Two-Owner 1939 Buick 41 Special Four-Door Touring Sedan
Ended Jul 30, 2025 at 7:00 PM UTC
Description
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
The Nethercutt Collection is one of America’s finest Automotive Museums and Collections, a masterpiece comprising over 250 perfectly restored American and European motor cars, along with a vast array of rare mechanical musical instruments and precious antique furniture.
Maintaining a classic car collection of this size is never easy, and when it reaches the scale of our collection, it becomes increasingly more challenging. Our founder, J.B. Nethercutt said the following at age 91, “The recognition and preservation of beauty has been a major focus of my life. It would suit me well if what people remembered about me was, ‘Where he went, he left beauty behind.’”
As a result, we have decided to part ways with a small group of cars from the collection and will do so in partnership with our friends at Hagerty Marketplace. Many of the cars we have decided to sell we have owned for in excess of 50 years, or have been in storage, not on display, or represent a tremendous opportunity as a restoration project. They are a compelling mix of pre-war examples that have been thoroughly well-cared for and that will easily find new caretakers who will undoubtedly cherish and use them as intended.
As we say goodbye to this group of cars, we hope the occasion for their sale will introduce us to new collectors and enthusiasts, and we look forward to hosting you at the Museum and Collection in Sylmar, California, in the coming months, years and decades.
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This was Buick’s most popular car for 1939 – the Model 41 Special Four-Door Touring Sedan. At $996 before options, 109,213 were sold with another 2,260 for export. All were equipped with Buick’s 107 hp 248 cu-in inline eight-cylinder engine mated to a 3-speed manual transmission. Buicks received all-new styling for 1939; quite a surprise considering the universal claim and popularity of the 1937-1938 models. 1939 models included a waterfall grille, long flowing lines, and a functional use of ornamentation.
The new styling also was the first use of “streamboards;” an optional replacement for running boards, and the first appearance of a sunroof on some closed models. For the first time, Buick made turn signals standard equipment on all models with the flasher lights an integral part of the Buick trunk emblem. The gearshift was now mounted on the steering column, a first for Buick. Making their debut, were pushbuttons on the optional Sonomatic radios.
Wheelbases on Specials were reduced two inches to 120 and frames were two inches lower. Visibility was increased 26 percent over the 1938 models through the use of larger windows and narrower window posts. Finally, the former airplane-type shocks were discontinued in favor of the refillable type.
Highlights
Offered from The Nethercutt Collection
Buick’s most popular model for 1939
107 hp 248 cu-in inline eight-cylinder engine
Three-speed manual transmission
120-inch wheelbase
Features
An older repaint
Original upholstery and floor mats
AM pushbutton radio
Electric clock
Locking ignition
Original glass
Good chrome
Original running boards
Cowl vent
Known Imperfections
Delaminating window glass
Ownership History
This 1939 Buick Special Sedan was won in an Ivory-Soap contest by the donors aunt in 1939. The family kept the car and only drove if 59,000 miles from new. The car was in storage for over 45 years in St Louis Missouri. Authenticated: March 1, 1939 St. Louis Globe-Democrat newspaper article & photo.
Amanda H. Klassing of Webster Grove, Missouri, (St Louis) first owner and winner of the Ivory Soap contest. Miss Klassing did not drive. Her sister Pauline Klassing, owner of a florist shop drove the Buick as a delivery car until 1967. Also, Texaco Oil Co. gave the winner 1,000 gallons of gasoline to use in the car.
From Cameron Richards, Vice President of The Nethercutt Collection: “This Buick is as original as it gets! The Nethercutt Collection is only the second owner of the car! ”
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: Donnie Gould Phone: 954.647.0779 email: dgould@hagerty.com
All auction listings on Hagerty Marketplace are created using information provided by the seller. The Marketplace team and the seller have reviewed all information for accuracy to the best of their abilities. Bidders are ultimately responsible for conducting their own due diligence before placing a bid, including verifying details, condition, registration requirements, and compliance with applicable laws. For any questions or additional information, contact the seller.
Two-Owner 1939 Buick 41 Special Four-Door Touring Sedan · No reserve
