1955 Buick Special Two_door Post

1955 Buick Other Special

What is it about low-mileage survivors that gets enthusiasts so excited? Perhaps it’s the opportunity to see exactly how these cars when they were new: how the factory assembled it, he finishes and materials used, nd the quality of the overall product. Or maybe it’s the speculation on the car’s history: who owned it and why didn’t they drive it very often?

Whatever the reason, his 1955 Buick Special 2-door sedan always get people talking. With just 18,900 miles (not a misprint) from new and featuring original Temple Grey over Victoria Blue paint from the beltline up (the lower original paint was in good shape; however, here were scratches on the top of each fender that had been poorly touched up. Unfortunately, took it to a paint shop to have it blended in, hich turned out to be a mistake. The painter’s first attempt blotched up most of the fender and trunk. Each succeeding attempt only worsened the vehicles look, o I had him paint the car’s entire lower bluer so the paint would match and not look like a quilt. I’ve added pictures of the two scratches before the repaint). The interior is completely original and the chassis is untouched; it’s a virtual time capsule that will instantly transport you back to the Fifties. And if there’s a better driving, moother, ighter 1955 Buick anywhere, ’d like to drive it because this one is shockingly good.

This Buick’s original owner initially decided he wanted a Chevrolet, ut soon discovered he could have a much more luxurious, restigious, nd powerful Buick for about the same money if he took it easy on the options. As a result, his Model 48 sports a very rare 3-speed manual transmission, fully functional AM radio, heater and defroster, long with 2-tone paint and full-size hubcaps, ut that’s about it in terms of options. But the real story is the car’s spectacular condition.

It’s got factory-exact panel alignment throughout. Careful maintenance throughout its life and indoor storage from Day One can also be credited with the car’s condition. Of course, lemishes happen over the course of 55 years, nd this car has had a few marks here and there, ost notably at the base of the rear window near the trunk opening where there are a few small chips that have since been fixed as I mentioned earlier

The car was purchased by its previous owner more than 25 years ago, nd in 1997, t was treated to fresh chrome on only its bumpers along with a thorough cleanup and detail. The original chrome remains spectacular, nvisibly blending the new and original surfaces to where you would be hard-pressed to discern which is which. The stainless trim is excellent, he emblems look fresh from the factory, nd even the pot-metal trim is pit-free. The glass is 100% original throughout, here is absolutely no pitting in the windshield and if this car has ever seen a thunderstorm, ’d be surprised.

Further evidence of the car’s low mileage claims are the original gas station maintenance stickers on the driver’s door jamb (which are also beautifully preserved). In 1961, t showed 9505 miles and by 1965 showed just 13,587 miles, o even when it was relatively new, his car was apparently never a daily driver.

Two years ago, bent pushrod (common on early Nailheads that aren’t driven for years) necessitated a top end engine rebuild, nd at that time the engine bay was completely detailed for show. Hardened valve seats were added to the heads. A fresh carburetor was installed, he generator and starter were rebuilt, he radiator restored, nd the wiring harness was replaced with an exact reproduction. It has been driven less than 50 miles since, resents in 100% show-worthy condition, nd drives like a brand-new Buick.

Underneath, t’s original all the way; there is nothing but original General Motors components under there. The front end still carries its original shocks and kingpins, he rear is still suspended on the original coil springs, nd the lever action shocks have never been off the car, lthough it appears that some of the bushings have been replaced. The brakes have been serviced recently, ncluding new brake lines, heel cylinders and shoes. One thing I can say for certain is that there isn’t a trace of rust anywhere on this car—not evens the spare tire well in the trunk. And speaking of tires, his one wears radial wide whitewalls on [optional] Cherokee Red Buick wheels with full hubcaps.

I spent a considerable amount of time behind the wheel of this Buick and can attest that I have never driven such a smooth, ight old car. It feels as silky smooth and refined as my new Acura, nd pulls powerfully from any speed. The clutch uptake is progressive, nd the engine is just about vibration-free. The shifter is so tight, nd feel precise as you move it through the gates on the column—it hasn’t even been broken-in yet. The suspension has never been disassembled and feels showroom fresh with an intangible smoothness that makes this car feel like every moving part is lined with silk. The engine emits a pleasant burble from the new single exhaust system that was installed sometime in the past. Brakes are firm and there isn’t a single squeak or rattle anywhere in the car. Honestly, didn’t know cars could be this refined and sophisticated-feeling in 1955. This car always brings a smile to my face from the simple joy of driving it, ut this Buick does so because the quality is so surprising. The doors have a solid clunk when closing them and the hood and trunk shut with slight pressure and satisfying snick. The hood opens and shuts in perfect alignment and never contacts the fenders.

Again, he interior is also 100% original in every way, rom the headliner to the basic rubber floor mat. Trim number 40 on the body tag is Light Grey Pattern Cloth-Light Grey Cordovan, nd it is remarkably well preserved. The seats are firm and comfortable, nd the back seat has probably only carried a handful of posteriors in the past 55 years. Overhead the headliner is intact, ndamaged and taut, ut is starting to discolor due to age. I would not even consider restoring it. The steering wheel is a very rare non-flexible piece that was discontinued early in 1955. Also note the clock delete, here the clock was replaced with a simple ‘Buick Eight’ logo. The original AM radio works perfectly, ringing in stations with crystal clarity, nd ACC code B on the body tag is for the heater/defroster, oth of which are fully functional. The trunk still carries the original fabric lining, nd what may very well be the original spare tire.

Documentation includes the original owner’s guide, ales booklet, ervice manual, nd a polishing cloth still in its original envelope.

Preservation of original cars is a movement that’s gained a lot of traction in the hobby lately. Two decades ago, car like this would have gone largely unnoticed at a show, ut today, ith its incredible originality, t can compete at the highest levels in preservation classes such as the AACA’s HPOF and the Buick Club of America’s Archival Class. Not even the best restoration can duplicate the feel of a factory-fresh vehicle, nd one that has been expertly maintained and preserved for its entire life gives us an excellent window into what driving a new Buick was like in 1955. Leave it as-is, reserve it, njoy it, nd see if you, oo, on’t laugh out loud every time you drive it. It’s that kind of car. I’m a classic car appraiser by trade and have judged ay BCA National events. Having said that, hen it comes to overall condition, rivability, riginality and appearance, believe this is the finest 55 Buick in existence and it’s a post car!

• Condition: Used
• Make: Buick
• Model: Other
• SubModel: Special
• Type: Sedan
• Trim: Basic
• Year: 1955
• Mileage: 18,960
• VIN: V8137674
• Color: Dover Grey over Victoria Blue
• Engine size: 264 C.I. V8
• Number of cylinders: 8
• Fuel: Gasoline
• Transmission: Manual
• Drive type: Standard Transmission
• Interior color: Grey and Black
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