Vehicle Description
1948 Buick Super Convertible
The Buick Super is a full-sized automobile produced by Buick from
1940 through the 1958 model years, with a brief hiatus from 1943
through 1945. The first generation shared the longer wheelbase with
the top level Roadmaster while offering the smaller displacement
engine from the Special. The Super prioritized passenger comfort
over engine performance and was replaced by the Riviera in
1963.
Here we offer up for consignment what could be best described as
large and in charge. Not quite a Caddy, but who cares, it is from
an era where the more chrome the better, make use of big rounded
steel panels like the aircraft of the time, and added features that
are decidedly Buick. A success story in this 1948 Super convertible
with a restoration from about 15 years ago still showing well. Our
consignor states this was a body off restoration and the car has
done very well at local shows. "I'm an excellent driver, and this
is an excellent car, I know this car, I know this car, I always
drive on Mondays...UUhhh OH!!
Exterior
With a seemingly open mouth and toothy smile this front bumper is
worth the price of admission. Buick Eight script is carved into the
top "lip" of the smile and just above begins the long journey of
the hood on its way to the windshield. Prior to its rise, a
cloisonne badge looks upward to the chromed gun sight/jet hood
ornament atop the bulbous shaped hood front. On the side front
fenders which flank this beautiful hood, perfectly chromed spears
double as the releases for the coffin style hood and lead the way
for the large beautiful sweeping body line which will run through
each massive door then dive down just before the rear wheel well.
More shiny trim in excellent condition, makes a lap around the door
sills, windows and rear roofline and has dual chromed mirrors
hanging off on either side. A small bump out for the rear fenders
which have deeply inset lighting in chrome bezels lead back to the
rear with horizontally oriented pointed oval taillights with shiny
bezels. A large bumper frames the back lower and another beautiful
big cloisonne badge adorns the center of the trunk. All lower steel
panels are straight and rust free, painted in a non-original red
and the paint looks good. The canvas convertible top is presented
in a tan color and is a good contrast to the red. No rips or
soiling are present on the top, which by the way is power actuated.
Body matching painted steel wheels with a bump out dog dish center
cap for the wheel covers are on all 4 corners and these are wrapped
in wide whites to complete the effect. "Lights out at 11, right
after Judge Wapner."
Interior
A swing of the doors and the hits just keep on coming! Snazzy
smooth leather panels with horizontal chrome delineation strips,
power window toggles and still the wing window crank and chromed
door actuator lever are topped by red steel...this is awesome.
Slipping inside more tan leather for the two benches with tuck and
roll inserts which are surrounded by smooth leather bolsters. The
original looking steel dash in more body matching red, has round
instruments and a large chromed center panel with the radio and
just below the speaker grille and chrome knobs on each side. A big
round bakelite black steering wheel with a chromed center horn ring
shows just a few cracks and a nice center badge. Black vinyl
matting in the front and tan carpet for the rear floods the floors,
and I just can't get enough of the 2-piece windshield.
Drivetrain
A tilt of the hood and we shake hands with the Fireball inline 8
which is definitely original. 248 cubes sport an aqua valve cover
and sit snugly into the restored and very clean engine bay. A
single 2-barrel carburetor is on the side, and on the back is the
venerable 3-speed manual transmission. Bringing up the tail end is
a rear axle weighing in with a 4.45 ratio. "I only fly Qantas,
Qantas Airlines, no Crashes, No Deaths."
Undercarriage
Looking underneath there is surface rust and patina, but the X
frame remains solid. Some invasive rust is noted on the interior
underside skinning near the rear wheel wells, flooring, and body
hangers but this is not affecting the structure. Independent coil
springs provide the soft cushy ride in the front and for the rear
we note coil springs and a 3 link setup. Single exhaust is on to
handle the spent fossils and is looking just dandy.
Drive-Ability
She started right up and on the test track worked swimmingly.
Smooth acceleration, bias free stopping, and a wonderful super ride
just like its name states. Mother Nature gave us a break from the
cold so I was able to enjoy my drive topless with all functions
working but the power windows having finicky operation.
A full 2 thumbs up for this wonderful machine all blinged out with
massive chrome, good paint and a snazzy interior. Just a beauty of
a design, and personally I would take this over the same year Caddy
any day. A fine example and don't drop the toothpicks! (I'll have
to count them!)
VIN DECODE
34944583
3-Linden, NJ Assy Plant
4944583-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
MOD 56C-Super Convertible Sedan
STYLE NO 48 4567X-1948 Buick Super Convertible Hydro-Electric
Top
BODY NO L13926-Linden Body #
TRIM NO 44-Bedford Tan Cloth
PAINT NO 23-Nickel Gray
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.