1941 Buick Roadmaster Convertible Phaeton
Among its 1941 lineup, Buick manufactured five distinct models, with the Roadmaster Convertible Phaeton standing out as one of the most prestigious offerings in the company’s range.
The Roadmaster’s exterior design featured graceful lines and abundant chrome trim, creating an imposing presence on the road. Its distinctive horizontal grille bars, complemented by additional chrome accents, commanded attention, while the power-operated soft top added versatility.
The car stretched an impressive 126 inches between the wheels, making it a substantial presence on American roads.
Under the hood sat a powerful 320 cubic inch Fireball inline eight-cylinder engine. This advanced powerplant generated 165 horsepower through a three-speed manual transmission.
A notable technical achievement was the Compound Carburetion system, which used dual carburetors to deliver excellent performance for a luxury car of this size.
The suspension system balanced comfort and handling through independent front suspension with coil springs and a semi-floating rear axle. Four-wheel hydraulically-assisted drum brakes provided stopping power adequate for the car’s mass and performance capabilities.
Inside, the Roadmaster displayed American luxury at its finest. Rich leather upholstery covered the spacious seating areas, while genuine wood trim adorned the dashboard. The instrument panel featured clear gauges set in an attractive layout.
Buyers could select options like an AM radio, dashboard clock, and fog lights to add convenience and style.
As Buick’s premier model, the Roadmaster Convertible Phaeton competed with other luxury cars like the Packard One-Twenty and the Cadillac Series 62. However, its combination of power, features, and price point created a distinct market position.
The 1941 model year proved significant as it marked the last time Buick would offer a four-door convertible sedan on a production chassis. Production numbers remained low, with just 312 units manufactured. This limited production run, combined with the model’s historical significance, has made surviving examples highly valued by collectors.
The Roadmaster demonstrated Buick’s engineering excellence through several innovative features. The Compound Carburetion system provided improved acceleration and power delivery compared to single-carburetor setups. The coil spring suspension offered superior ride quality to many leaf-spring equipped competitors.
Special features included bumper guards, a grille guard, and optional whitewall tires that enhanced the car’s visual appeal. The power-operated top mechanism represented advanced technology for the period, adding both convenience and sophistication.
Credit: RM Sotheby’s
