1962 Buick Special

After a brief absence, the 'Special' name re-joined the Buick lineup in 1961, returning as the company's entry-level model offered in sedan, station wagon, and sport coupe configuration. The Special of the 1940s and 1950s was an entry-level model, but at the end of 1958, it was retired and the LeSabre with all-new styling took over its duties. When the Special re-appeared in 1961, the LeSabre moved upmarket, priced above the Special and below the Invicta and Electra.

The styling of the 1961 Special was similar to the larger Buick models, with three ventiport appliques per front fender. It received minimal brightwork and trim, and standard features included a cigar lighter, electric windshield wipers, dual sun visors, and dual armrests. Power was from a 215 cubic-inch V8 with overhead valves, a cast aluminum block, hydraulic valve lifters, five main bearings, and a two-barrel Rochester carburetor. It delivered 155 horsepower at 4,600 RPM and was backed by a three-speed manual transmission. A Dual-path Turbine Drive transmission was a $189 option.

The 1962 Buick Special was the first American car to be powered by a V6 engine. It was a 198 CID unit with overhead valves, 8.8:1 compression, four main bearings, hydraulic valve lifters, a two-barrel Rochester carburetor, and delivered 135 horsepower at 4,600 RPM. The 198 'Fireball' engine was reverse-engineered from the 215 CID V8 and incorporated many of the same parameters, but was in cast iron. The V6 was backed by the tried-and-true three-speed manual or optional Turbine drive. A four-speed manual was optional on the V-8s. The 215 CID V8 with the cast aluminum block was now optional, delivering the same 155 horsepower as the previous year.

Along with changes to the powerplant, Buick added a 'Deluxe' trim package on the Special, available only on the sedan, convertible, and six-passenger station wagons. These versions received a plusher interior with nicer vinyl and fabrics, full carpeting, rear armrests, a Deluxe steering wheel, foam seat cushions, rear ashtrays, dual horns, visors, and a cigarette lighter. Bright strips were placed along the body and an oil filter was added to the engine. The Deluxe added approximately $200 to the base price of the vehicle.

The base Special was available as a two- and four-door sedan, 6- and 8-passenger station wagon, and a convertible. Prices ranged from $2,300 to $2,740. The sedan was the most popular with 23,249 examples produced, followed by the two-door sedan with 19,135. 7,918 were convertibles and 7,382 were the six-passenger station wagon. 2,814 were the eight-passenger wagon.

The Special Deluxe was popular, with 31,660 examples of the sedan built, 10,300 of the station wagon, and 8,332 of the convertible.

The base Special came equipped with small hubcaps, directional signals, heater and defroster, cloth and vinyl interior, cigar lighter, dual armrests, dual sun visors, and three ventiports per front fender. 'Special' script could be found ahead of the front wheelhouse. Convertibles were fitted with an outside rearview mirror. Optional equipment included an air conditioning system, power brakes, two-tone interior, bucket seats, Deluxe wheelcovers, backup lights, and power steering.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2020