1950 Buick Series 50 Super

With the end of World War II, production of Buick's full-size cars with ample performance continued under an update in 1949 that brought portholes (ventiports) into mid-century American automotive design. The Buick Super and Roadmaster Series of 1949 shared the all-new C-body with revised body and roof lines. Three chromed VentiPorts distinguished the short-wheelbase Super Series 50 from the Roadmaster. These ventiports were initially advertised in company brochures as providing added ventilation to the engine compartment, but in all reality, were inspired by the customizing efforts of Buick Styling chief Ned Nickles on his own 1948 Roadmaster hood. This styling feature replicated the appearance of an engine exhaust stack on fighter planes and complemented the bombsight ornament residing on the hood.

The 1950 Buick Super wore new postwar styling that was devoid of the bolt-on look of the front fenders, highlighted by an incredible frontend grille, more rounded styling, and the company's signature portholes. The word 'Super' was placed on the front fenders, below the three chrome ventiports. The 121.5-inch wheelbase chassis was the same one used for the Specials unless the Super Series 50 long-wheelbase (LWB) version was ordered. This extended the wheelbase by four inches and provided extra interior room for its passengers.

Engine

The Super Series 50 was powered by an eight-cylinder engine with a 263.3 cubic-inch displacement, five main bearings, a Stromberg or Carter carburetor, five main bearings, overhead valves, and delivered 124 horsepower at 3,600 RPM. The three-speed manual gearbox was standard but a Dynaflow transmission could be ordered for an additional cost.

Body Styles

Body styles included a two-door sedanette, hardtop Riviera coupe, convertible coupe, sedan, and station wagon. Prices ranged from $2,040 and rose to $2,845. Convertibles had power windows, power top, and leather power seats. The long-wheelbase Sedans had a nicer and more plush interior, and the Station Wagons were built in Ionia, Michigan.

The 1950 Buick Super Series 50 was positioned above the Special Series 40 and below the Series 70 Roadmaster. The Series 40 had a 121.5-inch wheelbase, the same as the Series 50, and the Series 70 rested on a 126.25-inch platform.

by Dan Vaughan

Station Wagon

The Super was Buick's second-highest line between 1940 and 1958. For 1949, it shared the new GM full-size C-body with its Cadillac cousins and the top-of-the-line Buick Roadmaster, but on a shorter wheelbase. It wore three chrome-ringed (simulated) VentiPorts on each front fender (vs. the Roadmaster's four) to denote its smaller 248 CID (4.1 liter) straight-eight engine and shorter engine compartment. A three-speed manual transmission was standard, with the Dynaflow automatic optional.

The 1950 Buicks were distinguished by a new 'bumper guard' grille with its trademark vertical chrome bars overlapping the front bumper like a serious overbite. Their styling was a bit more rounded and their windshields were the new one-piece curved glass. Their oval-shaped VentiPorts were moved up to the sides of their hoods, and the antenna for their available AM radio could be adjusted with a knob located just above the center of the windshield. The 1950 Super, powered by new 112-hosrepower two-barrel-carbureted 263 cubic-inch (4.3 L) Fireball I-8 was capable of over 90 miles per hour with the optional Dynaflow transmission. An all-time record 251,883 Buick Supers were sold.

The Estate Wagon was the most expensive and lowest-production model in the Buick Super line, and this example is one of just 2,480 produced in 1950. A frame-off restoration was performed within the last ten years. It is finished in its original Kashmir green metallic color, which was introduced late in the model year.