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2021 Shannons Spring Timed Online Auction
Lot
117

1948 Buick 8 Super 50 Saloon (RHD)

PASSED IN

Sydney

Passed In

Specifications

Engine In-line eight-cylinder, 248-cid
Gearbox 3-speed manual
Body Work Sedan
Colour Black
Interior Grey
Trim Velour
Wheels Steel Disc
Brakes Drums

Description

This lot is no longer available

Buick's early post-war offerings have become sought after collector's cars in recent years, particularly the cars made in 1946-1948, thanks to the curvaceous, Art Deco-inspired styling.  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.  Three different lines were offered, starting with the Special Series 40, the mid-range Super Series 50 and the more upmarket Series 70 Roadmaster.  For 1948 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.  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.  In total Buick made 47,991 of the Super 50 Sedan in 1948, plus a further 5,456 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.