keys 

• Letter explaining car’s history 

• Ownership info and receipts 

• Original brochure 

Ownership History

This 1949 Buick Model 41 Sedan is offered from The Generous Collection of no reserve automobiles. 

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.  

Contact: Ramsey Potts Phone: 912.508.4096 email: rpotts@hagerty.com

Alabama Sales Tax Notice to Bidders: Because this car is located in Alabama, the selling dealer may be required to collect and remit Alabama state sales taxes of up to 2% of the purchase amount, even if the buyer plans to register the car outside of Alabama, if (a) the buyer is located in AZ, CA, FL, IN, MA, MI, or SC (capped at $500 in SC), and (b) the buyer does not transport the car out of Alabama using a common carrier (e.g., if the buyer drives the car or transports the car out of Alabama on a personal trailer). Additionally, the selling dealer may be required to collect and remit Alabama county or city taxes from buyers located outside of Alabama, if (a) the buyer does not transport the car out of Alabama using a common carrier (e.g., if the buyer drives or transports the car out of Alabama on a personal trailer), and (b) the buyer fails to provide an executed Drive-Out Certificate for Nonresidents. For additional information, please consult this publication and your own tax advisor regarding sales taxes applicable to cars located in Alabama that are sold to residents of another state.  

Please note that all lots in The Generous Collection are offered after many years of storage, without operation or service, in warehouse facilities. The seller endeavored to provide limited mechanical servicing to bring some cars back to running potential, however, not all cars will be running at time of sale. Because of the extended static display, it must be assumed that all cars will require additional mechanical attention before being driven safely and, in most cases, cleaning to both the interiors and exteriors. All the cars will have imperfections associated with long-term static storage and require extensive sorting to perform best and safely. The burden of determining a car’s status, both mechanical and cosmetic, rests fully on the bidder, prior to bidding and the close of the auction. All lots are sold as is, where is. 

Additionally, due to the location of the collection and limited access to the facility following the close of the auction, all lots must be retrieved while a Hagerty Marketplace representative is onsite beginning Monday, November 3 through Wednesday, November 19. No cars can be retrieved prior to November 3 and any lots remaining after November 19 will be re-located outside in the parking lot for retrieval by their buyers.