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1935 Buick Series 50

Buick's line of two- and four-cylinder models were joined by a six-cylinder model, the Model B-55, for 1914. It had a single block casting, overhead valves, four-main bearings, mechanical valve lifters, a Marvel carburetor, a 331 cubic-inch displacement, and delivered 48 (SAE) horsepower. The engine was backed by a sliding gear, three-speed manual transmission with mechanical brakes on two wheels. By 1916, the entire Buick lineup was powered by six-cylinder engines - the 331 CID inline-6 and a 224 CID six with approximately 45 hp.

Due to a shortage of materials, Buick models reverted back to four-cylinder power for 1917, and the 225 CID six was dropped in 1918 and replaced by a 242 CID six. By 1919, Buicks were solely powered by six-cylinder power, joined in 1922 by a four-cylinder model.

Buick adopted new series designations in 1925, with the Standard Six powered by a 191 CID inline-6 and resting on a 114.3-inch platform while the Master Six was powered by a 255 CID inline-6 and built atop a 120- and 128-inch wheelbase.

The 1929 models were the first Buicks to receive styling by General Motors Art and Colour department. The three series were known as the Series 116, Series 121, and Series 129 - representing wheelbase measurements. The Series 116 used a 239.1 CID inline-6 while the Series 121 and 129 were powered by a 309.6 CID inline 6.

Another naming scheme was applied to the 1930 Buicks, with the Series 40 (118-inch wheelbase) representing the entry-level vehicles, the intermediate level Series 50 (124-inch wheelbase) replacing the previous 121, and the top-of-the-line Series 60 on a 132-inch wheelbase. The 257.5 CID six in the Series 40 developed 80 hp, and the Series 50 and Series 60 were powered by a 331.4 CID six with 99 hp.

Eight-Cylinder Engines

The 1931 Buick lineup included the Series 50, Series 60, Series 80, and the Series 90 - all with eight-cylinder power, with the 220.7 CID unit in the Series 50 delivering 77 hp, the Series 60 using a 272.6 CID inline-8 rated at 90 hp, and the Series 80 and 90 fitted with a 344.8 CID inline-8 with 104 hp. They all employed a sliding gear, synchromesh three-speed transmission with a single dry plate clutch for the Series 50 and 60, while the Series 80 and 90 received a double dry plate clutch. Mechanical brakes on all four wheels provided the stopping power. The Series 50 had a 114-inch wheelbase, the Series 60 a 118-inch platform, the Series 80 measuring 124-inches, and the Series 90 at 132-inches.

All Buicks were lowered by 2.25-inches for 1933 and received twin taillights, a new X-cross member frame, and Fisher No-Draft ventilation. The free-wheeling system now allowed the driver to switch between freewheeling and direct drive as needed. The synchromesh transmission received helical gears for 1934 which allowed for shorter shift lever movement. The Series 40 joined the lineup and the Series 80 was dropped.

The 1935 Buick line consisted of the Series 40 on a 117-inch wheelbase, the 119-inch wheelbase Series 50, the 128-inch w.b. Series 60, and the range-topping Series 90 on a 136-inch platform.

The Series 40 was priced from $795 to $925 and the Series 60 listed for $1,375 to $1,675. Between them was the Series 50, offered as a sport coupe, business coupe, convertible coupe, victoria coupe, and a sedan. Prices ranged from $1,110 to $1,230 with the convertible coupe being the most expensive. The most popular was the sedan, priced at $1,190 and 3,778 examples built. Next in regards to popularity was the Victoria Coupe with 1,589 examples built, followed by 268 of the sport coupe, 257 of the business coupe, and 170 of the convertible coupe. The combined 6,062 examples of the Buick Series 50 built in 1935 accounted for approximately twelve-percent of Buick's total production.

The 235 cubic-inch inline-8 had overhead valves, a cast-iron block, five main bearings, mechanical valve lifters, a Marver carburetor, and delivered 88 horsepower. It was backed by a three-speed sliding gear, synchromesh transmission, and stopping power was by mechanical brakes on four wheels.

The Series 50 was similar to its 1934 sibling, with the only change being the addition of a center rear armrest on closed models. Wide walnut grained metal window interior trim was used on closed bodies, and safety glass was used for the vent windows and windshield. Narrow horizontal louvers could be found on the hood.

The Series 50 was dropped after 1935 and brought back in 1940 wearing the 'Buick Super' designation. They shared the same 121-inch wheelbase as the Series 40 'Special', along with the same 248 CID inline 8, and offered in a range of five body styles, all without running boards. Production of the Buick Super would continue through 1958, with production paused during World War II. It was replaced in 1959 by the Buick Electra.

by Dan Vaughan

Sport Coupe

The 1935 Buick Series 50 consisted of a Sedan and four coupes - a Business Coupe, Convertible Coupe, Sport Coupe, and Victoria Coupe. The most popular body style was the sedan which saw 3,778 examples built. Power was from an overhead valve inline eight-cylinder unit displacing 235 cubic-inches and offering 88 horsepower. The engine was mated to a three-speed sliding gear transmission with mechanical brakes at all four corners.

The Series 50 was positioned above the Series 40 and below the Series 60. Pricing began at $1,110 for the Business Coupe and rose to $1,230 for the Convertible Coupe.

Only 268 cars of this Model were built and this is car number 188. The price new was $1,145. The Buick is untouched and in original condition showing 44,856 miles. It is one of the few built with a spare tire mount in the rear, not on the side.

Originally, the car was sold in New Jersey. The first owner passed the car on to his daughter in the mid-1950s. She sold the car in 2010. The current owner acquired the car in 2016, becoming its fourth owner.

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