1947 Buick Super Series 50

Buick models during the 1920s were powered by six-cylinder engines, switching entirely to eight-cylinder power in 1931. Mechanical and stylistic changes arrived in 1936, with 'turret top' designs and an improved independent front suspension. Revisions occured again for 1942 just prior to the onset of World War II, with mild updates applied when civilian production resumed in 1946, followed by all-new post-war styling in 1949.

The Buick lineup in the immediate post-war era consisted of the entry-level Special (Series 40), the intermediate Super (Series 50), and the range-topping Roadmaster (Series 70). The Special rested on a 121-inch wheelbase while the Super and Roadmaster shared a 124-inch wheelbase. Both the Super and Special were powered by a 248 cubic-inch 'Dynaflash' inline-8 cylinder engine with 110 horsepower while the Roadmaster was fitted with a 320.2 CID inline-8 with 144 horsepower. Both engines had five main bearings, mechanical valve lifters, overhead valves, and a two-barrel carburetor setup. All models were equipped with a three-speed manual transmission with steering column-mounted shift level and braking was handled by four-wheel hydraulic brakes. The suspension was independent in the front with a live rear axle with coil springs.

The Buick Special was priced around $1,600, the Super listed for $1,845 to $2,600, and the Roadmaster from $2,130 to $3,250. The lion's share of Buick's production was from the Super with 151,759 examples built (plus additional built for export). The sedan was priced at $1,930, the two-door sedanette at $1,845, the convertible coupe at $2,335, and the station wagon at $,2,600. Approximately 15,400 (plus export) were built of the Special and approximately 77,800 were Roadmasters.

The Buick Super had the roominess of the Roadmaster with the engine from the Special and wore a new stamped grille with a new emblem, stainless steel lower body moldings, series identification and chrome emblem on the crossbars between the bumper guard, and a white Tenite steering wheel. The instrumentation was round and set within a two-toned dash panel. The Harley Earl-supervised design elements included restrained bright-trim accents, fade-away front fenders, and broad grilles. The Super 50 Estate Wagon bodies wore woodie coachwork by Michigan's Ionia Manufacturing Company.

The 1948 Buick Super models received minor trim and external changes, while the 1949 Super gained a new General Motors C-body that it continued to share with the Roadmaster.

by Dan Vaughan

Estate Wagon
Chassis number: 14759187

Prior to World War II there was little interest in Station Wagons. They were common at hotels to carry guests to and from the train station. At that time they were known as 'Depot Hacks' where 'Depot' meant station as in the train station, and 'Hack' represented 'wagon.' After World War II, Station Wagon gained rapidly in popularity and by the close of the 1950's, nearly 17% of all American vehicles produced were Station Wagons. Wood bodied vehicles also gained in popularity at the close of World War II. Their white ash and mahogany bodies were elegant and unique and a fine addition to the metal bodies.

Buick capitalized on this combination by offering stylish vehicles powered by large engines and offered at an economical price. In 1947 the Super Series 50 four-door sedan with seating for six would set the buyer back $1930. The most expensive of the Super 50 Series was the four-door estate wagon with seating for six. This cost $2,590.

The 1947 Buick Super Series 50 Station Wagon model 59 with a dark emerald green paint scheme and light wood hue was offered for sale at the 2006 Worldwide Group Auction held on Hilton Head Island. It was expected to sell between $100,000-$125,000. During the 1990's the vehicle was fully restored and has seen very little road time since then. The interior roof is finished in custom fitted wood. The upholstery is a white soft tan leather.

by Dan Vaughan

Estate Wagon
Chassis number: 49596645

This 1947 Buick Super Woodie Wagon Model 59 was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held at Meadow Brook. The car was estimated to sell for $80,000 - $100,000 and was offered without reserve. It is powered by an eight-cylinder engine that displaces 248 cubic-inches and capable of producing 110 horsepower. The car has a three-speed column shift manual gearbox with four-wheel drum brakes. The exterior is finished in dark green with tan leather interior. In the late 1990s the car was treated to a complete restoration with nearly all of the wood paneling thought to be original. These Woodie Wagons are highly sought after for their style and versatility so it was understandable to see this example sold on auction day. A new owner got a bargain price of $68,750 including buyer's premium for this example.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe
Chassis number: 14731821

This 1947 Buick Super Convertible (Series 56C) is powered by a rebuilt 248 cubic-inch inline eight-cylinder engine paired with a rebuilt 3-speed manual transmission. It has a blue exterior, a Haartz cloth convertible top, and a blue interior. There are dual spotlights, fender skirts, front and rear bumperettes, and wide whitewall tires.

This Buick was given a comprehensive restoration, with the running gear rebuilt during the restoration.

by Dan Vaughan