Choosing a 1930s American Sedan

[likaleica]

I am after a reasonably practical/usable American four door large sedan(saloon)from the 1930s and I'm hoping for some help from any American car buffs out there.
Important factors are drivability, spares availability and ease of maintenance.
Seen a 1936 McLaughlin Buick 90 Limited Limousine and a 1939 Plymouth Deluxe - and would be interested to hear from anyone who knows the pros and cons of these or can suggest alternatives. Thanks fellas !

[occrj]

Model A Fords have quite a following, thanks in part to excellent spares availability - not something that can be levelled at all pre-war American cars, especially if running them in the UK.

RJ

[dartissimus]

occrj said:

Model A Fords have quite a following, thanks in part to excellent spares availability - not something that can be levelled at all pre-war American cars, especially if running them in the UK.

RJ

Agreed, a friend imported a Model A pickup, cheap as chips, Ford made millions of them and NOS parts are readily available and cheaper than parts for anything else; service from American suppliers is first class.
Not worth considering anything else

[roscobbc]

Perhaps look for a car with a flathead 6 pot - a most American manufacturers (like British) used pre war engine designs after the war into the mid 50's which will make engine spares easier. Ford and Cadillac V8 sidevalves are desirable and accordingly expensive. Try looking at Plymouth and Studebaker or similar low/medium standard cars, they seem to be less expensive and both were marketed here and in South Africa where quite a few RHD cars seem to come from. Hudson are another choice - engine parts can be sourced through the Railton owners club here in UK.
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C479008
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C470481
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C358215
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C347153

[aeropilot]

likaleica said:

Seen a 1936 McLaughlin Buick 90 Limited Limousine and a 1939 Plymouth Deluxe - and would be interested to hear from anyone who knows the pros and cons of these or can suggest alternatives. Thanks fellas !

A couple good friend of mine run 1946/1947 Plymouths and mechanically they are almost identical to a '39 as the first few years of post war production were literally carry-overs from the immediate pre-war cars.
They don't have a huge problem with parts (theres a healty period Plymouth online community).

Don't don't much about the Buick's other than they are very nice


If you're not in any hurry I suggest a trip to the Pre-50 American Automible Clubs annual gathering in July and talk direct to owners etc.

http://www.pre50aac.com/rog.html

[Blib]

In Lincolnshire.

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C473830

[aeropilot]

Blib said:

In Lincolnshire.

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C473830

Perfect choice