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Buick Super Eight

Category:

Description

The Buick Super Eight was a distinguished full-size automobile produced primarily in the 1930s through the early 1950s. Positioned between the entry-level Special and the top-tier Roadmaster, the Super Eight offered a compelling mix of upscale features, elegant styling, and reliable performance, making it a popular choice among buyers seeking both comfort and value.

The “Eight” designation referred to its straight-eight engine, an overhead-valve inline-eight that was a hallmark of Buick engineering during the era. Known for its smooth operation and solid torque, this engine provided confident performance whether driving through town or cruising on the highway. Later models of the Super Eight would benefit from the introduction of the Dynaflow automatic transmission, which emphasized seamless, gearless acceleration and further enhanced the car’s refined character.

Styling evolved through the years, but the Super Eight consistently featured Buick’s trademark design cues—such as the waterfall grille, sweeping fenders, and tasteful use of chrome trim. Body styles included sedans, coupe variants like the Sedanet, convertibles, and station wagons, offering a wide range of choices for different tastes and needs. As with other models of the time, two-tone paint schemes and wide whitewall tires added a touch of flair.

Inside, the Super Eight offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, often upholstered in quality cloth or leatherette materials. The dashboards were attractively designed, with large gauges and brightwork, while amenities like radios, heaters, and electric clocks were often included or available as options. Though not as opulent as the Roadmaster, the Super Eight maintained a reputation for delivering near-luxury features at a more accessible price point.

Over the years, the Super Eight became known as a dependable and stylish family car, appreciated for its balance of elegance and everyday usability. It remained a key part of Buick’s lineup until the early 1950s, when model naming conventions and market demands began to shift.

Today, the Buick Super Eight is a beloved classic, prized by collectors and enthusiasts for its graceful design, smooth engine, and the charm of mid-century American motoring.

Additional information

Manufacturer

Buick

Country

USA

Production Started

1950

Production Stopped

1950

Vehicle Type

Bodystyle

Sedan

Number of Doors

4

Number of Seats

6

Top Speed

81 mph (130 kph)

0-60 mph (0-100 kph)

Power

94 / 128 / 126 @ 3600 rpm

Torque

306 / 226 @ 2000 rpm

Engine Manufacturer

Buick

Engine

Inline 8

Engine Location

Front

Engine Displacement

4314 cc (262 cu in)

Valvetrain

OHV

Valves per Cylinder

2

Bore / Stroke

80.9 x 104.8 mm (3.185 x 4.126 in)

Compression Ratio

7.2:1

Cooling System

Water

Charging System

Fuel Type

Petrol

Fuel System

Carburator

Aspiration

Normal

Fuel Capacity

Drive

Rear

Transmission

M3

Steering

Front Brakes

Rear Brakes

Front Suspension

Rear Suspension

Tyre Dimensions

Chassis

Weight

1800 kg (3968 lb)

Length

Width

Height

Wheelbase

3188 mm (125.5 in)