Good job on this segment. Corrected some commenters below. Thanks for taking an interest in these cars, the real thing, not "retro" rods and the crapola most your age drool over today.
Totally agree I’m not into hot rods and custom jobs engine swaps are ok depending on car but don’t like when people cut cars for engine swaps The engine swap thing is also a double standard thing for me like chevy v8 in a packard is sacrilege but 350 v8 in a 52 Chevy truck is totally fine
Someone in a neighborhood near mine has had a '39 Buick, similar to the car in the video, in front of their house for months. It's for sale but it doesn't look like it's in great shape. Jay I agree with you that the '39 is definitely an acquired taste. I don't like that grille, and think that both the '38 and the '40 are better looking. I prefer the '39 dash to the '38 dash though. It's my understanding that because of that grille, the '39s had a tendency to overheat. Also, '39 Buicks had a serious flaw in their design: The chassis frame ended at the rear wheels, and not the rear bumper. This was done to save money. Owners complained of collapsing floor pans and buckling rear body panels, and Buick had to rush out repair kits to the dealers.
That’s what I just got done reading from another commenter on his that happened these overheated more than the 1938 This are starting to look better to me I like how easy the hood was and it was light weight but it felt quality.. I really miss when cars were different and had different fun interior colors.. I was a kid in the 90s and I remember going into biglots and looking at floor mats carpet floor mats in light brown Maroon, blue, light blue, green I miss those days Oh yeah and SPORTSEATS are overrated.. bring back the bench seats
Oh Jay, the '39, so much more beautiful than the '38, the '38 too similar to the Chevy of the time. Yeah, I definitely see the Studebaker , but such a good looking car and pickup too!
I myself like the 'face' of the 39 Buick. However Buick somewhat cocked up the airflow through the radiator on this model. They were more prone to overheating than the year before and the year after.
The 320 was a fantastic engine! I once owned a '39 Roadmaster and could start it in third without lugging. The shift linkage was a bit weird, but that was first year for Buick column shift and the '40 Buicks I've driven were smoother-shifting.
Ever since I got my 48 Buick I’ve always wanted to see the 39 in person, it’s probably my favorite Buick design, I don’t know what it is but something about the shape of the grill and the headlights being closer together then usual just speaks pure beauty to me
'39 Mercury looks like a new car, compared to the others, Edsel Ford knew what a car should look like, and he made 'em look that way, while GM stayed in the past age.
You did mention the Century taking a long break from 1958 to 1973, which is true. Even so, the Roadmaster took an even longer break from '58 to '92. The Roadmaster was re-introduced in the spring of '91 but sold as a '92. Most of the Buick names that were discontinued in the 50's did return.
39 Graham 39 Oldsmobile The 38 dashboard in the Buick 👍 is a great looking one Just for giggles 😉 A 1939 La Salle coupe ❤️😉👏👏 Song Not a clue 🤷😂 Happy Motoring and everyone have a great thanksgiving ✌️❤️
My father owned a ‘39 Century that he bought in the late 40’s. The story goes, he tried to teach my mother how to drive but she couldn’t get the hang of the manual transmission. I think that was his favorite of all cars he owned
10:32 That looks like a flasher unit hanging below the dash with the modern fuse and butt connectors, although I don't see any turn signal device on the steering column.
Love the interior room of these pre war cars, you could stretch out inside. from memory Buick and Chevrolet both had torque tube tailshafts which may? have precluded overdrive.
No, overdrive was never available on any GMobile until the '55 Chevy. That's why a friend who was long ago the service mgr. at a Cad dealership called GM "Generous Motors." He preferred Packards and Chryslers.
It wasn't the torque-tube, it was GM's seeming dislike of Overdrive, as Pontiac, Olds, and Cadillac/LaSalle, all of which had open driveshafts, didn't offer overdrive either.
Gee Dad . . . . . It's a Buick! Another great video . . . . thoroughly enjoyed. I might be mistaken but I do think that, perhaps, you missed the floor shift to "3 on the Tree" between the '38 and '39. Keep up the great job!!
My dad had buicks of that era. He claimed he could not get any of them to over 100 mph.They would weld the points and quit. It was probably before they had hollow points for cooling.
I couldn’t even imagine what 100 would feel like I have a 52 Chevy 1 ton and the fastest I have ever went in that was 85 and you know your moving in that at that speed
The knobs on the radio were late 70's - early 80's GM. Fun fact - You could get a AM/Shortwave radio for a Chevy in 1941 (I restored one for my late uncle's street rod 41 Chevy), and. Buick offered it in 1942 (rare). Also during WWII if you had one of these in your car, or a shortwave radio in your home. Sometimes the oscillator coil for shortwave stations was removed or disconnected in case found functional, some people thought you may be a spy. My uncles radio had the coil disconnected which I reconnected.
Maybe I’m strange but the 39 Buick is attractive to me. The car has an odd resemblance to a Volkswagen Beetle with the rounded curves, minimised grill. If I were a businessman of the era I would have considered this car over a Ford or Olds.
It's a Buick !!! Just quoting the old commercials. You really went through this car. It is interesting how much cars have progressed. It is interesting how the Century brand name lived on and still does to this day. It lives on in China if I am not mistaken. It is interesting how the car kept changing and surviving for years. Thank you again.
Mr. Dobalina by Del tha funky homosapien... I like that car from the era where dozens of people spent weeks designing it, and arranging the parts. So much more real jobs back then.
I prefer the 1938 Buick to the '39. In the two scenarios, the 1939 Buick, both times. The early 1939 Buicks had an abbreviated chassis ((which you can see in ads showing the chassis and running gear), which was cut off at the rear--it gave trouble--later production '39 Buicks had an extension added back on. The '39 Buicks tended to overheat; especially the larger-engined ones (like the Century). The postwar Dyna Panhard had styling like a shrunken '39 Buick--it didn't look bad at all--a rare case when the smaller version looked better than the larger one.
Drag Racer Pete Shaddinger of Pennsylvania had success with the Buick straight eight engine in the NHRA D/Dragster class in the mid 1960's. That might interest you. [14:35]
Hi Jay!: Gotta say, for myself, the styling of the 1939 Buick is GREAT! Of all the 1939 GM line (except for maybe the Cadillac/LaSalle offerings) all look similar, EXCEPT for the Buick! That cool thin bar grille is stunning! In later years they were kind of dripping in chrome, and weren't quite as classy as the '39. My Dad told me that he and Mother had considered buying a '39 used, but the rear shocks were apparently shot, and every time they hit a bump, the rear end just kept on bouncing! WYR#1 As much as I like the Oldsmobiles in the 1937-41 era, got to go BUICK! #2, Another of the nicer looking cars in 1939 was that Hudson! Going to pick the Hudson in that case.
Great choices that Hudson is a cool car Funny story we saw a car like that with bad shocks in the back it was on a jeep at night it was the hardest I have very laughed driving I have no idea how he kept it on the road and was bouncing everywhere
Yes, it's generally true the '39 Buicks were good, strong, well built cars, but styling was somewhat controversial. Folks either loved or hated it. Would've preferred '39 dash panel, am aware of the occasionally reported overheating issues & weakened rear chassis design Might've preferred Hudson over the Buick😊.
Yes I agree with your acquired taste assessment. And even though you seemingly didn't really like the looks of this car, you gave it the same thoughtful walk around like you always do! Would you consider doing a "What it's Like" on the red 63 Falcon convertible I saw through the rear window of this 39 Buick?
I had a 1939 Pontiac, similar Body being GM.....but nicer Grill/Front End on the '39 Pontiac over stodgy '39 Buick. But Buick was higher up on the GM food chain for more conservative non flashy customers.
I love the unique styling of these autos, I think it's a lot in part to the headlights design set up, I really like the overall look and proportion of the body style. I do like the '38 slightly better, but both are really appealing to me. I also think the interior looks very spacious and comfortable, and the dash and steering wheel , I prefer it over the '38. Great little singing inserts during the engine covera 0:00 ge and the end 😊 seriously, fun touch. Cool video 😎 Happy 🦃Day to you and your family. 😃 I'd pick this one in both scenarios, although I do like the Hudson also!
I never realized the differences in the greenhouses between the 1938 and 1939 on. The 1938 has a much more cohesive look to it... the proportions are more to my taste. My neighbor has a 1940 that has been in his family since 1950 and I've always coveted. While I love the front end of the '40, I always thought that the roof looked awkward and seeing the '39 next to the '38 (especially that rear 3/4 view) now I know why.
Jay your right I drove old chevy trucks.High speed you needed 4 lanes to keep it straight.It was much better than internationals they were loose when new.
Mine isn’t bad it’s pretty tight I just get worried whatever there’s two barriers and no shoulder going through construction that gets a little bit nervy
My Dad had a Century, but a 1974 version. - Funny...my Dad's 1974 had the same shade of brown inside with tan seats. I see you now have some new editing features for these videos. Nice! It almost looks like the 39 has a 2-3" body drop under the beltline above the fenders compared to the 1938. Looks like most of the 2 piece safety glass is separating from the plastic sheet inside, hence the yellowing in the corners. The Graham sure looks different than all the rest. There's something "Buck Rodgers" about it.
I ended up buying full version of in shot to add more effects to the videos to make them more interesting happy you noticed that. Great story of your dads 74 century some things really do new change lol
Yep if it doesn’t go I don’t force it I always test them but most of the time it’s on camera I ease into it And put pressure in front and behind while slowly turning if it doesn’t release I move on =)
Jay, I personally like the styling of this Buick. I think the hood releases were a neat idea as well. What a large rear seat but how odd there is no inside rear view mirror! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
That buick is probably like the caddy if it loses traction in the back it come right around on you. With out power steering and it length not a pretty picture.
First choice the Olds 2nd the Graham Prefer the style of the 37-38 Buick, consider the 39 a transitional style until the 41 Buicks and the other 41 GM cars.The grille is kinda of a copy of the Y job, just didn't look well om the 39. Passed by a black 39 Buick 4 door like it in black walking to high school in 68-70, think the car is still with the same family .
I didn't realize Hewlett Packard was founded in 1939. Always liked the name because it had Packard in it , but didn't think it had anything to do with Studebaker Packard.
Hey Jay. Not gonna lie. The 38 is better looking. Why GM turned away from the classy style of the grilled front I'll never understand. A friend had a 41 Olds 4 door sedan and let me keep it for him while he was residing his house. That was a total gem with the rounded grill and head lights mounted on the grill. It was a hydro-matic. That was so cool to drive. He offered it to me but I was headed back to college. Love the late 30s and early 40s look.
Also, the 39 Specials, and maybe Centurys as well, had a short frame that ended just back of the rear axle when they first came out. Needless to say, having that much of the body unsupported was not one of Buick's smart ideas. That was corrected in just 2 or 3 months.
39 Mercury 39 Hudson When I look at the grille of the 39 Buick there's just something about it. I can't tell if I like it or dislike it. It doesn't fit with the rest of the car very well. IMO I actually liked the 38 grill better. The grill on this one kind of reminds me also of The strange shaped grill that Ford used on the 38 deluxe series cars. There was just something about the curvy line of the sides of the grill that didn't seem to look good on the rest of the car. At least in my opinion. It's also very clear that General motors was well on its way to further developing and refining the overhead valve engine. Which we all know would eventually overtake the Flathead Ford V8 and 4 cylinders as well as most other manufacturers flathead engines as well as L head engine six cylinders. However there were some definite distinctive styling differences during that era between Ford and its GM competition. The straight 8 engine was a longer motor and therefore the front end of the car had to be physically longer in order to accommodate the size. The flathead V8 was a compact engine that was able to attain pretty good RPMs for the era making it kind of like a hot rod engine of its era. If you wanted a fast car you bought a Ford. Because it was smaller lighter and definitely faster. If you wanted nicer interiors and a smooth highway ride, with a car that didn't have overheating and vapor lock issues you went for the GM, Plymouth, Chryslers or studebakers, or any of the other great automobiles that were made during that time. I agree with you 100% though that this particular year is an acquired taste. You either love it or hate it. I don't think there's any in between. Now for the 64,000 question. With the fact that I dislike the grill keep me from owning one of these if I could get it and afford it? Absolutely not. It's a classic automobile they're not making any more of those.
The '39 Century can exceed 100mph with little effort; the fact that it could do that was the reason it has the name "Century". The top speed of the 3.9:1 version was around 112mph and the 3.6:1 was close to 120. The fastest I've driven mine (3.9) was 108. It also has fairly good acceleration for the time.
@@What.its.like. No problem. It's been my daily driver for about 10 years now. It's probably one of the best prewar cars to use for modern commuting due to it's high top speed, and decent fuel economy. Biggest problem with them is parts availability and servicing.
1939 Buick, 1939 Graham (because it's leaping forward). It's alright in appearance, a little different, but it stands out. They all looked a little weird in 39', like an animal evolving in one of those in-between phases. 🦎😊
'39 Buick, '39 Grahm sp?..... odd one/ looks cool., too difficult to EVER find parts for though. Music? From back in '39, I'm guessing? Way beyond my time?
Tuff choices this time but I think it’s going to be the 39 Buick and the 39 graham, the Buick definitely is an acquired taste but they were definitely luxurious and the graham is just cool. By the way the century was originally named the century because it could hit the century mark (100 mph) and that was a very big deal back then
Yeah I tried to make a choices super hard this time that gram sharknose though what a car there was one at Hershey and I missed it That is a car that I want to feature really bad, Hupmoblie skylark is another next year I’m going to go for some more heavy hitters Auburn Duesenberg I think it would be really cool if I can do a Bugatti and a delahaye but that’s shooting for the stars =)
Same choices here. Definitely go for the sharknose over all the others. Under hood, the Buick offered twin carburetion but the Graham had an available supercharger.
No. It was named "Century" because it harked to one of the world's crack express trains, the New York Central's 20th Century Limited. The topline Buick 1936-on was similarly christened the "Limited." The first Buick to best an honest 100 was the '38 Century, 103 mph razor-tuned at the GM Proving Grounds.
They dialed the shark nose back a bit in the early ‘40s, but for some odd reason put the headlights back on the catwalk which makes them look a bit dated IMO.
For me, it is the Buick in both scenarios. I guess that I have ventured into the acquired taste, I think it is quite attractive. Of course the Mercury and Olds are both attractive as well.
I don't think the '39 was bad-looking at all, but I prefer the '38, including the dash. Having said that, this time I'll take the Olds and the Graham. I think the front end looks a little awkward. But that's a great back seat, and I like how easy it is to pack the trunk. Wasn't the 1939 Buick the first to offer directionals?
I think that the ‘38 was far more beautiful and classic looking however ‘39 started the trend towards grills getting wider across all brands from all manufacturers for cooling purposes.
The brochure pictures of the different models don't show running lights on top of the fenders. Are those on the featured car a later addition, or were they an optional extra? Another great show, Jay.
The 39 Buick may look beautiful to today's eyes, but at the time, it was controversial. That grille was supposed to have been inspired by a certain German racing car, but many thought it looked like a grasshopper.
It has aged well coming from someone who never grew up in that. I called this the beek Buick because it kind of sort of looks like the nose is a beek but I can also see frog or grasshopper as well
The grille of the 39 was derived from the one-off "Y job" built the previous year. This car is missing the chrome strip that runs from the hood ornament through the emblem, diivding the grille to the bottom. It's also missing a horn ring. The shift lever has a small lever on it for the direction signal, only working on the trunk emblem.
No, it aped the '37 Mercedes Grand Prix racer, and was too small, which is why why '39 Buicks lost the annual Gallup Poll Most Beautiful Car which the '38 Buick took from Packard's 1935-37 run. The '39 Buick grille was enlarged to a better-looking version for the well-received '40 Flintmobiles, still with babbitt rod bearings through 1948, but good straight line performers. '39 Buicks' further cost cutting included ending the frame at the rear axle, accounting for the drooping rears that year, the second for cheap rear coil springs as in Oldsmobiles.
The century got its name for being able to reach 100/the century mark for speed. That is why i think cars like that,especially in 2 door form are the real muscle cars, there are soo many before the 64 gto, they are NOT the first muscle car
Of the ‘39s shown, I liked the Olds and Hudson best but still think the Buick is mighty sharp. I loved the Art Deco trim details and the two-piece hood releases. By the way, weren’t one-piece hoods common by ‘39 or was that not for another year or two?
Awesome choices interesting question I don’t know if they were one piece as in one solid piece because even cars in the 50s didn’t have a solid piece for example I have a 52 Chevy 1 ton truck the hood is two pieces in it has a bead in the center that connects both pieces.. I believe I’ll have to look at it again
I disagree with the top speed of this car. The name "Century" was chosen for this car as it was the first Buick that could do 100 MPH, thus, the "Century" name.
@@What.its.like. "The model name Century came about when Buick was designing its first production automobile capable of reaching a speed of 100 mph. The division needed to come up with a name. One of the Buick executives had returned from a recent trip to Britain, and told the other executives that the British referred to going 100 mph as "doing the century". The executives liked the Century name and it stuck." Source: Brandon K Hardison, Director of Sales Training. Accessed 11 24 23 Note: The original "Pound Cake" did, in fact, contain a pound of butter. It doesn't anymore. LOL :)
I would rather.... '39 Buick either way... no idea on the song. ...but the song you sang at the end was Alan Jackson's 'married to a waitress and I don't even know her name'. LOL
Yeah haha I totally forgot about the Alan Jackson song until I heard it playing in the restaurant the other day and I was like man I should use that for the Lincoln.. The song was an oddball song it was beer barrel polka from 1939 Sweet choice
IMOP the 38 was the best looking of the rounded pre-war Buicks 36-42 - very well balanced. The 39 likely appeared much more 'modern' (art deco or, more accurately, streamline moderne), especially inside, but yes, an acquired taste indeed - 40 & 41 were more conventional and better looking. As originally designed and manufactured, the 39's had a 'short' frame. with virtually unsupported rear sheetmetal. Problems (!) ensued and most were fixed with angle iron bracing until a redesigned frame debuted mid-year. Bet you had a hard time getting the camera out - discovered the drawback of glovebox mounted clocks :) Those mouldings around the windows = garnish mouldings - faux wood, but they aped the real wood that would have existed some years earlier in 'fine' cars. Check out the early 80's upscale LeSabre and Electra models - Buick brought back the idea in 'woodgrain' (which wore badly btw) Centurys were some of the quickest, fastest cars in their day; certainly for the money. WYR: Buick Century in both cases.
Plymouths of the era had woodgrain trim which was actually ink done by hand over a base color, then lacquered. I wonder if these were done the same way?
I was told by folks of the day the century was so named because it would do 100 mph and that was huge, that was back when people would say he was going like 60 when describing someone in a big hurry because 60 mph was still a big deal
Mercury and Hudson. A guy in our neighborhood had a GM car that had a straight 8 engine in it. I think it was a Pontiac, but I am not sure. I do know it wasn't a Chevy.
It could’ve been an Oldsmobile could’ve been a Pontiac or a Buick possibly a LaSalle or Cadillac even depending on year Chevy didn’t make an in-line eight but all the other companies did, except for the companionship makes of course
Overall, I like the 38 better, including the dash, overall it looks more classic to me, the 39 looks like a weird looking frog somehow. WYR 1: Merc, 2. The Hudson and the Graham are both sweet, the Buick looks like a bad hangover compared to them, gotta go with Hudson!
Andrews Sisters version of Beer Barrel Polka.
Yeah buddy congratulations you got It super impressed =)
Wow well done
👏👏👏 Well Done ☺️✌️
Good job Joe .
Good job on this segment. Corrected some commenters below. Thanks for taking an interest in these cars, the real thing, not "retro" rods and the crapola most your age drool over today.
Totally agree I’m not into hot rods and custom jobs engine swaps are ok depending on car but don’t like when people cut cars for engine swaps
The engine swap thing is also a double standard thing for me like chevy v8 in a packard is sacrilege but 350 v8 in a 52 Chevy truck is totally fine
Someone in a neighborhood near mine has had a '39 Buick, similar to the car in the video, in front of their house for months. It's for sale but it doesn't look like it's in great shape.
Jay I agree with you that the '39 is definitely an acquired taste. I don't like that grille, and think that both the '38 and the '40 are better looking. I prefer the '39 dash to the '38 dash though.
It's my understanding that because of that grille, the '39s had a tendency to overheat. Also, '39 Buicks had a serious flaw in their design: The chassis frame ended at the rear wheels, and not the rear bumper. This was done to save money. Owners complained of collapsing floor pans and buckling rear body panels, and Buick had to rush out repair kits to the dealers.
That’s what I just got done reading from another commenter on his that happened these overheated more than the 1938
This are starting to look better to me I like how easy the hood was and it was light weight but it felt quality..
I really miss when cars were different and had different fun interior colors.. I was a kid in the 90s and I remember going into biglots and looking at floor mats carpet floor mats in light brown
Maroon, blue, light blue, green I miss those days
Oh yeah and SPORTSEATS are overrated.. bring back the bench seats
I really liked the '36 instrument cluster and the '40. The three in between were ugly.
Beautiful car!!! 👍👍
Oh Jay, the '39, so much more beautiful than the '38, the '38 too similar to the Chevy of the time. Yeah, I definitely see the Studebaker , but such a good looking car and pickup too!
I myself like the 'face' of the 39 Buick. However Buick somewhat cocked up the airflow through the radiator on this model. They were more prone to overheating than the year before and the year after.
Awesome information thank you so much for sharing that =)
The design is growing on me
4:40 Actually, spending $27,579 for a car that big would be a _good_ deal, it seems.
14:10 ONE carb atop a massively inefficient intake manifold... Imagine this (or any) straight-8 with modern MPFI....
The 320 was a fantastic engine! I once owned a '39 Roadmaster and could start it in third without lugging. The shift linkage was a bit weird, but that was first year for Buick column shift and the '40 Buicks I've driven were smoother-shifting.
Awesome thank you for sharing experience
Ever since I got my 48 Buick I’ve always wanted to see the 39 in person, it’s probably my favorite Buick design, I don’t know what it is but something about the shape of the grill and the headlights being closer together then usual just speaks pure beauty to me
Also 1940 Oldsmobile looks similar
You neglected to mention the turn signals, a Buick innovation. They are controlled by the switch on the gear shift lever.
'39 Mercury looks like a new car, compared to the others, Edsel Ford knew what a car should look like, and he made 'em look that way, while GM stayed in the past age.
You did mention the Century taking a long break from 1958 to 1973, which is true. Even so, the Roadmaster took an even longer break from '58 to '92. The Roadmaster was re-introduced in the spring of '91 but sold as a '92. Most of the Buick names that were discontinued in the 50's did return.
Awesome information =)
39 Graham
39 Oldsmobile The 38 dashboard in the Buick 👍 is a great looking one
Just for giggles 😉
A 1939 La Salle coupe ❤️😉👏👏
Song Not a clue 🤷😂
Happy Motoring and everyone have a great thanksgiving ✌️❤️
Happy thanksgiving I’m sure there will be an episode that day =) lol great choices
My father owned a ‘39 Century that he bought in the late 40’s. The story goes, he tried to teach my mother how to drive but she couldn’t get the hang of the manual transmission. I think that was his favorite of all cars he owned
Awesome memories thank you so much for sharing that =)
MY FATHER HAD A 1928 BUICK MASTER -SIX.....I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST GORGEOUS .
Awesome =)
10:32 That looks like a flasher unit hanging below the dash with the modern fuse and butt connectors, although I don't see any turn signal device on the steering column.
the '47, and '48 Buick looks similar also..... Love it!
WYR: All of them. They all look like fun.
NTT: I'm not sure, but it sounds like a jazzy Christmas song from the 50s.
Awesome choices =)
5:40 Buick // Studebaker Truck grill styling ... you're right about that, there _is_ a similarity.
I thought so =)
Glad you see it too
Well, I have acquired taste! That grill and hood design is beautiful.
The design is growing on me
Nice car
Love the interior room of these pre war cars, you could stretch out inside. from memory Buick and Chevrolet both had torque tube tailshafts which may? have precluded overdrive.
No, overdrive was never available on any GMobile until the '55 Chevy. That's why a friend who was long ago the service mgr. at a Cad dealership called GM "Generous Motors." He preferred Packards and Chryslers.
@@oogieobanyon Thanks for that.
It wasn't the torque-tube, it was GM's seeming dislike of Overdrive, as Pontiac, Olds, and Cadillac/LaSalle, all of which had open driveshafts, didn't offer overdrive either.
@@michaelbenardo5695 As a kid I used to see ads in mags for BW Overdrive units, no mention of what they might fit.
Gee Dad . . . . . It's a Buick! Another great video . . . . thoroughly enjoyed. I might be mistaken but I do think that, perhaps, you missed the floor shift to "3 on the Tree" between the '38 and '39. Keep up the great job!!
My dad had buicks of that era. He claimed he could not get any of them to over 100 mph.They would weld the points and quit. It was probably before they had hollow points for cooling.
I couldn’t even imagine what 100 would feel like I have a 52 Chevy 1 ton and the fastest I have ever went in that was 85 and you know your moving in that at that speed
@@What.its.like. Buicks were much faster than Chevys, cars or trucks.
14:48 I remember a lot of those old Buicks had the skinny 6-volt battery.
Or, as my grandfather called them, Batt-ree (I never understood that).
The knobs on the radio were late 70's - early 80's GM. Fun fact - You could get a AM/Shortwave radio for a Chevy in 1941 (I restored one for my late uncle's street rod 41 Chevy), and. Buick offered it in 1942 (rare). Also during WWII if you had one of these in your car, or a shortwave radio in your home. Sometimes the oscillator coil for shortwave stations was removed or disconnected in case found functional, some people thought you may be a spy. My uncles radio had the coil disconnected which I reconnected.
Awesome information =)
VERY interesting, Mr. @radio !
10:59 I wonder what that schmutz is on the windshield on either side (esp. driver) of the windshield center bar?
Jay, I enjoy the detail you bring in these vids. I watch _almost_ every vid (nobody's perfect!).
Thank you so much glad I can make content that you all totally dig =)
Maybe I’m strange but the 39 Buick is attractive to me. The car has an odd resemblance to a Volkswagen Beetle with the rounded curves, minimised grill. If I were a businessman of the era I would have considered this car over a Ford or Olds.
It’s growing on me
It's a Buick !!! Just quoting the old commercials. You really went through this car. It is interesting how much cars have progressed. It is interesting how the Century brand name lived on and still does to this day. It lives on in China if I am not mistaken. It is interesting how the car kept changing and surviving for years. Thank you again.
=) happy you dig this episode
Progressed? I don't call a cramped interior, a truck-stiff ride, loud road noise, and truly ugly styling "progress".
Mr. Dobalina by Del tha funky homosapien...
I like that car from the era where dozens of people spent weeks designing it, and arranging the parts. So much more real jobs back then.
I prefer the 1938 Buick to the '39. In the two scenarios, the 1939 Buick, both times. The early 1939 Buicks had an abbreviated chassis ((which you can see in ads showing the chassis and running gear), which was cut off at the rear--it gave trouble--later production '39 Buicks had an extension added back on. The '39 Buicks tended to overheat; especially the larger-engined ones (like the Century). The postwar Dyna Panhard had styling like a shrunken '39 Buick--it didn't look bad at all--a rare case when the smaller version looked better than the larger one.
Shocking. Good catches, PhantomForester. Surprised someone posting comments here knows something of auto history.
Awesome choices and information thank you so much for sharing that =)
You don't like it. I think it's tastefully done. 1939 Buick is one of the best of the art deco automobiles ever made.
Hi there from Geelong Victoria Australia I'm inclined to like the look of the 1938 buick dashboard better ok,see y'all later.
15:47 I have to agree, the exterior (especially) _is_ an acquired taste.
Drag Racer Pete Shaddinger of Pennsylvania had success with the Buick straight eight engine in the NHRA D/Dragster class in the mid 1960's. That might interest you. [14:35]
Great information =)
9:30 Those door handles _are_ cool!
They were =)
Hi Jay!: Gotta say, for myself, the styling of the 1939 Buick is GREAT! Of all the 1939 GM line (except for maybe the Cadillac/LaSalle offerings) all look similar, EXCEPT for the Buick! That cool thin bar grille is stunning! In later years they were kind of dripping in chrome, and weren't quite as classy as the '39. My Dad told me that he and Mother had considered buying a '39 used, but the rear shocks were apparently shot, and every time they hit a bump, the rear end just kept on bouncing! WYR#1 As much as I like the Oldsmobiles in the 1937-41 era, got to go BUICK! #2, Another of the nicer looking cars in 1939 was that Hudson! Going to pick the Hudson in that case.
Great choices that Hudson is a cool car
Funny story we saw a car like that with bad shocks in the back it was on a jeep at night it was the hardest I have very laughed driving I have no idea how he kept it on the road and was bouncing everywhere
Yes, it's generally true the '39 Buicks were good, strong, well built cars, but styling was somewhat controversial. Folks either loved or hated it. Would've preferred '39 dash panel, am aware of the occasionally reported overheating issues & weakened rear chassis design Might've preferred Hudson over the Buick😊.
I love your channel. These vehicles are so lovely
=) glad you dig this episode
Yes I agree with your acquired taste assessment. And even though you seemingly didn't really like the looks of this car, you gave it the same thoughtful walk around like you always do! Would you consider doing a "What it's Like" on the red 63 Falcon convertible I saw through the rear window of this 39 Buick?
I treat all cars equally even the ones I don’t care for but someone out there cares about them and want to know more so I try and stay neutral =)
3:07 Isn't it odd the driver's windshield wiper seems to overlay the center bar?
13:50 That hood release is cool.
Yeah it’s hidden =) like you don’t know that’s a handle useless you know
There was a lot styling on the 39 ,influenced many other Buicks,First car my Father ever had,this is 1950.
For me the '39 Buick styling was love at first sight, not an acquired taste. Someday I'll actually get one! :)
I had a 1939 Pontiac, similar Body being GM.....but nicer Grill/Front End on the '39 Pontiac over stodgy '39 Buick.
But Buick was higher up on the GM food chain for more conservative non flashy customers.
Awesome =)
I love the unique styling of these autos, I think it's a lot in part to the headlights design set up, I really like the overall look and proportion of the body style. I do like the '38 slightly better, but both are really appealing to me. I also think the interior looks very spacious and comfortable, and the dash and steering wheel , I prefer it over the '38. Great little singing inserts during the engine covera 0:00 ge and the end 😊 seriously, fun touch. Cool video 😎 Happy 🦃Day to you and your family. 😃 I'd pick this one in both scenarios, although I do like the Hudson also!
Happy thanksgiving =) happy you dig this episode cool choices
I never realized the differences in the greenhouses between the 1938 and 1939 on. The 1938 has a much more cohesive look to it... the proportions are more to my taste. My neighbor has a 1940 that has been in his family since 1950 and I've always coveted. While I love the front end of the '40, I always thought that the roof looked awkward and seeing the '39 next to the '38 (especially that rear 3/4 view) now I know why.
I love doing the comparisons because you can see the differences between the two also helps narrow down car you’d like to buy =)
Jay your right I drove old chevy trucks.High speed you needed 4 lanes to keep it straight.It was much better than internationals they were loose when new.
Mine isn’t bad it’s pretty tight I just get worried whatever there’s two barriers and no shoulder going through construction that gets a little bit nervy
My Dad had a Century, but a 1974 version. - Funny...my Dad's 1974 had the same shade of brown inside with tan seats.
I see you now have some new editing features for these videos. Nice!
It almost looks like the 39 has a 2-3" body drop under the beltline above the fenders compared to the 1938.
Looks like most of the 2 piece safety glass is separating from the plastic sheet inside, hence the yellowing in the corners.
The Graham sure looks different than all the rest. There's something "Buck Rodgers" about it.
I ended up buying full version of in shot to add more effects to the videos to make them more interesting happy you noticed that.
Great story of your dads 74 century some things really do new change lol
Never force any window crank, gently push on the vent window while operating the crank, lubrication helps,
Yep if it doesn’t go I don’t force it
I always test them but most of the time it’s on camera I ease into it And put pressure in front and behind while slowly turning if it doesn’t release I move on =)
Jay, I personally like the styling of this Buick. I think the hood releases were a neat idea as well. What a large rear seat but how odd there is no inside rear view mirror! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Happy thanks giving to you and your family as well =)
It SHOULD have a rear-view mirror inside the car. Outside mirrors were optional, although very common.
That buick is probably like the caddy if it loses traction in the back it come right around on you. With out power steering and it length not a pretty picture.
For personal reasons it's the 39 Buick all day long for me those cars were ahead of their time
First choice the Olds 2nd the Graham Prefer the style of the 37-38 Buick, consider the 39 a transitional style until the 41 Buicks and the other 41 GM cars.The grille is kinda of a copy of the Y job, just didn't look well om the 39. Passed by a black 39 Buick 4 door like it in black walking to high school in 68-70, think the car is still with the same family .
Yeah they aren’t the ugliest Fuglyiest design out there it does sort of like many others in comments suggested frog like
Sweet choices
I didn't realize Hewlett Packard was founded in 1939. Always liked the name because it had Packard in it , but didn't think it had anything to do with Studebaker Packard.
Yeah I didn’t know that either until researching for this episode
Hey Jay. Not gonna lie. The 38 is better looking. Why GM turned away from the classy style of the grilled front I'll never understand.
A friend had a 41 Olds 4 door sedan and let me keep it for him while he was residing his house. That was a total gem with the rounded grill and head lights mounted on the grill. It was a hydro-matic. That was so cool to drive. He offered it to me but I was headed back to college. Love the late 30s and early 40s look.
Also, the 39 Specials, and maybe Centurys as well, had a short frame that ended just back of the rear axle when they first came out. Needless to say, having that much of the body unsupported was not one of Buick's smart ideas. That was corrected in just 2 or 3 months.
A friend of mine had a 1956 Buick Century which I thought was a great car and still do. What approximately would a 1939 Buick cost to buy today?
You failed to mention the directional signal switch on the gearshift.
Yes I did sorry I missed that
39 Mercury
39 Hudson
When I look at the grille of the 39 Buick there's just something about it. I can't tell if I like it or dislike it. It doesn't fit with the rest of the car very well. IMO I actually liked the 38 grill better.
The grill on this one kind of reminds me also of The strange shaped grill that Ford used on the 38 deluxe series cars. There was just something about the curvy line of the sides of the grill that didn't seem to look good on the rest of the car. At least in my opinion.
It's also very clear that General motors was well on its way to further developing and refining the overhead valve engine. Which we all know would eventually overtake the Flathead Ford V8 and 4 cylinders as well as most other manufacturers flathead engines as well as L head engine six cylinders.
However there were some definite distinctive styling differences during that era between Ford and its GM competition. The straight 8 engine was a longer motor and therefore the front end of the car had to be physically longer in order to accommodate the size. The flathead V8 was a compact engine that was able to attain pretty good RPMs for the era making it kind of like a hot rod engine of its era.
If you wanted a fast car you bought a Ford. Because it was smaller lighter and definitely faster.
If you wanted nicer interiors and a smooth highway ride, with a car that didn't have overheating and vapor lock issues you went for the GM, Plymouth, Chryslers or studebakers, or any of the other great automobiles that were made during that time.
I agree with you 100% though that this particular year is an acquired taste. You either love it or hate it. I don't think there's any in between.
Now for the 64,000 question. With the fact that I dislike the grill keep me from owning one of these if I could get it and afford it? Absolutely not. It's a classic automobile they're not making any more of those.
Great choices also thank you so much for sharing all that awesome information and insight =)
Definitely the Mercury for me! It was time for the headlights to be incorporated into the fenders. The others are just "goofy" looking.😂
Sweet =)
I love old Buick’s.
The '39 Century can exceed 100mph with little effort; the fact that it could do that was the reason it has the name "Century". The top speed of the 3.9:1 version was around 112mph and the 3.6:1 was close to 120. The fastest I've driven mine (3.9) was 108. It also has fairly good acceleration for the time.
Awesome thank you so much for sharing your experience with these cars =)
@@What.its.like. No problem. It's been my daily driver for about 10 years now. It's probably one of the best prewar cars to use for modern commuting due to it's high top speed, and decent fuel economy.
Biggest problem with them is parts availability and servicing.
1939 Buick, 1939 Graham (because it's leaping forward). It's alright in appearance, a little different, but it stands out. They all looked a little weird in 39', like an animal evolving in one of those in-between phases. 🦎😊
Like a praying mantis.
Sweet choices =)
'39 Buick, '39 Grahm sp?..... odd one/ looks cool., too difficult to EVER find parts for though. Music? From back in '39, I'm guessing? Way beyond my time?
Cool choices =)
Tuff choices this time but I think it’s going to be the 39 Buick and the 39 graham, the Buick definitely is an acquired taste but they were definitely luxurious and the graham is just cool. By the way the century was originally named the century because it could hit the century mark (100 mph) and that was a very big deal back then
Yeah I tried to make a choices super hard this time that gram sharknose though what a car there was one at Hershey and I missed it
That is a car that I want to feature really bad, Hupmoblie skylark is another next year I’m going to go for some more heavy hitters Auburn Duesenberg I think it would be really cool if I can do a Bugatti and a delahaye but that’s shooting for the stars =)
Same choices here. Definitely go for the sharknose over all the others. Under hood, the Buick offered twin carburetion but the Graham had an available supercharger.
No. It was named "Century" because it harked to one of the world's crack express trains, the New York Central's 20th Century Limited. The topline Buick 1936-on was similarly christened the "Limited." The first Buick to best an honest 100 was the '38 Century, 103 mph razor-tuned at the GM Proving Grounds.
@@What.its.like. Delage would be another or anything you do a great job
Definitely =)
Graham Sharknose...first time I've seen that car.
Stellar choice I want to feature that car so bad.. there was one at hershey but I didn’t see it
They dialed the shark nose back a bit in the early ‘40s, but for some odd reason put the headlights back on the catwalk which makes them look a bit dated IMO.
For me, it is the Buick in both scenarios. I guess that I have ventured into the acquired taste, I think it is quite attractive. Of course the Mercury and Olds are both attractive as well.
Awesome choices =) the Buick design is growing on me I will say
I don't think the '39 was bad-looking at all, but I prefer the '38, including the dash. Having said that, this time I'll take the Olds and the Graham.
I think the front end looks a little awkward. But that's a great back seat, and I like how easy it is to pack the trunk.
Wasn't the 1939 Buick the first to offer directionals?
Yes 39 was the first year to offer turn signals blew that lol
Great choices =)
Agree with @hcombs, the '38 was better looking.
I think that the ‘38 was far more beautiful and classic looking however ‘39 started the trend towards grills getting wider across all brands from all manufacturers for cooling purposes.
The brochure pictures of the different models don't show running lights on top of the fenders. Are those on the featured car a later addition, or were they an optional extra? Another great show, Jay.
That’s an excellent question
Yeah I totally forgot to mention the turn signals it won’t FE the last 39 Buick just a painful thing to forget
The 39 Buick may look beautiful to today's eyes, but at the time, it was controversial. That grille was supposed to have been inspired by a certain German racing car, but many thought it looked like a grasshopper.
It has aged well coming from someone who never grew up in that. I called this the beek Buick because it kind of sort of looks like the nose is a beek but I can also see frog or grasshopper as well
I'd rather the 38 exterior with the 39 interior. Oh and I'll take that orange Datsun Z.
Hahaha me to I love those
My favorite car forever. The last year version of Buick, which was in Lithuania before the bolshevist occupation in 1940.
The grille of the 39 was derived from the one-off "Y job" built the previous year. This car is missing the chrome strip that runs from the hood ornament through the emblem, diivding the grille to the bottom. It's also missing a horn ring. The shift lever has a small lever on it for the direction signal, only working on the trunk emblem.
No, it aped the '37 Mercedes Grand Prix racer, and was too small, which is why why '39 Buicks lost the annual Gallup Poll Most Beautiful Car which the '38 Buick took from Packard's 1935-37 run. The '39 Buick grille was enlarged to a better-looking version for the well-received '40 Flintmobiles, still with babbitt rod bearings through 1948, but good straight line performers. '39 Buicks' further cost cutting included ending the frame at the rear axle, accounting for the drooping rears that year, the second for cheap rear coil springs as in Oldsmobiles.
The century got its name for being able to reach 100/the century mark for speed. That is why i think cars like that,especially in 2 door form are the real muscle cars, there are soo many before the 64 gto, they are NOT the first muscle car
Beautiful styling imho
85 out of a 216.I think thats the fastest I have ever been told in a truck.
I’d choose the 1939 Buick Century. Thanks, I should add that I’ve seen this design of the front grill before and liked it then.
Sweet =)
😭😭😭😭 Ooooh so beauty
Haha, yeah, dude knows some classic AJ.
I dig the lost and forgotten stuff =)
Of the ‘39s shown, I liked the Olds and Hudson best but still think the Buick is mighty sharp. I loved the Art Deco trim details and the two-piece hood releases.
By the way, weren’t one-piece hoods common by ‘39 or was that not for another year or two?
Awesome choices interesting question I don’t know if they were one piece as in one solid piece because even cars in the 50s didn’t have a solid piece for example I have a 52 Chevy 1 ton truck the hood is two pieces in it has a bead in the center that connects both pieces.. I believe I’ll have to look at it again
I disagree with the top speed of this car. The name "Century" was chosen for this car as it was the first Buick that could do 100 MPH, thus, the "Century" name.
Marketing jargon is pound cake 1 lb subway foot long actually a foot long?
@@What.its.like. "The model name Century came about when Buick was designing its first production automobile capable of reaching a speed of 100 mph. The division needed to come up with a name. One of the Buick executives had returned from a recent trip to Britain, and told the other executives that the British referred to going 100 mph as "doing the century". The executives liked the Century name and it stuck." Source: Brandon K Hardison, Director of Sales Training. Accessed 11 24 23
Note: The original "Pound Cake" did, in fact, contain a pound of butter. It doesn't anymore. LOL :)
That’s what I meant it was originally named for that but wasn’t this model lol it was close tho
The '38 was definitely a better looking car in my opinion. Lot's of problems with the '39 as well. Love that straight 8 though and the dashboard.
Totally agree but the 39 is growing on me
I’m going 39 over 38,39 Buick and Graham in Coupes any of them cause to me all Coupes look good
I would rather.... '39 Buick either way... no idea on the song.
...but the song you sang at the end was Alan Jackson's 'married to a waitress and I don't even know her name'. LOL
Yeah haha I totally forgot about the Alan Jackson song until I heard it playing in the restaurant the other day and I was like man I should use that for the Lincoln.. The song was an oddball song it was beer barrel polka from 1939
Sweet choice
IMOP the 38 was the best looking of the rounded pre-war Buicks 36-42 - very well balanced. The 39 likely appeared much more 'modern' (art deco or, more accurately, streamline moderne), especially inside, but yes, an acquired taste indeed - 40 & 41 were more conventional and better looking. As originally designed and manufactured, the 39's had a 'short' frame. with virtually unsupported rear sheetmetal. Problems (!) ensued and most were fixed with angle iron bracing until a redesigned frame debuted mid-year. Bet you had a hard time getting the camera out - discovered the drawback of glovebox mounted clocks :) Those mouldings around the windows = garnish mouldings - faux wood, but they aped the real wood that would have existed some years earlier in 'fine' cars. Check out the early 80's upscale LeSabre and Electra models - Buick brought back the idea in 'woodgrain' (which wore badly btw) Centurys were some of the quickest, fastest cars in their day; certainly for the money. WYR: Buick Century in both cases.
Plymouths of the era had woodgrain trim which was actually ink done by hand over a base color, then lacquered. I wonder if these were done the same way?
Great information and insight awesome choices =)
THE BANKERS HOT ROD
Yeah for sure =) design is growing on me
I was told by folks of the day the century was so named because it would do 100 mph and that was huge, that was back when people would say he was going like 60 when describing someone in a big hurry because 60 mph was still a big deal
Mercury and Hudson. A guy in our neighborhood had a GM car that had a straight 8 engine in it. I think it was a Pontiac, but I am not sure. I do know it wasn't a Chevy.
It could’ve been an Oldsmobile could’ve been a Pontiac or a Buick possibly a LaSalle or Cadillac even depending on year Chevy didn’t make an in-line eight but all the other companies did, except for the companionship makes of course
Overall, I like the 38 better, including the dash, overall it looks more classic to me, the 39 looks like a weird looking frog somehow. WYR 1: Merc, 2. The Hudson and the Graham are both sweet, the Buick looks like a bad hangover compared to them, gotta go with Hudson!
Sweet choices =) I totally agree but will add its growing on me
I think it's a beauty, as tastey as lobster thermador.
Jay - check out today's Hemming's auction list - 1936 DeSoto Airflow Brougham Coupe. 1 of 4
It’s been circulating they want a lot of money for that car.. if it’s the same one
$150,00 I believe is the reserve. Highest bid $55,000@@What.its.like.
I like the '38 better than the '39 including the dash. In the WYR I would take the '39 Buick and the '39 Graham. I love the Graham.
Groovy choices =) that sharknose graham is really something
@@What.its.like. I hope you come across a graham and are able to do a video on it.
Not crazy about the grille on the '39...prefer the look of the '38.
39 Olds, 39 Graham
Sweet choices =)
You forget about light switch, and unique feature about car that it had first turn signals
Yes I totally forgot to talk about turn signals first car to have them
39 Dash!
39 Buick, my favorite Buick
39 Graham
song, dunno
Sweet choices =)
How is it that my 2004 Mercury Marquis is longer than this car but has less rear legroom and a shorter hood?
I had an 88 Lincoln tons of room in front and rear
@@What.its.like. your Lincoln was much longer than this car. The Gran Marquis rear legroom is a little tight for a car that size
Olds and Packard. The 38 Buick I think is a better looking car than the 39.