1949 Buick Series 50 Super

Buick re-entered civilian production following World War II with mildly updated versions of its pre-war models. Models included the entry-level Series 40 Special, The Super Series 50 that combined the powertrain of the Series 40 with the bodies of the larger Series 70. The Series 70 was the company's largest, most powerful, and most expensive vehicles in the lineup with well-appointed interiors. Buick would continue to use the Series 40, 50, and 70 model nameplates through the 1950s.

The 1949 Buick Super was the first year of a new body design that would continue through 1953. It shared the C-body platform with the Buick Roadmaster (Series 70), and its 121-inch wheelbase with the Series 40 Special. Body styles included a sedan, convertible coupe, station wagon, and Sedanette with prices that ranged from $2,050 for the Sedanette and rose to $3,180 for the station wagon.

Buick offered station wagons from 1940 and earned the distinction of building the last wood-bodied American wagons in 1953. Most of the wagons were wood-bodied in the Series 50 and Series 70. The Model 59 station wagon bodies were sourced from Ionia Manufacturing Company in Ionia, Michigan.

The inline overhead-valve eight-cylinder engine displaced 248 cubic-inches, had five main bearings, mechanical valve lifters, and a Stromberg or Carter two-barrel carburetor. This engine was the same as the one used in the Series 40 Special but its compression ratio was 6.6:1 instead of 6.3:1, and power was rated at 115 horsepower at 3,600 RPM, five more than on the Series 40. A three-speed manual transmission was standard on the Series 40 and 50, while the Series 70 had a Dynaflow drive. Stopping power was by four-wheel drum brakes and the suspension was independent in the front with semi-elliptic leaf springs in the back.

The script 'Super' was positioned above the full-length body and fender molding on the front fenders and the were full wheel trim discs at all four wheels. Standard equipment included an automatic choke, ashtray, and a cigar lighter. Cloth interiors were standard on all body styles except the convertible coupe which was trimmed in leather and leatherette. Standard features included power windows, a power seat, and a power top.

131,514 examples of the sedan were built with 4,909 built for export. 65,395 were Sedanettes with 865 for export. 21,426 (684 for export) were convertible coupes and 1,830 (17 exports) were station wagons.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe Sedan

The 1949 Buick Series 50 'Super' line featured the General Motors Division's first truly new post-WWII styling. A popular model was the Super 56-S two-door fastback coupe, a body style that Buick called a 'Sedanet.' Combining sweeping lines with a surprisingly roomy interior, the first Buick Sedanet had appeared for 1941. The last was built in 1951.

An enduring new styling feature of the 1949 Buicks was their front fender VentiPorts, also known as 'portholes.' The Series 50 Super models for 1949 featured three per front fender, while longer-wheelbase Series 70 Roadmasters had four. Even today, most Buicks have stylized trim appliques reminiscent of the famed Venti-Ports.

This Super is equipped with a Buick-designed and built Dynaflow automatic transmission. Dynaflow, introduced as a Roadmaster-only option in 1948, was first available in Super models for 1949. Coupled here with the Super's 248 cubic-inch version of the Buick overhead valve straight-eight engine, Dynaflow provided a silky smooth stream of power. The automatic transmission option added $212 to the $2,056 base price for the Model 56-S.

Driven only 40,000 miles from new, this featured Sedanet retains portions of its factory-applied Gala Green paint, a color offered only for 1949. The car's original chrome and interior are especially well preserved. Prior to joining the owner's collection, the Buick spent most of its life in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Station Wagon

This 1949 Buick Super Series 50 Station Wagon is one of only 1,830 examples created during that year. The platform was the new General Motors C-body which it shared with the Roadmaster, though the Series 50 had a shorter wheelbase. Under the hood was an eight-cylinder engine which produced 1500 horsepower and mated to a three-speed manual gearbox. A Dynaflow drive with column-mounted shift levers was offered as optional equipment. Other standard equipment included cloth seats, cigar lighter, an ashtray, full wheel trim discs and an automatic choke.

The most popular Series 50 Buick was the Sedan which saw a production total of 131,514 in 1949, making it the most popular vehicle in Buick's lineup.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe
Chassis number: 55219939
Engine number: 54077305

1949 was the first year of a new design for the Buick Super and it shared its C-Body platform with the Roadmaster but on a shortened 121-inch wheelbase. This new body design would be used by Buick until 1953. It featured the Buick 'VentiPorts' and it took its styling cues from the Roadmaster, albeit at a lower price.

This particular Buick Super Convertible has never been fully restored. It has been repainted once, approximately 4 decades ago. It is finished in its original black color, has its original chrome, new red carpet, and a new red leather interior in the correct grain. It is equipped with the factory-optional fog lights and spotlight.

This car is believed to have been sold new in Virginia. Over the following 27 years, it changed hands between three owners, all of whom lived on the same block.

Currently, this Buick has 51,000 miles on its odometer.

by Dan Vaughan