1953 Buick Series 50 Super

The 1953 Buick model lineup included the entry-level Series 40 'Special,' the mid-priced Series 50 'Super,' and the top-of-the-line Series 70 'Roadmaster.' In celebration of its golden anniversary, a high-compression overhead-valve V8 engine was used to power the Super and Roadmaster models. The Special was the only Buick in 1953 to be equipped with straight-eight. The 322 cubic-inch 'Nailhead' unit in the Super and Roadmaster developed 170 horsepower - a version of this engine would power Buicks through 1966. 1953 was also the final year for the wood-bodied station wagons. The framing was done in seasoned northern ash over mahogany panels, while the tailgate was constructed of birch and metal runners.

All three models (except the Roadmaster and Super sedan) shared a 121.5-inch wheelbase with the Super having a length of 205.8-inches, and the Super and Roadmaster having a length of 207.6-inches. (the Roadmaster and Super sedan measured 211.6-inches).

Pricing on the hardtop coupe began at $2,610 and the sedan at $2,700. The convertible coupe was $3,000 and the station wagon was $3,430. Production numbers for the hardtop coupe and sedan were similar, with 90,685 of the sedan and 91,298 of the hardtop coupe. 6,701 were convertible coupes and the station wagon proved the most exclusive with 1,830 examples built.

The Roadmaster and Super had similar styling, with the Super distinguished by a horizontal trim bar on its rear fenders and three ventiports on each front fender (the Roadmaster had four ventiports). Standard equipment included full wheelcovers. The convertible coupe added power windows, a power seat, and a power top. The interiors were finished in nylon and silky broadcloth except on the convertible coupe which was trimmed in all-leather.

1953 was the final year for Buicks to wear the original post-war styling from 1949, albeit now heavily facelifted with distinctive headlights and additional exterior trim.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2021