Lot 033: 1962 BUICK SPECIAL SEDAN

Synonymous for over twenty years with the entry level model in Buick's full-size range, the 'Special' moniker was dropped during 1958. However, two seasons later it reappeared on an all-new 'senior compact car' positioned below the marque's biggest offerings. Intended to recapture sales from a growing wave of European imports, the newcomer was based around a monocoque bodyshell equipped with independent coil-and-wishbone front suspension, a coil-sprung 'live' rear axle and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Product of much late 1950s experimentation, its 215ci (3.5 litre) engine featured an aluminium sump, block and heads. Developing a quoted 155hp and 210lbft of torque in standard tune, the unit weighed just 318lb (144kg). Hailed as the world's lightest mass-production V8, it proved significantly more expensive to manufacture than rival cast-iron designs. Thus, GM happily sold the rights to Rover during early 1965 (a decision it was to regret in later years but one which gave rise to the ubiquitous Rover V8). Sporting quad headlamps, three 'porthole' vents per wing and a full-width radiator grille, the Buick Special was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 11.2 seconds and 105mph. Although sharing the same name, its 1964 model year successor was an altogether larger and somewhat less inspired design. Finished in blue with blue vinyl upholstery, this particular left-hand drive example is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (three-speed automatic transmission, electrical equipment, chassis) or "very good" (engine, interior trim, bodywork, paintwork, wheels / tyres) condition. Said to have had "three owners from new with original bill of sale and other history", '103 UXW' is believed to have covered just over 41,400 miles (a figure apparently substantiated in part by twelve old MOT certificates). Reportedly the subject of restoration work during the mid 1980s including "a respray and engine detailing", the four-door saloon is also understood to have "won best in show, best Buick and other numerous awards". Riding on steel wheels shod with whitewall tyres, this smart 'Special' is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until March 23rd 2008.