“Some builds wear their scars, some wear their shine. This one wears its patience.”
From the moment it peeks out of the shadows of the garage—low, wide, and wearing that unmistakable Art Deco grille—Mark Stumbo’s 1939 Buick Special demands attention even before paint ever touches metal. With primer still fresh and raw edges proudly showing, this classic isn’t just a project; it’s a statement of intent.
A Look Back to Go Forward
Mark picked up the ’39 as a shell of its former self—straight body, little rust, but plenty of untold stories. “It sat for years,” he recalls. “But I knew it had potential. The lines were right, and the bones were solid. It just needed someone to believe in it again.”
The Buick Special isn’t the most common platform in the hot rod scene, which is exactly why Mark gravitated toward it. “Everyone’s seen a Ford or Chevy build, but I wanted something different—something elegant but mean. The Buick had curves and presence.”
The Build (So Far)
Currently under primer, the Buick is awaiting its final coat—though even in this unfinished state, the form is undeniable. A lowered stance hugs the pavement thanks to a modernized suspension swap, and behind those wide fenders, a custom wheel and tire setup tucks perfectly beneath the bodyline.
Under the hood? Still a closely guarded secret. But based on the empty engine bay and the sly smirk Mark gives when asked, something wicked is on its way.
Inside, plans call for a minimalist but period-inspired cockpit—custom gauges, reshaped dash, and a mix of old-world craftsmanship and new-world tech.
Why This Car?
Mark says it best: “It’s not about the destination—it’s about the craft. The Buick chose me, in a way. It sat quiet for years, waiting for someone to bring it back. I just happened to be the guy who said yes.”
The project has already seen its fair share of long nights, busted knuckles, and parts hunting. But through it all, the car has become something more—a bond between eras, a piece of family legacy, and a personal challenge to finish what was once left behind.
What’s Next?
Final bodywork, paint (maybe a deep metallic charcoal or satin emerald?), and then full drivetrain install. Mark’s aiming for a reliable cruiser with enough bite to earn respect at shows and shake a few windows rolling through small-town streets.
In His Words:
- Hardest Part So Far: “Getting the stance just right. You don’t want to ruin the lines with a bad wheel gap.”
- Favorite Moment: “That first time it rolled out into the sun under its own weight. No engine yet, but it looked alive again.”
- Advice to Other Builders: “Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Just start. Even primer tells a story.”
- If Budget Was Unlimited: “Custom interior, air ride, LS3 swap, full soundproofing. But I’m happy with what I’ve got.”
💬 Final Note:
“This isn’t a museum piece. It’s not going to be a trailer queen. It’s going to be driven. It’s going to be loud. And it’s going to make people remember when cars had soul.”
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