Buick Special Series 40 (1937-1954) 

Manufacturer:	Buick
Production period:	1936 to 1954
Body versions :	Touring car , sedan , station wagon , coupe , convertible
Engines:	Gasoline: 4.05 - 4.3 liters

In 1937 the special was substantially revised. The wheelbase had grown to 3099 mm and the grille had an accented V-shape with a chrome center bar. In addition to four-door sedans with and without a separate trunk, there was a two-door convertible, various two-door coupes and a four-door Phaeton. The capacity of the eight-cylinder engine was 4064 cc and its power 100 hp (74 kW).

New in the model year 1938 was the semi-automatic transmission, in which the clutch had to be operated only to start. The engine power increased to 107 hp (79 kW) . A two-door sedan was added.In 1939 there was a new styling of the front mask . The new centrally split "waterfall grill" had vertical chrome bars and was raised in the middle part towards the hood. The wheelbase was reduced to 3048 mm.

In 1940 there were new bodies without running boards and with integrated headlamps in the front fenders. The grille had again horizontal chrome rods, but corresponded in its outlines of the previous year. The wheelbase grew again to 3073 mm.In the 1941 model year, the headlamp housings had completely risen in the front fenders, which had increased in volume. The Phaeton accounted for, for a five-door station wagon came into the program. Almost all bodies were available with two different wheelbases: 2,997 mm for the 40A series and 3073 mm for the 40B series. The engine power rose to 115 hp (85 kW).

In 1942, the last year of pre-war production, the special got a new face. The flat, horseshoe-shaped grille now bore again vertical chrome bars. Series 40A and 40B now had the same wheelbase of 2997 mm. The engines made with 110 hp (81 kW) slightly less than last year.

In 1946, automobile production started again with only slightly modified last pre-war models. The engine was taken over unchanged; the wheelbase was uniform 3073 mm. In addition to a four-door sedan, there was only a two-door sedanette (hatchback). Until 1949, there were only cosmetic changes. In 1950, the vertical chrome bars of the radiator grille extended into the front bumper. The third body shape was again a two-door coupe. The wheelbase grew slightly to 3086 mm. There was again a one-piece windshield.

  The model year 1951 brought above all a larger engine. The new inline eight-cylinder had a capacity of 4315 cc and made 120 hp (88 kW). The grille with narrower vertical chrome bars was framed by the front bumper lowered in the middle and a massive chrome trim above the grille. Also new was the two-door hardtop coupe.In 1952, there were few cosmetic changes. In 1953, the Special was the only remaining Buick model with eight-cylinder engine. Its performance rose again to 125 hp (92 kW). In the following year, the V8 replaced him.

In the six years before the Second World War , 846,810 Series 40 cars were built, and in the eight years there after, 895,838.

Technical details

• Production period:1937-1953
• Body versions :Touring car ,2 and 4 door sedan , station wagon , coupe , convertible
• Engines fuel:Gasoline
• Engine size :4.05-4.3 liters
• Engine size: 74-92 kW
• Drive:Rear wheel drive
• Length:5031-5302 mm
• Wheelbase:2997-3099 mm
• Curb weight:1531-1803 kg