Drivetrain
Chassis
Body
Dealer Info
tel: 312-420-3696Chicago Car Club
6322 Gleason Road
Saugatuck MI, 49453
1940 Buick 81C "Flatback" Limited 4-Door Sport Phaeton
RARE HISTORIC VEHICLE – USED BY GANGBUSTER THOMAS DEWEY TO CAMPAIGN AGAINST HARRY TRUMAN
(Includes Original Signed Photo of Dewey in the Car)
Vehicle Details:
Year: 1940
Make: Buick
Model: 81C Limited 4-Door Sport Phaeton
VIN: 13781634
Engine Stamping: 8-3928548 (Original to Car)
Production Rarity: 1 of approximately 14 known to still exist
Possibly The Last U.S. Model 81C Produced: Body Number 230 of 250 total (20 were built for export)
Original Paint Color: Sequoia Cream (Yellow) – Currently Repainted in Black
Original Trim: Black Leather (Trim No. 858)
Comes With Extra Parts Seen In Pictures Including a Transmission
Contact Us By Call or Text Anytime!! Chicago Car Club – 312-420-3696
PLEASE BE SURE TO WATCH OUR DETAILED YOUTUBE VIDEO!
ENGINE STAMPING - 8-3928548 **Original to Car**
Trim Tag Decode:
1940 MOD. - 81C
Style No. - 40-4829 - Limited 4 Door Sport Phaeton
Body No. 230 - 230th Car Built of 250 Total with 20 built for export.
Trim No. - 858 - Black Leather
Paint No. - 549 - Sequoia Cream (Repainted in Black)
Historical Significance:
This 1940 Buick 81C Limited Phaeton is more than just a rare classic—it's a piece of American history. Used by Thomas Dewey during his campaign against Harry Truman, this car is featured in an original 17” x 14” photo with Dewey himself riding in it through the 9th Ward. The photo, which is included in the sale, is also signed by Dewey (etched into the image). There is no doubt that this is the car in the photo, complete with its original fender skirts, side mounts, and surviving interior.
About Thomas Dewey:
A relentless prosecutor and political leader, Thomas Dewey was instrumental in taking down organized crime in 1930s New York. He successfully prosecuted infamous mobsters such as Lucky Luciano and Dutch Schultz, achieving 72 convictions out of 73 cases. His reputation as a fearless "gangbuster" propelled him into politics, where he served as New York's district attorney and later as governor from 1942 to 1955. Though he lost the 1948 presidential election to Harry Truman, he remained a respected figure in law enforcement and governance. In 1968, President Nixon even offered him a Supreme Court nomination, which he declined. Dewey's impact on American justice and politics remains significant to this day.
Mechanical Condition:
Runs and Drives Well
Converted to a 12-Volt System
Shifts Nicely and Tracks Straight on the Road
Brakes Are Functional
Lights Are Operational
Runs Smoothly on Its Own Fuel Supply
Exterior and Underside Condition:
Largely Original and Solid Exterior with Some Blemishes
Super Solid Underside
Rare Bumper Attachments and Fender Skirts
Some Rust Repair in the Trunk Area (Previously Done in Fiberglass)
About the 1940 Buick 81C Model:
The 81C Limited 4-Door Convertible Phaeton was Buick's largest convertible in 1940, built on a massive 133-inch wheelbase and weighing 4,540 lbs. It was powered by Buick's 320 CID 'Dynaflash' inline eight-cylinder engine, producing 141 horsepower. The transmission is a three-speed manual. The original price in 1940 was $1,952, and production was limited to just 250 units, including 20 built for export. This rare Buick was designed as a luxury vehicle and was one of the most exclusive models of its time.
Final Thoughts:
This is an incredible opportunity to own a rare, historically significant classic car with direct ties to one of the most pivotal political campaigns of the 20th century. Whether you choose to restore it to its original grandeur or preserve its unique patina and history, this Buick 81C Limited Phaeton is a fantastic addition to any collection. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind piece of American history!
Contact Us By Call or Text Anytime!! Chicago Car Club – 312-420-3696
PLEASE BE SURE TO WATCH OUR DETAILED YOUTUBE VIDEO!
1940 Buick
Limited Series 80 Model 81C LIMITED PHAETON
$44,500
1940 Buick 81C "Flatback" Limited 4-Door Sport Phaeton
RARE HISTORIC VEHICLE – USED BY GANGBUSTER THOMAS DEWEY TO CAMPAIGN AGAINST HARRY TRUMAN
(Includes Original Signed Photo of Dewey in the Car)
Vehicle Details:
Year: 1940
Make: Buick
Model: 81C Limited 4-Door Sport Phaeton
VIN: 13781634
Engine Stamping: 8-3928548 (Original to Car)
Production Rarity: 1 of approximately 14 known to still exist
Possibly The Last U.S. Model 81C Produced: Body Number 230 of 250 total (20 were built for export)
Original Paint Color: Sequoia Cream (Yellow) – Currently Repainted in Black
Original Trim: Black Leather (Trim No. 858)
Comes With Extra Parts Seen In Pictures Including a Transmission
Contact Us By Call or Text Anytime!! Chicago Car Club – 312-420-3696
PLEASE BE SURE TO WATCH OUR DETAILED YOUTUBE VIDEO!
ENGINE STAMPING - 8-3928548 **Original to Car**
Trim Tag Decode:
1940 MOD. - 81C
Style No. - 40-4829 - Limited 4 Door Sport Phaeton
Body No. 230 - 230th Car Built of 250 Total with 20 built for export.
Trim No. - 858 - Black Leather
Paint No. - 549 - Sequoia Cream (Repainted in Black)
Historical Significance:
This 1940 Buick 81C Limited Phaeton is more than just a rare classic—it's a piece of American history. Used by Thomas Dewey during his campaign against Harry Truman, this car is featured in an original 17” x 14” photo with Dewey himself riding in it through the 9th Ward. The photo, which is included in the sale, is also signed by Dewey (etched into the image). There is no doubt that this is the car in the photo, complete with its original fender skirts, side mounts, and surviving interior.
About Thomas Dewey:
A relentless prosecutor and political leader, Thomas Dewey was instrumental in taking down organized crime in 1930s New York. He successfully prosecuted infamous mobsters such as Lucky Luciano and Dutch Schultz, achieving 72 convictions out of 73 cases. His reputation as a fearless "gangbuster" propelled him into politics, where he served as New York's district attorney and later as governor from 1942 to 1955. Though he lost the 1948 presidential election to Harry Truman, he remained a respected figure in law enforcement and governance. In 1968, President Nixon even offered him a Supreme Court nomination, which he declined. Dewey's impact on American justice and politics remains significant to this day.
Mechanical Condition:
Runs and Drives Well
Converted to a 12-Volt System
Shifts Nicely and Tracks Straight on the Road
Brakes Are Functional
Lights Are Operational
Runs Smoothly on Its Own Fuel Supply
Exterior and Underside Condition:
Largely Original and Solid Exterior with Some Blemishes
Super Solid Underside
Rare Bumper Attachments and Fender Skirts
Some Rust Repair in the Trunk Area (Previously Done in Fiberglass)
About the 1940 Buick 81C Model:
The 81C Limited 4-Door Convertible Phaeton was Buick's largest convertible in 1940, built on a massive 133-inch wheelbase and weighing 4,540 lbs. It was powered by Buick's 320 CID 'Dynaflash' inline eight-cylinder engine, producing 141 horsepower. The transmission is a three-speed manual. The original price in 1940 was $1,952, and production was limited to just 250 units, including 20 built for export. This rare Buick was designed as a luxury vehicle and was one of the most exclusive models of its time.
Final Thoughts:
This is an incredible opportunity to own a rare, historically significant classic car with direct ties to one of the most pivotal political campaigns of the 20th century. Whether you choose to restore it to its original grandeur or preserve its unique patina and history, this Buick 81C Limited Phaeton is a fantastic addition to any collection. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind piece of American history!
Contact Us By Call or Text Anytime!! Chicago Car Club – 312-420-3696
PLEASE BE SURE TO WATCH OUR DETAILED YOUTUBE VIDEO!