1929 Buick Master “Indy Special” by Harry Butcher
Offered at $200,000 USD
Location: Graz, Austria
[PHOTOS AVAILABLE]
Vehicle Overview
A rare and historically significant piece of American racing heritage: the 1929 Buick Master Butcher Indianapolis Special, a unique custom-built race car originally crafted by Harry Butcher of Wilmington, Illinois.
- Engine: Inline 8-cylinder (Straight-8), approx. 100 hp, 4.5L
- Carburetion: 4x Stromberg 97
- Dimensions:
- Wheelbase: 3,230 mm
- Length: 4,850 mm
- Width: 1,820 mm
- Height: 1,270 mm
- Front Track: 1,530 mm | Rear Track: 1,580 mm
- Bore/Stroke: 77.79 mm / 117.48 mm
- FIVA Registered
- Ready for Rally Participation
Historical Significance
Built by Harry “Hank” Butcher, a former mechanic turned race car builder and two-time Indy 500 competitor, this car embodies the spirit of pre-war American motorsport. Butcher and his brother James designed this car to compete in the Indianapolis 500, making this example the very first of the “Butcher Brothers Specials.”
- 1929: The car was constructed using a Buick Master chassis and a hand-crafted race body. It failed to qualify for the Indy 500 that year but was extensively tested.
- 1930: Butcher placed 14th in the Indy 500 with a subsequent version of this car—his best career finish.
- 1932: The original straight-6 was replaced with a 272 cu in Buick straight-8 engine.
- 1936: Butcher traded the car back to dealer Henry Geise for a Buick Century Series 60.
The car then crossed the Atlantic and was used in Austrian film productions before being preserved by private collectors.
Provenance & Restoration Timeline
- 1955: Sold to Schmiede Company, Vienna – used in film.
- 1961: Acquired by an Austrian collector; road-approved in the 1970s.
- 2005: Purchased by the current owner.
- 2022: Full restoration completed with a focus on retaining originality and ensuring rally-readiness.
Rally-Ready Enhancements (All Original Parts Retained)
- 12V electrical system with modern alternator
- 5-speed LIMA gearbox (original 2-speed included)
- Upgraded cooling system with electric water pump and dual fans
- Mechanical fire suppression system
- Folding windscreen and emergency canopy
All modifications were made with sensitivity to period-correct aesthetics and engineering.
Recent Performance
In 2024, the car successfully completed over 2,000 km in two prestigious European classic rallies: the Südsteiermark Classic and the Ennstal Classic, demonstrating excellent reliability and roadworthiness.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a one-of-a-kind American special with documented history, a high level of originality, and proven touring capabilities.
For inquiries Contact Larry FitzGibbon 1-941-716-4785
Vehicle located in Graz, Austria
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