Leading the all–eight-cylinder Buick line for 1931 was the Series 90, which was offered in eight different body styles.

The 104-horsepower engine incorporated state-of-the-art innovations such as an oil temperature regulator to cool the engine at high speeds and warm it in cold weather, as well as thermostatically controlled radiator shutters as found on Duesenbergs and Packards.

According to historian Beverly Rae Kimes, every component of the new model was tested over hundreds of thousands of miles to ensure that it would be as durable as previous Buicks.

The basic resemblance of the Series 90 to a Cadillac was no coincidence; the two shared many of the same Fisher bodies, and the introduction of the 1931 Series 90 marked the beginning of a decade-long Cadillac-Buick rivalry for high-end luxury sales.

Not surprisingly, the Series 90 is today one of the few Buicks accorded Full Classic status by the Classic Car Club of America.

In addition to its appeal on the show field, its exce...