Buick introduced the Model 90 in 1930 for the 1931 model year, built on a 132-inch wheelbase and powered by a 5,650cc (345) eight cylinder 104 bhp overhead valve engine. Even with the Great Depression about to hit, Buick sold 25,503 of its Series 90 in 1931. This big new Buick put the brand in direct competition with Cadillac and caused some tensions between the two brands; Buick sold at a quarter the price of a Cadillac, and shared some of their Fisher bodies, but Cadillac still outsold them. For 1932 the wheelbase could be 134-inches or 140-inches depending on coachwork. A new 5,231cc (319) engine gave 140 bhp, whilst the 345 was improved to 114 bhp. 1934 Model 90s were on 136-inches with a 116 bhp from the 345 unit, but sales were now down to 4,200. Even lower sales, of 1,600 followed in 1935, but the new Buick Limited was launched in 1936.
ab Buick Series 90 1931 4-door sedan grille
Buick Series 90 1931 4-door sedan - grille. Behind the grille the largest of Buick's new overhead valve straight eight engines, at 5.6-litre (344.8), giving 104bhp
Buick Series 90 1931 4-door sedan front
Buick Series 90 1931 4-door sedan. The most luxurious Buick of 1931, the Series 90 had a 5,650cc inline 8-cylinder engine.
Buick Series 90 1931 4-door sedan side
Buick Series 90 1931 4-door sedan. Built on a massive 132-inch wheelbase. These Fisher bodies were shared woth Cadillacs
