1948 Buick 8 - Series 50 Super Convertible

The Buick Super was a range of cars manufactured by General Motors (GM) under the Buick brand during the model years 1930 to 1935 and from 1940 to 1958. Until 1935, the range was known simply as the Series 50. From 1940 onwards, the designation ‘Super’ was added. The new large six-cylinder models for 1930 featured an overhead-valve engine with a displacement of 5'431 cc and an output of 99 bhp. The wheelbase of the cars, which were available only as two-door coupés and four-door saloons, was a uniform 3'150 mm. From spring 1931, Buick offered the Series 50 with a slightly modified body; the wheelbase had been reduced to 2'896 mm and the radiator grille had slightly rounded edges. A new feature was the straight-eight engine with a displacement of 3'617 cc and an output of 77 bhp. Following the discontinuation of the entry-level 40 Series model, the 50 Series served as the new entry-level model, offering seven different body styles with two or four doors. Following the customary cosmetic changes for the years 1932, 1933 and 1934, production of the car continued unchanged in the 1935 model year. The Series 50 was subsequently phased out without being replaced. At the start of 1940, Series 50 cars reappeared; however, these were a better-equipped variant of the Series 40 Special and were given the nickname ‘Super’. In addition to a four-door saloon, a two-door coupé and a two-door open-top with a fixed boot, there was a four-door phaeton and a five-door estate. Like the Special, both models were powered by an inline eight-cylinder engine with a displacement of 4'064 cc and an output of 107 bhp. In the 1941 model year, the headlamp housings were fully integrated into the front wings, which had become more voluminous. The Phaeton was available with two doors instead of four, whilst the estate was discontinued. In 1942, the final year of pre-war production, the Super was given yet another facelift. The flat, horseshoe-shaped radiator grille once again featured vertical chrome bars. In 1946, car production resumed with slightly modified pre-war models. The engine from the pre-war Special, producing 110 bhp, was used. Alongside a four-door saloon, there was a two-door Sedanette (fastback saloon), a two-door convertible and a five-door estate. Until 1948, there were only minor exterior changes. The Buick Series 50 Super Cabriolet on offer here was first registered in the USA in 1948. There, the car was presumably repainted many years ago in its original color, ‘Sequoia Cream’, and the original green interior was replaced with beige imitation leather. Around 1990, the Buick was imported into Switzerland and, shortly afterwards, it became part of the last owner’s collection. In recent years, the large convertible has spent most of its time in a dry storage facility – since 2015, it has covered only around 350 miles. The Buick is currently in decent condition – the engine runs and the 3-speed gearbox shifts correctly. The clutch will need replacement in the medium term. The bodywork is sound, the paintwork shows age-related signs of wear, and the interior is in good condition. The hydraulic soft top works, but the hydraulic window regulators will probably need overhauling. Due to the prolonged period of inactivity, a new battery, a service and a general inspection should be planned so that you can once again enjoy this impressive convertible. The last veteran MOT took place in July 2015.