1936 Buick Series 40 Special

Buick introduced the 'Special' name to the Series 40 for 1936, continuing as the entry-level model within the Buick range. Buick began using the 'Series 40' designation in 1930 for its entry-level six-cylinder model. The six-cylinder powerplant did not make it out of 1930, replaced in 1931 by three new straight-eight engines. The overhead-valve six-cylinder engine of the 1930 Series 40 with 257.5 cubic-inches delivered 80 horsepower while the new entry-level 220.7 CID eight delivered 77 horsepower (two extra cylinders but a smaller displacement). Buick's model lineup for 1931 was absent of the Series 40, comprised of the Series 50, Series 60, Series 80, and Series 90. It would remain this way until 1934, when the low-priced Series 40 returned on May 12th of 1934. Its 117-inch wheelbase was longer than that of the 1933 Series 50, however, it was both much lighter in weight and less expensive. Prices began at $795 for the two-door business coupe and rose to just over $900 for the sedan with built-in trunk. The series 40 was the only Buicks to receive dual exterior-mounted horns in 1934.

Buick added new color options and additional exterior trim to the Series 40 for 1936, along with a lockable glovebox, and dual windshield wipers. A new convertible coupe body style joined the lineup, and mechanical updates included an improved timing chaining to combat the durability issues of the previous unit, along with updates to the clutch. All 1935 Buick models were given automatic chokes and a girder-type frame for the convertibles. The painted headlight shells were one of the most visual differences separating the Series 40 with its siblings, which had chrome headlight shells.

1936 Buick Special
1936 was the first time Buick used names rather than serial numbers. The Special had a 118-inch wheelbase, the Century (Series 60) on a 122-inch platform, the Roadmaster (Series 80), and the Limited (Series 90) on a 131-inch wheelbase. Prices ranged from $1,035 to $1,135 for the Century, $1,250 to $1,565 for the Roadmaster, and $1,700 to $1,950 for the Limited.

The overhead-valve, inline-8 powering the Special had a 233 cubic-inch displacement, a two-barrel Stromberg downdraft carburetor, five main bearings, mechanical valve lifters, and delivered 93 horsepower at 3,200 RPM. The other models had a 320.2 cubic-inch version with 120 horsepower and 238 lb-ft of torque. All engines received a three-speed sliding gear transmission with a single dry plate clutch and floor shift controls. Stopping power was performed by hydraulic drums on all four wheels. Optional equipment included a Buick Master five-tube radio, Buick Ranger six-tube radio, grille guard, electric watch, white sidewall tires, a heater, and trim rings.

1936 was the start of the turret top bodies, vee-type windshields, wedge-shaped radiators, bullet-shaped headlights, and twin taillamps. New mechanical improvements included the hydraulic brakes, an independent front suspension, improved water temperature control, and new alloy pistons.

The two-door business coupe with seating for two-passengers had a base price of $765, and the convertible coupe and sport coupe listed for $820. The victoria coupe was priced at $835 and the sedan topped the range with a price of $885. The sedan was the most expensive but it was also the most popular with 77,007 examples built, followed by 21,214 of the victoria coupe, 10,912 of the business coupe, and 1,488 of the convertible coupe.

The combined Series 40 Special production for 1936 was just over 113,000 units accounting for approximately 67-percent of Buick's total production that year.

The styling introduced on the 1936 Buick Special would continue through 1949 with updates along the way. Mid-way through the 1949 model year, all-new styling was introduced, representing the first fully postwar design for the series. The engine remained the 248 cubic-inch engine which had been in use since 1937, replaced in 1951 by the larger 'Fireball' straight-eight.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2021