1932 Buick Series 50

Buick was an innovator from the earliest days and one of the oldest American automobile brands, established in 1903 and General Motors' first brand when it came to life in 1908. Among the technology they introduced was valve-in-head, or overhead-valve, engines in 1904. In the GM hierarchy, Buick was below Cadillac as an upscale brand offering customers luxury and durability in a more conservative package.

The Buick Series 50 was introduced in 1930 and powered by an inline 6-cylinder or optional inline 8-cylinder engine. The 1932 Buick lineup included the Series 50, Series 60, Series 80, and Series 90 - all powered by eight-cylinder engines of various displacement size and power outputs. All engines had a sliding gear, three-speed synchromesh transmission with floor shift controls. The Series 50 and Series 60 had a single dry plate clutch while the Series 80 and 90 used a double dry plate clutch (an automatic clutch was optional). Mechanical brakes on all four wheels provided the stopping power. The 'Wizard Control' offered both freewheeling and no-clutch shifting between second and third gears, allowing the driver to shift through the gears without touching the clutch pedal, instead utilizing an automatic-style clutch. Adjustable shock absorbers were standard on all Buicks.

Specification and Body Styles

The Series 50 had a 114-inch wheelbase, the Series 60 measured 118-inches, the Series 80 at 126-inches, and the Series 90 at 134 inches. Buick prices from 1932 ranged from the low $900s to $2,050. Prices on the Series peaked at $1,150, but most were around $1,060. The list of body styles included a victoria coupe, convertible phaeton, sport phaeton, business coupe, convertible coupe, sport coupe, Special sedan, and sedan. The sedan was the most popular with 10,803 examples built, followed by 9,766 of the Special Sedan. 2,194 were victoria coupes and 1,905 were special coupes.

The inline eight-cylinder engine had overhead valves, mechanical valve lifters, five main bearings, a two-barrel updraft carburetor, and a 230.4 cubic-inch displacement. The engine delivered 83 horsepower at 3,200 RPM and 200 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 RPM. The Series 60 and 80 models used different spark plugs and a thinner head gasket, resulting in higher compression.

1932 Buicks had new hood doors replacing the prior and long-used louvers, a raked windshield with a more pronounced 10-degree rake, no external sun visor, taillights, a tapered radiator, and longer flowing fenders. The wheelbase continued to measure 114-inches, the engine displacement grew to 230.4 cubic inches, and the new-for-1932 Wizard Control offered both free-wheeling and no-clutch shifting between second and third gears. Dual taillights, a fold-down windscreen, and dual side-mount spare tires were standard equipment, along with a choice of wood or wire-spoke wheels, and a luggage rack. The interior could be finished in a choice of leather with contrasting color piping. The rear compartment came with side and folding center armrests and velvet carpeting. Among the optional amenities included a driver's side rear view mirror, clocks, wind wings, and dual driving lights.

While the other Buick models had chrome beaded radiator shutters and chrome-plated hood handles, the Series 50 was devoid of this feature. The series 50 had painted headlight shells while the others were chromed. In the back was a single taillight.

Production

Buick Series 50 Production by Year:

1930: 28,204 including 22,929 of the sedan and 5,275 of the coupe.

1931: 48,111 including 33,184 of the sedan, 5,733 of the sport coupe, 3,616 of the two-door sedan, 2,782 of the business coupe, 1,531 of the convertible coupe, 907 of the sport roadster, and 358 of the phaeton.

1932: 27,473 including 10,803 of the sedan, 9,766 of the special sedan, 2,194 of the victoria coupe, 1,726 of the business coupe, 1,905 of the special coupe, 630 of the convertible coupe, and 380 of the convertible phaeton.

1933: 26,537 including 19,109 of the sedan, 4,118 of the victoria coupe, 1,643 of the sport coupe, 1,321 of the business coupe, and 346 of the convertible coupe.

1934: 19,233 including 12,094 of the sedan, 4,405 of the victoria coupe, 1,078 of the business coupe, 1,150 of the rumble seat sport coupe, and 506 of the convertible coupe.

1935: 6,062 including 3,778 of the sedan, 1,589 of the victoria coupe, 2,68 of the sport coupe, 257 of the business coupe, and 170 of the convertible coupe.

The Series 50 was the entry-level Buick model from 1931 through 1933. The entry-level Buick model in 1930, 1934, and 1935 was the Series 40. The wheelbase measured 114-inches in 1931 and 1932, growing to 119-inches in 1933. The 1931 engine displaced 220.7 cubic inches and offered 77 horsepower. It grew to 230.40 inches for 1932 and 1933 with 83 horsepower being produced in 1932 and 86 hp the following year. For 1934 and 1935, the engine displaced 235 cubic inches and produced 88 horsepower.

All-new turret top bodies were introduced in 1936, complete with bullet-shaped headlights, wedged-shaped radiators, and vee-type slanted windshields.

by Dan Vaughan

Sedan

The 1932 Series 50 was Buick's entry-level model and was half the price of their top-of-the-line Series 90 Buick of the same body style. For 1932, Buick introduced its all-new Wizard Control synchromesh transmission, which provided owners with both free-wheeling, and no-clutch shifting between second and third gear. It also redesigned its radiator, replaced the long-used louvers on the hoods with doors, streamlined its fenders, and equipped all models except the Series 50 with dual taillights. The Series 50 was further set apart from other Buicks by having painted rather than chromed door handles, headlight shells, and radiator shutter trim. 1932 was also the last year that Buick used wooden spoke wheels.

Sport Phaeton by Holden
Chassis number: 2627717

Buick built 69 examples of the 1932 Model 55 (Series 50) five-passenger four-door Sport Phaeton plus an additional 37 for export. General Motors (Australia) acquired Holden's Motor Body Builders in 1931, adding it to the existing operations to form General Motors-Holden, Ltd. To comply with government regulations, GM produced the chassis and delivered them to the subsidiary company which was then fitted with Holden-built bodies. This particular example was given right-hand-drive configuration and is one of just two Series 50 Model 55s with Holden coachwork known to exist. (The other example is believed to reside in Australia).

This Buick resided in Quebec, Canada for four decades before being acquired by the Blackhawk Collection in 2006. At some point, before it entered the care of the Blackhawk, the car was converted from right-hand to left-hand drive. A cosmetic and mechanical restoration was completed in 2007. It received a new interior, boot cover, and side curtains.

In 2010, the car was acquired by its current caretaker and has resided in a climate-controlled facility ever since.

by Dan Vaughan

In 1903, the Buick Motor Car Company was formed by David Dunbar Buick. In 1907, over 725 vehicles were produced, and one year later, it grew drastically to over 8,800 with the help of the ever-popular Model 10. By 1940, Buick had moved into the higher end and larger car range. Even though over 16,500,000 cars use the Buick name, Mr. Buick was only involved with 120 of them. In 1929, he passed away due to cancer in the motor city, Detroit.

The 1940's Buick design took a different turn than most of its competition. With fuller grilles having horizontal bars, the headlamps were set-back into the fenders, hoods that opened much differently, and more space throughout provided a different choice for consumers. Most Buicks of this time came with dual carburetors as standard options. The convertibles came with an automatic power top, which was a great luxury option of that era.

The early Super Series 50 was powered by an eight-cylinder engine and was distinguished by its three chrome ventiports on the sides of the hood. The term 'Super' was placed on the front fenders. The Supers were the same size as the Specials with their 121.5-inch wheelbase unless the Super Series 50 LWB version was ordered. This extended the wheelbase by four inches and provided extra interior room for its passengers.

The three-speed manual gearbox was standard but a Dynaflow transmission could be ordered for an additional cost.

In 1955 the Buick Super Series 50 sat atop a 127-inch wheelbase and was powered by an eight-cylinder engine that produced just under 240 horsepower. There were three body-styles offered, a four-door sedan with seating for six costs $2,875. The two-door Riviera Hardtop had seating for six and cost $2,880. This was the most popular of the Super Series 50 with 85,656 examples being produced. The two-door convertible with seating for six costs the most, setting the buyer back $3,225. These were the fewest produced of the series with only 3,527 examples being created.

For 1956, the Series 50 continued to be a large vehicle in the Buick lineup, with features such as four ventiports per fender and a very vertical windshield as part of its distinguishable features. For 1956, a Riviera sedan was added to the lineup, which quickly became the most popular in the series, fetching $3345 for a base model. All body styles rested on the 122-inch wheelbase and power came from an overhead-valve V8 engine that displaced 322 cubic-inches. Horsepower was impressive at 255, and torque measured just over 340. Dynaflow drive was standard on the Series 50.

The lowest production series 50 for 1956, was the 56C, which demanded a price of $3,540. There was seating for six on this two-door convertible body style, and a total of 2489 examples were produced during this year. This was Buick's most 'exclusive' bodystyle in regards to it being the lowest produced body style for all Buicks. The next body style to have the fewest production figures was the Buick Series 70 76C, which saw production reach 4,354.

For 1957 the Super and Roadmaster were Buicks were given unique roof treatments and a new C-body. The word 'SUPER' was spelled in block letters on the trunk. Three body styles were available, the '53' which was a four-door Riviera hardtop with seating for 6. This was the most popular of the Series 50, with a total of 41,665 examples being produced during this year. The '56R' 2-door hardtop Riviera also had seating for six and was the second most popular body style in the Series 50 line-up. The two-door Convertible '56C' continued to lag in production figures, with a mere 2,056 examples being produced. It cost $3,980 which was a couple of hundred dollars more than the other Series 50 body styles. Having only two-doors, it was less versatile and required a buyer who was interested in its convertible top and sporty persona. These were truly marvelous cars and have become highly sought after in modern times.

There were two body styles offered on the Series in 1958, the two- and four-door Riviera hardtop. The two-door version was the less example model of the two, costing $3640. Included with this price were standard power steering, power brakes, safety-cushion instrument panel, Dynaflow gearbox, carpeted floors, and courtesy lights.

The name 'Series 50' would continue until 1959 when new names and modified styling was introduced.

For a period in time, the Series 50 was Buick's most popular model. They were elegant and stylish, and in a price range that many, in this price group, could afford. They were not an entry-level vehicle, but one higher up the ladder. The early 1950s saw the unique ventiport design and 'buck-tooth' front-end grille. The round styling of the bodies was modern and flowed nicely with the one-piece windshield. Power was adequate and dependable, capable of carrying these prestigious cars to adequate speeds.

The name 'Series 50' had been with Buick since 1930 when it served as a replacement for the Series 121. At the time, they rested on a 124-inch wheelbase and powered by a six-cylinder engine that displaced 331 cubic-inches and produced just under 100 horsepower. The Great Depression was a difficult time for many marques, but Buick was able to weather the storm and came through with their Series 50 still intact.

by Dan Vaughan

Buick's best-selling vehicle of 1930, the Series 40 was the precursor to the Series 50. With a wheelbase that stretched to 124 inches, the Series 121 was renamed the Series 50. The large six engine was enlarged to 331.5 cubic inches and achieved 98 hp and 2,800 rpm. The Series 50 ranged in price from $1,510 to $1,540. The styling of the Series 50 was new and featured conservatively sporty lines and much less chrome than the public had grown used to.

The Buick Series 50 Convertible came with hydraulically operated top, front-seat adjustments, and door windows. The wheelbase was a total of 124 inches.

Buick faced a lot of pressure during the Great Depression, while Buicks were a substantial part of the medium-price range, almost the enter class was being squeezed out. Unfounded rumors were milling about that the Buick nameplate was about to cease, these obviously proved untrue. The Series 40 was introduced in May 1934 by the new Buick GM, Harlow Curtice. The Series 40 was basically a Chevy body mounted on a Buick straight-8 chassis and featured 2 overhead-valve straight-8 engines. The Buick series were given names in 1935. The Series 40 became the Special and the Series 50 became the Super. The following year the three larger engines were all replaced by a 320 c.i.d. unit that would be the mainstay of Buick engines until 1953.

The Super Series was next renamed Roadmaster. Following the war, the Century line was deleted and Buick filled the demand with the larger Supers and Roadmasters.

by Jessican Donaldson