Buick Special

The Special in brief

From 1936, the Special was Buick's most affordable model. Until 1958, it was a large car, and in 1961, after a two-year hiatus, it returned as a compact model, becoming a mid-sized car from 1964. During this time, it offered coupe, sedan, and station wagon bodies, and for some years, even a convertible.

In 1959, General Motors renamed the Special to LeSabre. After 1970, the Special was no longer sold as a separate model, but its name was used for the base Century trim (1975–1979 and 1991–1996).

Which generation to choose

From 1949 to 1958, the Special was a large, low, and wide car with a separate frame. Models from this era are easily recognisable by the three VentiPort vents on each fender (older Buick models had four). In mid-1955, the four-door Special Riviera appeared — one of the first production four-door hardtops without a pillar between the doors.

From 1961 to 1963, the Special became a compact car with a unibody construction. In 1962, it was the first car in America to be mass-produced with a V6 engine and was named Motor Trend Car of the Year that year. From 1962, the Skylark became a separate series.

The 1964–1967 Special and Skylark were redesigned — a separate frame returned, the car became mid-sized, and the Special and Special Deluxe trims were introduced. The Special nameplate was used for more affordable models from 1968–1969.

Engines and transmissions

Early Specials came with inline eight-cylinder engines: from 1937, around 4.1 litres, and in 1951, the larger 'Fireball' inline eight-cylinder engine arrived. A completely new 'Fireball' V8 was introduced in 1954, and a 5.3-litre V8 in 1956. In 1957, a 364 cubic inch (around 6.0 litres) V8 with approximately 250 hp was fitted.

The compact 1961–1963 Special featured a new aluminium-block 215 cubic inch (3.5 litres) V8 (155 hp) and, from 1962, an iron-block 198 cubic inch (3.2 litres) V6. In 1963, buyers could choose a three-speed manual gearbox, a floor-mounted four-speed 'Borg-Warner T-10', or a two-speed 'Dual Path Turbine Drive' automatic.

From 1964, the V6 was enlarged to 225 cubic inches (3.7 litres), and the aluminium V8 was replaced by a 300 cubic inch (4.9 litres) V8 with an iron block. Initially, it had aluminium heads, but these were swapped for iron ones in 1965 due to issues.

What to check when buying a used Special

These cars are at least 55 years old, so the body condition is key. Check the sills, floors, boot floor, lower wing sections, and frame (for 1961–1963 models without a separate frame, the condition of the sills and body supporting parts is especially important). Determine if the car is original or restored, and who did the work.

Assess the engine condition by checking the cooling system and oil leaks. The aluminium 215 V8 is particularly sensitive to the correct coolant, and for the 1964–1965 300 V8, check if the cylinder heads are original and haven't been replaced. This engine's successor was produced for a long time by Rover (it was used in the Land Rover and MGB GT V8), so finding some mechanical parts is easier.

Brakes on these era cars are usually drums, so check their condition and the hydraulics. Finding body and trim parts (chrome, glass, interior details) can be tricky, so it's better to choose a more complete, less restored car. Check the documents in advance — most of these cars are imported from the USA.

Special eras and versions

Names and equipment vary by year and market; we list the main Special versions.

Comparing eras

A compact 1961–1963 Special is fascinating as a piece of automotive history, while the 1964–1967 version is simpler and often easier to find. The 'chromed-out' era Special is for those who prioritise style.

Frequently asked questions