The History of The Buick Super

Author: Jason / Date: April 18, 2023 / Tags: Buick

(RareCarMarket.com) – The Buick Super was a series of full-sized automobiles produced by the Buick division of General Motors between 1940 and 1958, and again briefly from 1961 to 1963. The Super was positioned between the entry-level Special and the more luxurious Roadmaster within Buick’s lineup. Here is a brief history of the Buick Super:

• First generation (1940-1942): The first generation Buick Super was introduced in 1940, featuring a streamlined body design, with prominent pontoon-style fenders, a split windshield, and a wide grille. It was available in various body styles, including a 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe, and convertible. The Super was powered by a 248 cu in (4.1 L) Fireball straight-eight engine, which delivered 107-110 horsepower.
• Second generation (1946-1949): After World War II, Buick resumed automobile production with the 1946 models, which featured modest updates to the pre-war design. The 1946 Super received minor cosmetic changes, including a new grille and updated trim. The engine output was increased to 115-120 horsepower.
• Third generation (1949-1953): The 1949 Buick Super was redesigned, featuring a lower and wider body, a one-piece curved windshield, and distinctive “VentiPorts” on the front fenders. The engine was upgraded to a 263 cu in (4.3 L) straight-eight, producing 124-128 horsepower. In 1950, Buick introduced the hardtop coupe body style called the Riviera, which would become a popular and iconic model for the brand.
• Fourth generation (1954-1956): In 1954, the Buick Super was redesigned again, with a more squared-off body, panoramic windshield, and new grille design. The engine was upgraded to a 322 cu in (5.3 L) Nailhead V8, producing 185-200 horsepower. In 1955, the Super received a minor facelift, with a revised grille, updated side trim, and new tail lights.
• Fifth generation (1957-1958): The 1957 Buick Super was redesigned with more flamboyant styling, featuring a lower and wider stance, larger tail fins, and a new grille. The engine was upgraded again, to a 364 cu in (6.0 L) Nailhead V8, producing 300 horsepower. In 1958, the Super received another facelift, with quad headlights, new grille, and updated trim. However, after 1958, the Super was discontinued in favor of the new Buick Electra.
• Revival (1961-1963): The Buick Super name was briefly revived from 1961 to 1963, for a subseries of the Buick Invicta, a full-sized car that replaced the Buick LeSabre. The Super designation was used for the higher-end Invicta models, which featured more luxurious trim and options. However, after 1963, the Buick Super name was discontinued for good.

Although the Buick Super is no longer in production, it remains an important part of Buick’s history and a symbol of American automotive design during the 1940s and 1950s.

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