Vehicle Description
1950 Buick Special 2 Door Sedan
While the 1950 Buick's styling curves were as modern as Jane
Russell's latest gown, the engineering was as tried-and-true as
Clark Gable's smile. Buick saw no reason (at this point) to follow
Oldsmobile and Cadillac into the short-stroke V8 era. Its
long-stroke, valve-in-head "Fireball" straight-eights still had
plenty of appeal to the Buick crowd. Also, at the time of the
Special's debut, only fastbacks - or "Jet-backs," as Buick called
them in 1950 were available.
For consignment a "jet back" Sedanette car with pontoon fenders big
steel panels, and a grille that is worth its weight in gold. This
car has nice paint, a snazzy interior, and runs like a champ.
Exterior
Bathed in a beautiful Royal Maroon Metallic that is a really well
done job, it has been polished to look miles deep. A few minor
dents and dings, along with 2 minimal patches of cracks in the
paint due to rust can be seen. Gorgeous chrome on this car
throughout including the front grille which is made up of 9
individual pieces for the vertical "teeth" each one different from
the other. A nice chrome trim piece curves above these vertical
pieces and is badged in black Buick Eight copperplate script. A
massive lower bumper with dual signal lights hangs below and
completes the "smile". As we move up to the bulbous hood it has the
trio of vent ports now more oval than circular as in previous
models. Large steel doors with a fender line bump continuing from
front to rear on this car that has no trim spears to be seen.
Bringing up the rear is the "jet back" with curved rear wrap around
glass, and a nice bumper below dual oval taillights within the
rounded rear quarters. Wide whites wrap chrome rimmed dog dish
style BUICK badged wheel covers all around.
Interior
A nice gray broadcloth covers the door panels and is just a little
loose showing some minor wrinkles. Turning our attention to the
seats, we see a split front bench covered with gray broadcloth, and
it is embellished with dark gray and white stripes. This theme
continues on the rear bench, which is much like an overstuffed
couch, complete with arm rests on either side. Nice clean gray
carpet covers the floors, and a dark gray metal dash floats above
in front. It is bejeweled with a bevy of round gauges, a center
radio and button cluster all in nice chrome. Seen below is an
aftermarket CD player, and an original Buick heater box. A nice
tight curved gray headliner is above all this luxury.
Drivetrain
A 248ci Inline 8-cylinder, original to the car, and restored, sits
neatly in a clean engine bay. It is topped by a single 2-barrel
carburetor, and has the original 3-speed manual transmission
behind. Bringing up the rear (literally) is a 3.91 axle.
Undercarriage
Looking at various aspects of the underbelly of this Special, we
note some surface rust on the frame, but it remains structurally
sound. As for the floorpans and areas of the wheel wells, there is
invasive rust seen having taken its toll. There have been repairs,
but they will still need some TLC. Independent coil spring front
suspension and rear torque tube and radius rod with a coil spring
setup is seen. Drum brakes are all around.
Drive-Ability
You've gotta love these massive early 50's cars, which were getting
away from the separate body fender styling, and now all integrated,
and big smooth continuous lines. This car started right up and ran
smoothly. It has a wonderful cushy ride, and decent acceleration.
The brakes have a little to be desired, but they do bring this
massive car to an eventual stop. Noted also there are no wipers,
and the heater blower was inoperable.
With deep paint peppered with a few flaws, mirror-like chrome, and
the jet back, you cannot beat the styling on this wonderful
classic. A fairly clean engine bay well maintained, and a nice
interior all in tasteful gray, it plays well with the exterior
Royal Maroon Metallic paint.
Trim Tag
MODEL # 46-5-1950 Buick Special 2 Door Jetback Sedanette
STYLE # 50 4407-1950 Buick Special 2 Door Jetback Sedanette
BODY # BW1236-Wilmington Body #
TRIM # 40-Gray Striped Cloth
PAINT # 49-12-Royal Maroon Metallic
ACC A-Sonomatic Radio
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 500 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
