1940 Buick Series 60 Century

The year 1940 was Buick's best production year in its history, the final year for side-mounted spare tires, and the first for sealed beam headlamps. Buick offered a diverse lineup from the entry-level Special to the prestigious Limited Series competing with Cadillac. The Century was priced in the $1,200 dollar range and was the company's intermediate model, offering excellent value for the American family.

The name 'Century' was applied to its Series 60 model in 1936, positioned above the Series 40 (now with the Special name), and below the Series 80 (Roadmaster) and the Series 90 (Limited). The wheelbase had a 118-inch wheelbase, the Series 60 measured 122-inches, the Series 80 at 131-inches, and the Series 90 at 138-inches. The 233 CID eight-cylinder engine in the Series 40 offered 93 horsepower, while the other models were equipped with a 320.2 cubic-inch inline-8 with overhead valves, five main bearings, mechanical valve lifters, a two-barrel Stromberg downdraft carburetor, and delivering 120 horsepower and 238 lb-ft of torque. All engines were backed by a three-speed sliding gear transmission with a single dry plate clutch and floor shift controls. Stopping was handled by hydraulic drums on all four wheels.

The 1939 Buick models received a new two-piece 'waterfall' style grille resulting in increased window area, with the windshield in the Special and Century increasing by over 25-percent. Additional design cues included thinner front door pillars, a narrower hood, larger hubcaps, and rose on 16 x 7.50 six-ply tires.

The Series 50 'Super' joined the Buick lineup in 1940, positioned above the Special and Below the Century. Prices on the Special ranged from $900 to $1,360 and the Super from $1,100 to $1,560. The Roadmaster was priced from $1,275 to $1,440, the Limited Series 80 at $1,730 to $1,950, and the Limited Series 90 at $1,940 to $2,200.

The Series 40 and the Series 50 shared a 121-inch wheelbase and had a length of 204-inches. The Super was devoid of running boards, and the interior featured Bedford cord upholstery in a two-tone tan. Both were powered by a 248 CID inline-8 with 107 horsepower.

The Buick Series 60 Century was offered as a two-door sport coupe priced at $1,175, the touring sedan at $1,200, the business coupe at $1,130, the convertible coupe at $1,345, and the convertible phaeton at $1,620. The wheelbase measured 126-inches and had an overall length of 209-inches, and the 320.2 cubic-inch engine delivered 141 horsepower.

The styling introduced on the 1936 Buick Century continued through 1942. After World War II, the Buick Century did not immediately return. The 1946 Buick lineup included the entry-level Special, the Super, and the Roadmaster. The Century name reappeared on the 1954 Buick, continuing the employ the formula of the smaller and lighter Buick Special body with its most potent powerplant available. Production continued through 1958, then became dormant again, revived in 1973, and continuing in production through 2005.

by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2021