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2016 Shannons Sydney Winter Classic Auction
Lot
13

1949 Buick Super 'Custom' Sedanette (LHD)

$89,000

Sold

Specifications

Engine In-line eight-cylinder, 248-cid
Gearbox 2-speed automatic
Body Work Fastback Coupe
Colour Candy Apple Red
Interior White
Trim Leather
Wheels Steel Disc
Brakes Drums

Description

This lot is no longer available

Buick’s early post-war offerings have become highly desirable collector’s pieces in recent years, thanks to the curvaceous, Art Deco-inspired styling and strong performance. Like all major American auto manufacturers in the immediate post-war period, Buick rehashed their 1942 models when production resumed in 1946 and a car hungry public took the company to fifth place in the overall sales race. Few changes were made in 1947, with Buick’s stylists limiting themselves to a new grille design and stainless lower body moldings on the Super and it was much the same story in 1948, although new badges and 7.50 x 15 tyres gave the latest model a lower, sleeker appearance. Production continued unchanged until mid-way through 1949, when the controversial ‘Bucktooth’ styling appeared on the new 1950 model range. Three different lines were offered, starting with the Special Series 40, the mid-range Super Series 50 and the more upmarket Series 70 Roadmaster. The Series 50 was distinguished by new Super script on the front wings, new cloth interiors and a revised instrument panel, finished in two-tone grey with silver gauges. Polished wheel trim discs enhanced the Buick’s sleek lines and for 1949 new parking tail lamps were positioned on top of the rear fenders. Four body styles were catalogued, including the four-door Sedan, a sleek fastback Sedanette, Station Wagon and Model 56C Convertible, which boasted combined cloth and leather trim, a power seat, windows and hood all as standard equipment. Built on a 124-inch wheelbase platform, the Series 50 Supers were powered by Buick’s smooth 248-cid straight-eight, developing 115 horsepower at 3600 rpm (a small increase over the previous year thanks to a raised compression ratio of 6.6:1) and a column-shift three-speed manual transmission as standard, although Dynaflow automatic transmission remained an expensive option. 

Buick produced 65,395 examples of the Super 50 Sedanette in 1949, plus a further 865 earmarked for export, with surviving examples keenly sought after by collectors today. For many pundits, Buick was the market leader in the early post-war period, combining flashy good looks with excellent engineering, smooth ride and fine build quality.