1940 Buick Series 40 Special

Buick marketed its entire 1940 model year lineup as new and improved, with the Series 40 Special gaining an inch to its wheelbase, allowing both dual side-mount spare tires and fully openable doors at the same time. The headlamps were incorporated into the front fenders, a dual-diaphragm fuel pump improved windshield wiper operation, and the interior had white trim panels and Bedford cloth and mohair upholstery.

Buick began using the Series 40 designation in 1930 representing the entry-level six-cylinder model and employing a 118-inch wheelbase. The entire Buick lineup gained eight-cylinder engines for 1931, with the Series 40 discontinued, with the Series 50 assuming its duties. The Series 40 nameplate returned in 1935, joining the SEries 50, 60, and 90 and resting on a 117-inch wheelbase. A year later, it became known as the 'Special,' and the styling introduced in 1936 would continue through 1949.

All 1939 Buicks were given 'Turret Top' bodies with vee-type windshields, wedged-shaped radiators, bullet-shaped headlamps, and twin taillamps. Along with new styling, Buick's received an improved independent front suspension, improved water temperature control, and new alloy pistons.

The 1940 Buick Special Series 40 continued to serve as the entry-level model, resting on a 121-inch wheelbase with a length of 204-inches. Both the Series 40 and Series 50 were powered by an overhead-valve 'Dynaflash' inline-8 with a 248 cubic-inch displacement, five main bearings, aluminum rockers, mechanical valve lifters, a Carter or Stromberg carburetor, and delivered 107 horsepower at 3,400 RPM.

The Series 50 had a 121-inch wheelbase, the Series 60 measured 126-inches, and the Series 80 measured 133-inches. The top-of-the-line Series 90, priced between $1940 to $2,200, used a 140-inch wheelbase and measured 219.5-inches. The Series 60, 70, 80, and 90 were powered by a 320.2 cubic-inch inline-8 delivering 141 horsepower at 3,600 RPM.

All 1940 Buicks were equipped with a three-speed sliding gear transmission with a single dry plate clutch and column shift controls. Hydraulic drum brakes on all four corners provided the stopping power.

The Buick Special used all-steel construction with a rigid I-beam frame, and front and rear stabilizer bars. Rubber shims between the frame and the Fisher-built B-body gave the Buicks a luxurious feel and quiet operation. The thermal circuit breaker eliminated the need for fuses, and the torque tube on the live rear axle produced responsive on-road behavior and a comfortable ride.

Body styles including a four-door convertible Special ('Sport Phaeton') priced at $1,355 and 552 examples were built. 1940 was the only model year that this body style was offered. The least expensive body style was the Sport Coupe priced at $950 and 8,291 examples were built. The most popular was the four-door touring sedan priced at $995, with 67,308 examples built. Next in popularity was the $955 touring sedan with 20,739 examples built, followed by 12,372 of the $895 business coupe. 3,664 examples of the convertible coupe ($1075) and 48 of the four-door taxi were built. The combined 112,974 examples of the 1940 Buick Series 40 accounted for approximately forty-one percent of Buick's total production.

Although the Series 40 was an entry-level series, its Buick distinction meant that it was a full-size vehicle and met or exceeded the market's expectation for comfort and performance.

by Dan Vaughan

Touring Sedan

All Buicks in 1940 were given oil filters and sealed beam headlamps, which were now mounted in the fenders. The company enjoyed its best production year ever in 1940. There was the usual restyle and the wheelbase was increased by one inch to 122-inches. This was also the only model year that a four-door convertible, called the 'Sport Phaeton' was offered, with just 552 built. The Special was the most affordable model, and it was offered in both two and four door models. These entry level Buicks trace their heritage to the Buick Modell 10, a companion to Buick's first car, the Buick Model B.

This Buick Special Series 40 was purchased by the current owner's father in 1962 as a drive-to-work car for the princely sum of $50. On his way home, he stopped for gas and was offered $75. He declined the offer and would keep the car for the next forty years. After driving the car for several years, he offered to keep it for his son while he went off to college. He would drive the car occasionally and would often be asked to sell the car, but he always declined.

Finally in 2002, the son would take possession and it would undergo a full restoration over the next nine years. In 2011, it emerged and father and son would once again enjoy riding in it. When his father gave him the car, he said 'I hope you have as much fun with it as I have had'.

The car now features several available factory options, including a heater, defroster, radio, special trim, special order Lancaster Gray paint and a leather interior. Power is from Buick's valve-in-head Straight Eight.

Touring Sedan

This 1940 Buick Special Four-Door Sedan has spent most of its life in Florida. It is painted in black with a grey cloth interior. It came from the factory equipped with a radio, fog lights, heater, jack, and straight-eight engine mated to a three-speed transmission.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Phaeton
Chassis number: 13730566

This vehicle is a Model 41C Special Convertible Phaeton. It has an eight cylinder, 248 cubic-inch engine mated to a three-speed transmission. This bodystyle is one of 552 examples domestically sold and 45 exported. It is believed that less than 100 are still known to exist. When new, the car had an original base cost of $1,355. The car has dual side mount spare tires and tear drop rear fender skirts.

by Dan Vaughan

Touring Sedan
Chassis number: 33664926

The 1940 Buick Special Series 40 was powered by a 248 cubic-inch overhead valve inline eight-cylinder engine with a single carburetor delivering 107 horsepower at 3,400 RPM. It was paired with a three-speed manual transmission and stopping power was via four-wheel drum brakes.

Buick comprehensively updated its lineup for 1936, bestowing 'turret top' styling and improved independent front suspension. The 1940 Buicks were marketed as new and improved, with the Series 40 Special gaining an inch to its wheelbase, allowing both dual side mounts and fully openable doors at the same time. At the front was a horizontal grille and headlamps incorporated into the front fenders. New mechanical changes included a new dual-diaphragm fuel pump and improved windshield wiper functionality. The eight-cylinder Dynaflash engine received rubber frame-mount ships and aluminum rockers.

by Dan Vaughan

Buick introduced the Series 40 in 1930 as a replacement for the Series 116. The Series 40 rode on a 118-inch wheelbase and powered by a 258 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine which produced 80 horsepower. Braking was through mechanical drums found on all four corners. The suspension was comprised of semi-elliptic springs and Lovejoy hydraulic shock absorbers. During its first year, there were six body styles to select from, including a Sedan, Sport Roadster, Business Coupe, and Special Coupe in two-door configuration. A Phaeton and Sedan version were offered with four doors, with the four-door sedan with seating for five being the most popular body style on the Series 40. Pricing was rather competitive, starting at $1260 and continuing through $1300. The Phaeton had seating for four or five, and had the lowest sales in the Series 40, total just under 1000 examples.

The name 'Series 40' remained dormant for a few years, making its re-appearance in 1934. They were again Buicks entry-level vehicle, though much had changed in these few short years. The Series 40 lightweight vehicles powered by an eight-cylinder engine that measured 233 cubic-inches and produced nearly 100 horsepower.

The name 'Series 40' would stick with Buick until 1959 when a new series naming scheme was introduced. During this time, the Series 40 would be powered by eight-cylinder engines which grew in size in power throughout the years.

For 1934, the Series 40 rested on a 117-inch wheelbase and had an entry price of a mere $795. The top-of-the-line Series 40 would set the buyer back $925. The four-door Club sedan continued to be the most popular of the Series 40, selling nearly 11,000 examples in 1934. Five body styles were available, including a two-door Touring Sedan, Sport Coupe, and Convertible Coupe.

For 1935, little changed. A few extra colors were added and the trim was revised slightly. Mechanical problems from the 1934 Series 40 were resolved, such as clutch and timing chain issues. A new body style was added, the Convertible Coupe.

Changes occurred both visually and mechanical for 1936. The car now rested on an enlarged, 118-inch wheelbase. Over 77,000 examples of the four-door sedan were sold, which was a drastic improvement over the prior year's sales figures. Much of the vehicle's aesthetics received attention. The windshields and roof lines became more rounded. The spare tire was mounted discretely in the trunk for some body styles and mounted on the left-hand side of the vehicle for others.

Sales continued to be strong throughout the 1930s for the Series 40. The car grew even larger in 1937, now sitting on a 122-inch wheelbase. The engine now measured 248 cubic-inches and produced 100 horsepower. Production continued until the onset of World War II, when the American automobile producers switched to aid in the production of war-time materials.

When production resumed in 1946, the Series 40 was the only model in Buick's lineup to utilize the prewar Fisher B-body styles of the postwar era. There were two body styles available, both resting on a 121-inch wheelbase and had seating for six. The four-door version cost $1,580 while the two-door version was priced at $1520. These were Buick entry-level vehicles, just as they had been in prior to World War II. Sales were slow, with around 3000 examples produced from the combined sales of the two- and four-door versions. The 248 cubic-inch engine was rated at around 110 horsepower.

Major changes did not occur on the Series 40 until 1950, when the cars were given changes to their styling. The styling was modern and memorable, with the grille being one of the more distinguishable features on the car. Three vent-ports were now located on the side of the engine bay. The public approved of these changes, and sales were strong, reaching over 200,000 for the Series 40 and Series 40D. The Series 40D was a Special Deluxe model that had the same styling and size as the Series 40, but added improvements to the interior, adding trim and molding, and 'Special' on the front fenders.

In 1954 the Series 40 was given a new body that was lower and wider than it previously had. The front had a new grille design which many termed as the 'electric shaver' design. The front and rear windows were curved and there was enough glass throughout the drivers and passenger's view to provide a nearly 360-degree view. Mounted under the hood was a new 264 cubic-inch V8 engine that produced over 140 horsepower. The vehicles outfitted with the Dynaflow gearbox had even more power. A new steering linkage and suspension gave the vehicle a smooth ride, complementing the car's appearance.

By 1956, the Series 40 was given visual changes to its grille, ornamentation, and headlights. New bumpers were added to the front and rear of the vehicle. On the inside, the instrumentation was the same as other Buick models, a trend that had not been seen on Buicks since the pre-War era. Improvements to the engine meant an increase in horsepower, now rated at over 220 for the Dynaflow version. Sales were strong with the 2-door Riviera Hardtop being the most popular, with over 113,000 units sold in 1956. The price ranged from $2410 to $2775. The most expensive Series 40 was the six-person Estate Wagon which saw over 13,700 units being purchased.

There were many changes in 1957 to the Series 40, including a new grille insert, the 'B U I C K' name on the front of the car, chrome wings in the rear, along with a slew of other changes. In the back was a single exhaust pipe, with dual exhausts being offered for an additional cost. The three portholes on the side signified 'Super' while other models received four. Horsepower for the Dynaflow version had now reached 250 with 380 foot-pounds of torque. Sales continued to be strong, though they dipped a little from the prior year.

For 1958 the Buick Series 40 were given dual headlights in the front and an exorbitant amount of chrome. There was a circular ornament with a 'V', symbolizing V8, placed on the front and in the center of the hood. Dual horizontal moldings ran along each side of the vehicle, from front to back. Sales were strong, but they were still on the decline.

For 1959, Buick introduced their Series 4400 as a replacement for the Series 40. The Series 4400 was a very wide car with a modern style indicative of the era.

The Series had served Buick for many years, as their entry-level vehicle. The V8 engine found under the hood (except for the initial years) was more than adequate to carry the large and elegant bodies. Offered in a variety of body styles, the cars were versatile and accommodating to many individual's wishes and needs.

by Dan Vaughan