Hi, my name is Don and I'm a car idiot.

[Itoldyouso]

I gotta join some support group, I'm waaaaay too weak to be running around all on my own. I just got a return phone call from some guy and I think I am about to give in to the temptation to buy another car.

When I was driving around a week or so ago I turned around in a driveway of a closed down business, and there was a for sale sign on the locked chainlink fence. Back near the building I could see some backhoes, trailers, and other construction stuff, and in the middle of it was some old four door sedan. It was back too far to make out the brand, it was either a late 30's Chevy, or Olds, or some similar car. I could tell though that the body was very solid......very solid. It looked like it was pretty much all there too.

Today for some unknown reason my car sickness kicked in and I drove back there and called the number and mentioned on the answering machine that I might be interested in buying the car. He just called back. It is a 38 Buick Century four door sedan that has been in his family since 1940. He drove it to school when he was 16, and in the late 60's they parked it inside the family business shop among the bulldozers and other stuff, and it has sat there ever since. The title was last transferred in 1940.

The scary part is, he wants to sell it because the building is being sold and they just moved it outside a few weeks ago. It has to go. He says the motor is a straight 8 with three speed stick, and it turns over. He also has all the pieces like bumpers, etc. but the interior is shot. I guess 71 years will do that to you. From what I can see from the gate this thing looks really straight and solid. He says it has no rust because it was dry stored inside for the past 40 some years.

I REALLY don't need this now, but I want it so bad. I have started doing some research on the internet, and the Century was the hot rod of the Buick line up in 38. They shoved the big straight 8 into the lighter Century chassis. I am tempted to actually keep this one stock if it is as nice as I think it is. Maybe just clean it up a little, freshen the motor up, fix whatever is worn out, and get a quick spray job on it.

We are meeting him at his shop tomorrow at 2 pm to check it out. I bet a lot of you feel the same "should I or should I not" fears I am having right now. I REALLY REALLY don't need another project, especially one that is as big as a two bedroom apartment. Anyway, here are some pictures off the internet............I'll post some pictures of it tomorrow when I go to see it.

Don

[techinspector1]

If you don't buy it, please give me the contact info.

[Itoldyouso]

You've got dibs right behind me Richard.

Don

[pat mccarthy]

if i were you i get it you know you want it .go ahead it is ok how is that for support

[brian41chevy]

Don't hesitate. One's like that don't come around all that often.

[Itoldyouso]

I hope it looks as good close up as it does from 100 feet away. Guess I'll find out tomorrow.

The more research I am doing on the internet the more I like it. 1938 had a floorshift transmission, and I think I remember it was one of the ones old hot rodders used, just like Cad Lasalles, Packard, etc. The engine is a 322 CI straight 8, and the same basic engine was used until 1952. Some parts seem to be fairly reasonable for them, some are not so cheap. I saw a tail light lens for $ 145..........hope this car has them intact.

I might build a bomb and show up on Livin' the Low Life!

Don

[Bob Parmenter]

Fabulous cars, love the '37-9 Century models, especially the '39, but any of them are great. Coil suspension front and rear, though the torque tube is a minor annoyance. Twice pipes give an interesting sound. I struggled with myself in January over whether or not to buy a very nice, restored '39 coupe. I'm trying to trim the fleet rather than pump it up though. Prices on these have taken a pretty good hit............the temptation is/was strong. 'But what the hey, we're spending your money.............step up!!!

[37 Caddy]

Go with it, but be aware that you will fall in love with four doors. But you will find it necessary to hide this new addiction from the two door crowd who think four doors are only for taxis.

My addiction has found me searching for 60's Lincolns and even some serious thoughts about some old limos.

[Dave Severson]

Yeah but, a 4 door???? Man, you gonna go into shock after them little roadsters!!!!! Neat cars, but of course the "Curse of the Four Door" goes with it....Lower resale.... But if it's a good deal, why not???? Heck, my toter is a four door and I sure do like it!!!!!!

[Itoldyouso]

If and when this happens I am thinking seriously of not molesting it. It has survived this many years so it deserves to continue as it was..........stock. Although I'm not a restorer there are certain cars that you have to respect for what they are.

We'll see what happens. I might have to buy a zoot suit though. (younger crowd is wondering what the heck a zoot suit is. ) See picture below.

Don

[hotroddaddy]

You have to purchase a zoot suit if your gonna make a bomb Don!!!!No other way to do it. If you pick up an issue of lowrider mag they have advertisments for nice suits to buy.

If you have the spare cash, and you really want it, i say go for it!!! You only have one life, and you have done your duties. The career and family business is taken care of, time to live it up.

[BradC]

Don, if it's a matter of room you know I will take the T for the $200 you promised me....LOL
Bradc

[stovens]

A nice pin stripe suit for the meet and greet might be in order. Who know's this guy might be a Don too!
Seriously, my name is Steve and I have an Addiction to motorized vehicles 2 and 4 wheel! I understand. This one has those large torpeto headlights that are just so cool! Might be a fun weekend parade car, or out for little puts in the sun! Can't wait to see some photos!

[REGs]

Hey Don ....... you already have this support group ....... and we support the fact that you must buy it!!!

Regs aka/ Ratty 46

[T42]

So whats the verdict???....Did you get it or not....??? The suspence is killing me!!....