1940 Buick Series 40 Special

Buick marketed its entire 1940 model year lineup as new and improved, with the Series 40 Special gaining an inch to its wheelbase, allowing both dual side-mount spare tires and fully openable doors at the same time. The headlamps were incorporated into the front fenders, a dual-diaphragm fuel pump improved windshield wiper operation, and the interior had white trim panels and Bedford cloth and mohair upholstery.

Buick began using the Series 40 designation in 1930 representing the entry-level six-cylinder model and employing a 118-inch wheelbase. The entire Buick lineup gained eight-cylinder engines for 1931, with the Series 40 discontinued, with the Series 50 assuming its duties. The Series 40 nameplate returned in 1935, joining the SEries 50, 60, and 90 and resting on a 117-inch wheelbase. A year later, it became known as the 'Special,' and the styling introduced in 1936 would continue through 1949.

All 1939 Buicks were given 'Turret Top' bodies with vee-type windshields, wedged-shaped radiators, bullet-shaped headlamps, and twin taillamps. Along with new styling, Buick's received an improved independent front suspension, improved water temperature control, and new alloy pistons.

The 1940 Buick Special Series 40 continued to serve as the entry-level model, resting on a 121-inch wheelbase with a length of 204-inches. Both the Series 40 and Series 50 were powered by an overhead-valve 'Dynaflash' inline-8 with a 248 cubic-inch displacement, five main bearings, aluminum rockers, mechanical valve lifters, a Carter or Stromberg carburetor, and delivered 107 horsepower at 3,400 RPM.

The Series 50 had a 121-inch wheelbase, the Series 60 measured 126-inches, and the Series 80 measured 133-inches. The top-of-the-line Series 90, priced between $1940 to $2,200, used a 140-inch wheelbase and measured 219.5-inches. The Series 60, 70, 80, and 90 were powered by a 320.2 cubic-inch inline-8 delivering 141 horsepower at 3,600 RPM.

All 1940 Buicks were equipped with a three-speed sliding gear transmission with a single dry plate clutch and column shift controls. Hydraulic drum brakes on all four corners provided the stopping power.

The Buick Special used all-steel construction with a rigid I-beam frame, and front and rear stabilizer bars. Rubber shims between the frame and the Fisher-built B-body gave the Buicks a luxurious feel and quiet operation. The thermal circuit breaker eliminated the need for fuses, and the torque tube on the live rear axle produced responsive on-road behavior and a comfortable ride.

Body styles including a four-door convertible Special ('Sport Phaeton') priced at $1,355 and 552 examples were built. 1940 was the only model year that this body style was offered. The least expensive body style was the Sport Coupe priced at $950 and 8,291 examples were built. The most popular was the four-door touring sedan priced at $995, with 67,308 examples built. Next in popularity was the $955 touring sedan with 20,739 examples built, followed by 12,372 of the $895 business coupe. 3,664 examples of the convertible coupe ($1075) and 48 of the four-door taxi were built. The combined 112,974 examples of the 1940 Buick Series 40 accounted for approximately forty-one percent of Buick's total production.

Although the Series 40 was an entry-level series, its Buick distinction meant that it was a full-size vehicle and met or exceeded the market's expectation for comfort and performance.

by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2021