1962 Buick Special Convertible

The Special was first introduced for the 1961 model year as a compact car. In 1962, the model lineup was expanded to include a convertible model for each of the Buick Special series. Standard equipment included dual sun visors, front door armrests, cigar lighter, electric windshield wipers, directional signals, heater/defroster and outside rear view mirror.

Sharing a platform with the also-new 1961 Oldsmobile F-85 and Pontiac Tempest, the Special was positioned as a premium compact. Exterior styling was patterned after the full-size Buick, and models included a sedan, coupe and station wagon. A luxurious Skylark Sport Coupe with standard bucket seats was introduced in the spring of the model year. For 1961, a technically advanced aluminum V8 was the only engine available.

For 1962, the big news was under the hood. In an effort to reduce costs and increase sales, a new 198 cubic-inch V6 became standard in all Special models. Delivering 135 horsepower, this 90-degree cast-iron engine was the first V6 in an American production car. Called the 'Fireball V6,' it was also Buick's first six-cylinder engine since 1930. Notably, it would go on to be one of the most popular engines in history, with more than 25 million produced. The 215 cubic-inch aluminum V8 was optional on Special and standard on Skylark models. Not surprisingly, the V6-powered Special won Motor Trend's coveted 'Car of the Year' award in 1962.

A convertible body style, available in both Special Deluxe and Skylark models, was also new for 1962. This example, a Special Deluxe convertible, features the 'Fireball V6' engine and two-speed automatic transmission.

Sales of Buick Specials in 1962 were 148,770 compared to 86,865 for 1961.