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1948 BUICK SPECIAL

OWNER: OCTAVIO MENDIZABAL

 

The 1948 Buick Special is an entry-level, full-size post-war American classic built on a 121-inch wheelbase. [1, 2]
Key Specifications & Features
  • Engine: 248-cubic-inch “Fireball” straight-eight engine producing 110 horsepower. [1, 2]
  • Transmission: 3-speed manual transmission. [1]
  • Body Styles: Limited to two options—a two-door sedanet (fastback) and a four-door sedan (convertibles were not offered in the Special series at this time). [1, 2]
  • Wheelbase: 121 inches (shorter than the Super’s 124 inches and the Roadmaster’s 129 inches). [1]
  • Original Price: Around $1,550 when new. [1]
Styling & Distinctive Traits
  • Fenders: Unlike the Super and Roadmaster—whose rear fender trim extensions continued all the way back—the Special’s side trim and fender extensions went only about halfway into the door. [1]
  • Post-War Design: It carried over the streamlined, integrated “bomb-style” body lines originally designed by Harley Earl for the pre-war 1942 model year. [1, 2]
  • Rarity: Because buyers often preferred the step-up Super or Roadmaster models, fewer than 3,000 original base Specials were produced during the post-war buyer boom. [1]