Description

The Buick Special 155 HP was part of Buick’s popular entry-level model line during the early 1960s, offering a combination of practicality, style, and solid performance in a more compact and affordable package. The “155 HP” designation refers to the horsepower rating of the engine, which was typically Buick’s 215 cubic inch aluminum V8—an innovative and lightweight engine for its time.

Introduced in the early 1960s, this version of the Buick Special was part of GM’s compact car initiative. It featured unibody construction, which was relatively uncommon for American cars at the time, and a more modest footprint compared to Buick’s traditional full-size models. Despite being a compact, the Special still carried Buick’s trademark styling cues, including a clean, refined grille, tasteful chrome accents, and smooth body lines that gave it a polished look.

Under the hood, the 215 cubic inch V8 engine producing 155 horsepower offered a good balance of power and efficiency. Because the engine block was made from aluminum, it was significantly lighter than traditional cast-iron engines, which contributed to better fuel economy and nimble handling. The engine was mated to either a manual transmission or Buick’s automatic transmission options, providing smooth and responsive performance for everyday driving.

Inside, the Special 155 HP maintained a comfortable and straightforward interior layout. Bench seating, durable upholstery, and a functional dashboard made the car practical, but optional features like a radio, heater, and power steering added comfort and convenience. Despite being an economy model, the Buick Special still retained a level of refinement that separated it from other compact cars of the era.

The Special appealed to young families, first-time buyers, and anyone seeking Buick quality in a smaller, more efficient package. It was economical to run, relatively easy to maintain, and offered Buick’s signature smooth ride in a more approachable form.

Today, the Buick Special 155 HP is appreciated for its innovative engineering—particularly the aluminum V8—and for being a stylish and well-built compact car from a time when American automakers were experimenting with new ideas. It holds a special place in Buick’s history as a bridge between traditional full-size models and the evolving compact and intermediate market of the 1960s.