Special Survivor: 1951 Buick Special Deluxe Model 41D Touring Sedan – Sold!

Mar 2020 | Classifinds, Free For All Friday

Update: This one got away, but if you have your heart set on something similar, email us the details of what you’re looking for or call Rudy directly at (908)295-7330

Perhaps its the great photographs, but we think its more about the venti-ports, early sweep spear, and rear window styling of this black over white, 56k original mile, 1951 Buick Special Deluxe Model 41D Touring Sedan survivor currently listed on Craigslist in Leonardo, New Jersey for the odd price of $1. Naturally, we all know that’s not the likely asking price, so a review of the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool provides a range of $13,600 for a #2 “Excellent” example and $7,200 for a #3 “Good” condition car. The following excerpt is from Hagerty Insurance. Additional information on the vast 1951 Buick model lineup can be found here on the Hometown Buick website.

“The Buick Special was the last model to receive a new full-width body, in mid-1949 as a 1950 model. Before that, the Specials were basically Fisher B-bodies dating back to 1941. The new model was introduced with a “snaggle-tooth” grille, which spilled down over the bumper and was also fitted to Super and Roadmaster models. Specials had three “ventiports” on the hood sides.

The 1950 Specials were divided into two lines. The base model had no body-side moldings, while the Special Deluxe had trim, bright window outlines and “Special” script on the front fenders. Three body styles were available in the Special line, with four in the Special Deluxe. Each had a fastback, or “Jetback,” two-and four-door, as well as a conventional notchback four-door touring sedan. There were no Special convertibles or station wagons and the top seller was the four-door touring sedan with 141,396 sales. Power came from the 110-hp, 248-cid OHV straight-eight engine, with a three-speed or optional Dynaflow automatic transmission. As Buick’s affordable option, Buick Special prices ranged from $1,800 to $1,983.

For 1951, the Buick Special grille was modified to a more conventional waterfall design, and the Special line gained a convertible and a Riviera two-door hardtop. The Jetback style was dropped, to be replaced by a more conventional notchback form. The straight-eight engine was increased to 263 cid and 120 hp.”

Well-built if leisurely performers, many early 1950s Buick Specials have survived. The Specials are smaller, and therefore somewhat more convenient. Many linger in wrecking yards and spares are reasonably available.”

With not much to go on other than the great pictures provided, this Buick appears to be a nice low original mile sedan that exemplifies the understated upscale quality Buicks were once known for. We would love to listen to the straight-eight engine this example is equipped with, not for the noise it makes, but rather the quiet smoothness that only an inline L-head engine provides. If you’re looking for a nice riding classic car for Sunday drives to your local show, this might be a great candidate. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s brief description:

“1951 BUICK SPECIAL
56,000 MILES STANDARD TRANSMISSION,GOOD CONDITION,GARAGE KEPT ALL THE TIME. FOR MORE INFORMATION. IF THE AD IS STILL UP IT’S STILL AVAILABLE. PLEASE CALL THE NUMBER IN THE ADD. PICKUP ONLY NO DELIVERY. CASH ONLY NO CHECKS.“

Do you have a Buick Special story you’d like to share? Comment below and let us know!