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Classic Car Profile: Buick Special

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1956 buick special
1956 Buick Special
Photo: George Thomas

Buick’s history in the automotive industry dates back to 1899 when the industry was still emerging. It wasn’t until 1904 that the automaker made its first vehicle for sale to the public.

The Buick Special (also known as the Series 40) was introduced in 1934 as a full-size entry-level car. It was part of new Buick president Hawlow Curtice’s grand plan for the automaker, which he wanted to see succeed on its own, apart from the then-tied brands of Pontiac and Oldsmobile. The Buick Series 40 was comfortable and stylish and cost less than any other Buick model thus far. It saw a great deal of success in its first couple of years, and continued to sell well after its 1936 redesign, which was when the car was officially renamed the Buick Special.


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From 1936 to 1941, Special models made up the bulk of production and sales for Buick. In 1941, the Buick Special was offered in a whopping nine body styles spread across two chassis choices. After this, the war dug into Buick’s production, but the Special returned in 1946, this time with just two available models.

For the 1950 model year, the Special received a full makeover. It featured what Buick called “taper-through” styling to create a visual illusion of extra length. Other stylistic changes in the following years included the addition of convertible and hardtop models, and chrome fins, until the Special got a full redesign in 1954. This redesign saw improved steering, an upgraded interior, and a six-passenger Estate Wagon model.

In the late 1950s, Buick saw Special sales decline, thanks to a looming recession making drivers consider smaller and more economical vehicles. It was something felt by all Buick models, which consumers considered to be gas guzzlers. Sadly, this led to Buick discontinuing the Special in 1959 as it revamped the brand’s image.


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Buick did bring the Special back in 1961, but this time it sat on GM’s new compact Y platform. Buick rode this train for a couple of years before redesigning the Special once again in 1964 as a mid-size car built on GM’s A-body platform.

1961 buick special
1961 Buick Special
Photo: John Lloyd

The Buick Special saw a few generations after this, eventually ceasing production in 1996. Its very last run was as the entry-level trim on the Buick Century sedan and wagon.

Sources: Hemmings, Wikipedia