1940 Buick 51

January 2018 - Initial condition

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January 5, 2018 - Day One. I purchased this 1940 Buick 51 and the 1953 Rover P4 at the same time. It had been repainted once in the 1980s to a two-tone dark purple lower half and white top. The original color code affixed to a data plate on the right hand side of the body under the hood is 555 that calls for a two-tone Alameda Gray and Nottingham Gray.

Although I purchased the Buick in non-running condition, it had been last driven at least in 2011 according to a Texas inspection sticker and appeared to retain the original Buick straight-8 engine. The engine and bay had been poorly repainted black at one time. The electrical system was upgraded from 6 volts to 12 volts with an alternator in place of the generator.

The interior had been reupholstered and the wood covered dash and window trim were all repainted white. The previous owner had installed A/C, heat, and multiple electrical doohickies.