Highlights
- 322ci ‘Nailhead’ V8 engine
- Same owner for the last 28 years
- Leather interior reupholstered back in 2001
The Appeal
The Buick Special lives up to that model designation undoubtedly, and is a true ‘smiles per gallon’ vehicle that you enjoy regardless of how thirsty the old lump of a V8 may be - there aren’t many cars on the road that will turn as many heads as this beauty rolling down the road will.
This particular example was imported in 1990 from Texas, and thanks to being from a dry state the car still presents itself in solid form with a great base for someone to take custodianship of. It has recently developed gearbox issues - the linkages appear okay, and the gears will change while stationary, however the car will not engage the gears and move under its own power due to this fault.
The History and Paperwork
- Vehicle manufacture date of 1956
- Matching numbers, original gearbox and engine
- Imported to the UK as of February 1990 and registered
- Texas safety certificate dated 1988
- Good history of MOT certificates
- MOT exempt, last recorded one was in 2012
- Manifold-back exhaust system made in 2010 at the expense of £658
- Interior reupholstered in 2001 at the expense of £1,175
- Steering column replaced in 1999
- Buick shop manual
- V5C present and in the current owners name
The Interior
- Leather interior reupholstered in 2001 at the expense of £1,175
- Headlining in place and in good shape
- Front seat surround damaged
- Dashboard, steering wheel and door cards remain original
- Charming and welcoming patina on original parts
- Brightwork shows signs of pitting due to age
- Original gauges all functional
- Carpets present and in good condition
Charming is an easy way to word it. Welcoming patina is aced throughout which adds to the lovely character of the vehicle, and the retrimmed leather seats make it a comfortable and opulent place to be while out on a stroll. They just don’t make cars like this anymore, and it’s a real shame, because they really are like pieces of artwork on the inside.
Starting in the front of the vehicle as we open the door, we see the retrimmed leather seats which still present themselves in fantastic form regardless of the years that have passed since it had taken place, it does of course show its light signs of use however it is stunningly well maintained. Sitting in the drivers seat, you’re welcomed with the large and lovely steering wheel in its original form with the OEM badge sitting centre stage - the blue outer rim is littered with cracks and splits, and the brightwork on the spokes shows some pitting however remains bright. A nice contrast when compared to the leather seats, introducing patina and showcasing the car's real age alongside other pieces in the interior.
The dashboard echoes much of the charming character shown off by the steering wheel, the paintwork has some chips, marks and faded areas, and the brightwork here also has some pitting. The original dials and gauges are all in place and work as they should, as does the heater located on the centre of the dashboard. We really wouldn’t have it any other way. There is something about a car that wears patina and age as well as this that makes it so interesting - you know it’s filled with stories to tell.
The rear seats are much the same as the front, very well presented with leather that looks almost brand new thanks to the retrim that had taken place. It doesn’t look like they’ve had very much use at all since then - but then again neither does the front!
Overall, this is unarguably charming and a very nice place to be. The great amount of originality throughout the cabin introduces an important sense of age into the vehicle without making it feel unwelcoming. It’s the kind of car you could spend ages admiring and thinking back to better times.
The Exterior
- Lovely blue and white paintwork
- Exterior brightwork well presented with light signs of age
- Front lights in fantastic condition
- All panels appear straight and true
- Original wheels with chrome hubcaps, shod in whitewall tyres
- Rear tow bar fitted
- Hand painted pinstriping with the name “Misty Blue” on the tailgate
- Light signs of damage on the rear chrome bumper
- Seemingly rust-free body shell
- Some paint chipping on the lower part of the driver side door
It gives off some serious “American Diner” vibes, doesn’t it? And we absolutely love it for that. Believed to be pretty much entirely original, this Special shows itself in fantastic form with great paintwork (especially considering the vehicles age of 66 years) and bright and well maintained brightwork which does showcase some signs of patina.
Starting at the front of the vehicle, we’re instantly drawn to the large and wide front grill, most of which is in great condition, it only shows some signs of chipping at the top centre and again on the lower portion of the bumper - however overall it seems very well kept to say that it remains original. The front lights are well kept and retain fantastic clarity and show no signs of any damage or water ingress. The original Buick text sits on the front of the bonnet with the ornament just above it.
Moving around to the side of the vehicle, we get our first glimpse of that lovely two-tone paintwork separated by the brightwork trim which runs from front to rear. The brightwork itself is very well presented and retains great levels of shine, and the paintwork appears to be of great condition too. The driver side door does exhibit some imperfections on the lower portion of the door which may require some attention at some point, but this is all we can really grumble about, it is an extremely clean and corrosion free example from any angle! The wheels remain the original kind with the Buick chrome hubcaps and are shod in period correct whitewall tyres which look like they have some good meat left.
To the rear of the vehicle, the first thing we’re drawn to is the hand-painted pinstriping on the tailgate, under the brightwork emblem and surrounding the locking mechanism. Just off to the left, the name “Misty Blue” has been painted in reference to the car's light blue colour. A nice touch, we think! Not something you get to see all too often, either. Paintwork back here is good, there are some marks and imperfections on the lower part of the tailgate but nothing major, and the chrome rear bumper shows some light surface rust and some signs of damage in the shape of buckling to the left of the towing hitch. Rear lights are well presented, and show no signs of damage or water ingress which is nice to see!
Overall, what a beautiful car to admire. Truly a staple of what 50’s motoring was in the States, and arguably one of the most iconic body shapes of the era. A beautiful and solid example this is, any new custodian would be lucky to have!
The Mechanics
- 322ci ‘Nailhead’ V8 engine
- Rear wheel-drive configuration
- Automatic transmission
- Engine well maintained and regularly serviced
- Manifold-back exhaust system made in 2010 at the expense of £658
- Beautiful V8 grumble
- Steering column replaced in 1999
- Gearbox requires attention
- MOT exempt
- Original engine and gearbox
- No power assisted brakes or power steering
Typical big V8, with a throaty and lustful grunt under power - however unfortunately this particular example can’t give you that experience as it sits due to a rather unhealthy gearbox. The current owner states that the car was driven rather regularly this year until the vehicle would no longer move under its own power. The linkages appear to be okay and the vehicle will shift through the gears while stationary, however it will not move in gear and would require to be lifted away from where it sits.
Other than the unfortunate gearbox troubles, the owner states that the car runs quite well, and had intended to have it tuned up until the malfunction happened this year. There are a few rattles here and there while being driven and the exhaust will need some repositioning, and the gearbox is stated to always have leaked ATF fluid while it was sat stationary. The steering column was replaced back in 1999 and remains functional as it should be.
Summary
Iconic, loud and undeniably pretty to look at, these Buick Specials are becoming more and more difficult to find in such solid conditions with a caring custodian, and that’s only going to get harder. Ideal for summer night cruises and ready to turn heads and leave people with their jaws trailing along the floor as it whooshes past, you’ll struggle to find a better starting point than this.
Ripe and ready for being fixed up, restored, or chopped and dropped, this would be a fantastic investment for anyone ready to get their hands dirty!
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