The first generation Roadmaster was introduced in 1936. Until this point, Buick's model range had been categorized by Series numbers, from the entry level 40 Special to the top-of-the-line 90 Limited. Names were introduced for 1936, as well as drastic styling changes. According to the brochure, the Roadmaster “named itself the first time a test model leveled out on the open highway.” The model range got arguably even more handsome for 1937 and incorporated a lot of elements from GM's premier Cadillac division. With only 1,040 units made for domestic sale, the Roadmaster Model 80C Convertible Phaeton had a base price of $1,856 and weighed 4,214 pounds. It is distinguishable among Buicks for being the only 4-door model with traditional forward-hinged doors both front and rear. Incredibly attractive, exceptionally luxurious and a value as much today as it was when introduced, the 80C is a timeless testament to pre-war open motoring!
Please note the difference of the door handle position in the brochure and in the photos below! According to George Dammon's book "70 Years of Buick". "Unlike any other 4 door Buick, the new Roadmaster Convertible Phaeton model 80C used doors that all opened up from the trailing edge". This refers to the 1937 model range.
The brochure above is showing a 1937 Special Convertible Phaeton, rather a bit shorter and smaller than the Roadmaster model. Oddly enough, all of the 1937 Buick Brochure materiel that I (Bill Murray) have found so far show the same photo as above with the rear door door handle at the rear of the door. The 1938 Brochures all show the handle at the front of the rear door as in my photo but the 1937 model had the gas filler in the right fender as you can see on my photo and the 1938 model had the gas filler somewhere else. Very confusing.
In this matter, I have found fairly often that first editions or "proof" editions of model year catalogues often contain errors like this. A model is planned to go into production with one specification, that specification is changed by the time the actual model range is produced and one or more models that were in the earliest brochures are never produced in that specification. This may have happened here.
I hope that makes sense.
One other complication that we are going to see from time to time is that since Indonesia/The Dutch NEI drove on the left, they imported American brand cars with RHD from both Canada and Australia. Some seem almost identical to the US versions except for the placement of the steering wheel, others have from very minor differences to quite major differences.
The photos that I sent earlier show to my eyes a Buick with RHD and it therefore could have come from either Canada or Australia.
I hope I am not complicating matters here but am trying to be as correct as possible.
Please note the difference of the door handle position in the brochure and in the photos below! According to George Dammon's book "70 Years of Buick". "Unlike any other 4 door Buick, the new Roadmaster Convertible Phaeton model 80C used doors that all opened up from the trailing edge". This refers to the 1937 model range.
The brochure above is showing a 1937 Special Convertible Phaeton, rather a bit shorter and smaller than the Roadmaster model. Oddly enough, all of the 1937 Buick Brochure materiel that I (Bill Murray) have found so far show the same photo as above with the rear door door handle at the rear of the door. The 1938 Brochures all show the handle at the front of the rear door as in my photo but the 1937 model had the gas filler in the right fender as you can see on my photo and the 1938 model had the gas filler somewhere else. Very confusing.
In this matter, I have found fairly often that first editions or "proof" editions of model year catalogues often contain errors like this. A model is planned to go into production with one specification, that specification is changed by the time the actual model range is produced and one or more models that were in the earliest brochures are never produced in that specification. This may have happened here.
I hope that makes sense.
One other complication that we are going to see from time to time is that since Indonesia/The Dutch NEI drove on the left, they imported American brand cars with RHD from both Canada and Australia. Some seem almost identical to the US versions except for the placement of the steering wheel, others have from very minor differences to quite major differences.
The photos that I sent earlier show to my eyes a Buick with RHD and it therefore could have come from either Canada or Australia.
I hope I am not complicating matters here but am trying to be as correct as possible.
1937 Buick Convertible on the road near the bridge, Netherlands East Indies
1937 Buick Convertible parked in the side of the road, Netherlands East Indies
Sources :
http://www.hemmings.com/
http://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/buick/37bui/37bui.html
http://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/buick/37bui/37bui.html
