Vehicle Description
Quality older restoration in catalog colors. Runs and drives
beautifully. Very nice interior with fully finished trunk. Newer
wide whitewall radials. Nicely documented. A usable big Buick with
a lot of style for not a lot of cash!We don't know who performed
the restoration, but it was a high-quality frame-on job of a
complete, straight car that was probably finished 10-15 years ago.
The car was obviously disassembled for the job, and it was
refinished in its original code 44 Teal Blue over Beach White color
combination (the Teal Blue is quite subtle, so don't fret about the
photos). There may be a few very, very minor signs of use, but
nothing is unwinding-no cracks, no misaligned panels, no fading,
and the car looks fantastic from any angle today. The Special got
all the same design cues as the other models, from the revised
grille with finer 'teeth' and built-in parking light pods to the
sweep spear trim along its flanks and, of course, the famous Buick
portholes in the front fender. Any '50s car is going to have a lot
of chrome to restore, so someone made the investment here-it looks
fantastic with all the pieces shining up brilliantly and showing
very few signs of age save for some minor pitting on the vent
window surrounds. The car also features excellent glass with the
traditional GM Sof-Ray tint, good emblems and lenses, and accessory
side mirrors.Like the bodywork, the interior was nicely restored.
We don't know if the handsome blue/gray cloth is 100% correct, but
the patterns have a very '50s look that's still all-day
comfortable. The big steering wheel features the same horn ring and
button as other Buicks and all the gauges are fully operational.
It's easy to get comfortable behind the wheel and the view down the
long hood, where you'll find the famous Buick 'Bomb Sight' hood
ornament, is still worth the price of admission. There is no radio
(which was still optional in 1952) and the clock is offline, which
isn't unusual, but otherwise everything works, including lights,
signals, and horn, making this a great hobby car that can be
enjoyed right away. For functionality, the carpets are protected by
heavy-duty rubber mats and with that big back seat you shouldn't
think twice about bringing some friends along for the ride. The
massive trunk is outfitted with plush gray carpet that's expertly
tailored and includes a full-sized spare tire.Buick was famous for
its straight-8 powerplants, with this one displacing 263 cubic
inches and making 128 horsepower when linked to a DynaFlow
transmission. The 263 was much more than simply a bored-out 248,
and offered significant upgrades such as hydraulic valve lifters,
insert bearings, improved oiling, and dozens of other little
improvements that make the 263 arguably the best of the
straight-8s. In this Special, it's smooth and torquey, starting
easily with the pushbutton under the dash and pulling the sleek
hardtop around with relative ease. It also makes great sounds, a
nice 8-cylinder burble from the exhaust and a wonderful mechanical
symphony that sounds expensive under the hood. Detailed in correct
Buick Turquoise engine enamel with a black oil bath air cleaner,
the engine bay looks crisp and bright. The DynaFlow transmission
was a popular option in 1952, with a vast majority of Buicks
receiving the no-shift automatic. The car just accelerates without
any shifts and cruises easily at 55-60 MPH thanks to 3.60 gears out
back. The underside of the car shows nothing scary or in need of
attention, just some normal surface scale on some of the heavy iron
parts and nothing to hide. It also offers powerful brakes,
reasonable steering (both manual), and an exhaust system that is
hushed but muscular. Factory steel wheels and hubcaps look
appropriate and carry 235/75/15 wide whitewall
radials.Documentation includes manuals, catalogs, and period
advertising.Offering a lot of car for the money, this Special is
powerful, smooth, quiet, and easy to handle. Sure, you could buy a
comparable Chevy, but why be like everyone else? The Buick stands
out in a big way, and that's not by accident. Add in a flashy color
combination, quality restoration, and the silky smooth straight-8,
and you have a delightful hobby car that asks for very little in
return for all the fun it provides. Call today!Harwood Motors
always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections
of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.
