Buick Sedan model 57, 1933 During the Great Depression of 1929, Buick dropped from third place in the automotive industry to eighth. Although the industry as a whole suffered, it has been hypothesized that the Flint automaker's decline was due to its early 1930s designs. Buick's higher price structure permanently hurt sales, especially when the BOP dealer network was able to sell more affordable Pontiacs. Today, many collectors appreciate the refined "Flint" styling and power of vehicles from this troubled era, such as this 1933 Model 57 sedan. In their fourth year of production, after replacing the 121 series, the 50 series models were slightly refreshed in the form of a chassis with a longer 119-inch wheelbase, complemented by a new, much stronger "X" crossmember. Although the supporting semi-elliptical leaf spring suspension system appeared unchanged, the length and number of individual leaves within each front spring assembly were modified to compensate for the wheelbase change. The rigid front axle was accompanied by kingpins. Internal mechanical expansion brakes were still used, with 12-inch drums, hidden behind steel wire wheels or steel artillery-style wheels. The Series 50 was powered by a 230.4 ci in-line eight-cylinder engine rated at 86 hp and around 173 lb-ft of torque. It was fitted with a Marvel updraft carburetor. Bolted against the engine was a three-speed synchronized manual transmission, with an initial gear ratio of 2.895:1, which was then connected, via the use of a torsion bar, to a conical spiral differential with semi-floating axles and a ratio of 4.70:1. The elongated wheelbase was clad by a body whose slightly stretched lines gave a more fluid appearance to the whole. Buick engineers succeeded in lowering the overall height by 2.25 inches. Buick advertising boasted a new V-shaped grille design and, specific to sedans, a gracefully curved rear panel nicknamed "beavertail". The new body still used the old-fashioned construction method of steel panels over wooden frames, with a stretched fabric protecting passengers from the elements. Floors were still thick and made of wooden slats. Sedan doors were hinged to the central pillar. Each Model 57 sedan was only available in a five-passenger configuration, with seats covered in luxurious mohair upholstery. A complete set of indicator dials adorned the dashboard, made of a steel panel edged with a chrome band. These included a speedometer, ammeter, water temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge and even a fuel gauge. The elegant styling was enhanced by "wood trim" extending from the dashboard to the entire cabin, from the window frames to the ashtrays. The Model 57 sedan proved to be Buick's biggest seller for three consecutive years, with 19,109 units purchased. Total Buick production of this model amounted to 43,247 units. The model offered for sale is a "barn puller". It is complete and ran until the late seventies. Its two-tone paintwork is original and still of remarkable quality. It has the enviable option of spoked wheels. Knowing that Al Capone rode in a Cadillac, driving in this car puts you in the nobler guise of Eliot Ness, the incorruptible.