This one’s a looker! Of course, most cars from this era were, as opposed to jacked-up, homogenized blobosauruses that are commonplace today (yeah Buick, I’m talkin’ about you!) The seller claims this 1948 Super convertible is a “Trophy winner at every show.” That’s quite an achievement and my interest is piqued so let’s take a closer look at this Mitchell G. discovery that hails from Pittstown, New Jersey.
Buicks came in three flavors in ’48 with the Roadmaster on top, the Super in the middle, and the Special bringing up the rear. Supers were offered in four body styles including a four-door sedan and station wagon, as well as a two-door sedan and convertible. About 18K Super convertibles rolled off of the Buick City assembly line in Flint, Michigan in ’48 while Buick, overall, managed a sixth place finish in the domestic production race that year with 213K units finding new owners.
We’re told that this drop top is an “older” restoration but it still shows remarkably well. The finish, chrome bits, stainless trim, glass, and fabric top are about as close to new as you’re likely to find. Note the small rear window treatment, it’s a cool styling effect from the era though I imagine it makes backing maneuvers a challenge.
Moving this 4,200 lb. ragtop is the responsibility of a 115 HP, 248 CI, straight-eight, “Fireball” powerplant, driving the rear wheels courtesy of a three-speed manual transmission. The engine was rebuilt when the car was restored and the listing claims, “Runs and drives great. Recent full service including oil, oil filter, lube, air filter oil, new battery, etc.” The seller mentions that an extra transmission is included in the sale.
The red and ivory interior is about as good as it gets! Can you imagine a modern car’s interior being festooned in such a splash of color? We’ll go with the assumption that the fabric and cloth upholstery is a redo from the “older” restoration that occurred but whatever the case, it presents magnificently. Power accessories include the front seat, windows, and folding top. And, as with most mid tier and better domestics of this era, the dash is a work of art with its heavy, and obvious, chrome plated, center mounted radio speaker grille, which in this case is actually connected to a radio.
This Super convertible has everything going for it, with one possible exception, and that’s a new owner. As we have discussed before, excitement for cars of this immediate post war era have waned just as post war enthusiasts are waning, in general. Of course, this is such a fine example, I’m sure that there will be some interest garnered – this Super’s condition is just too nice to deny. Interested parties will find it here on craigslist where it’s available for $33,500, OBO. The seller adds, “must sell!”
Wow!
I would give a thumbs up to Bobs Wow but it doesn’t work. Huge wow. I love that its a stick and not a Dynaflow. I believe 48 was the first year it was available but only on the Roadmaster. This is just plain gorgeous.
Stunning car in fantastic colors!
Buick did not introduce new C body cars in 1948 like Oldsmobile and Cadillac did. Reportedly, Buick’s general manager, Harlow Curtice, got cold feet over the sloped hood on the planned 1948 Buick and postponed it for a year so the hood could be squared up.
My dad’s best friend who was my godfather had one of these and was a gearhead. Dad told me stories about them cruising around in it and “blowing out the carbon” at 100 mph on an open stretch. They were probably in their late 20’s at the time and a couple of bachelors on the prowl. My godfather’s later drivers included a ‘68 Corvette 427 with a blower, a ‘74 TransAm Super Duty, and an ‘87 Buick Grand National. He owned a funeral home and it was always fun to visit and see his cars and the cool Caddy limos and hearse. Good times.
I heard stories from my older brother of riding along on parts runs in Uncle Ed’s Roadmaster. Older cousins at the wheel. One hundred down the rural 2-lanes. Just a little before my time.
WOW BOB, My wife would trade me in for this gorgeous drop top, WE both love Buicks.
I also love Buicks, but unfortunately I only owned 2. This Buick, WOW, WOW, and WOW!!! I love everything, exterior and interior. I would love driving this with the 3 speed. I would have to drive it with the top down with that HUGE blind spot. I would jump on this but no room or free $$$$.
I’ve owned 6 Buicks and wish this was one of them.
It’s unanimous then. Everyone agrees this car is gorgeous. I do too, that shade of gray looks like polished metal. Puts a modern Lexus to shame.
Two thumbs up and a great big smile. I can’t buy but sure wish I could. As stated the post war cars are declining in interest as fans like me age. GLWTS.
What a stunning Super 48 Buick. This OHV straight eight was one of the best Buick engines ever offered, before the nail head V8s. This one has straight panels, no rust and showroom looks makes this girl worth every dollar. Someone treated this Buick with some love. Cudos to the next owner. Makes everyone smile
What a beautiful 48 Super Buick with its original straight eight Fireball, OHV engine. This car has obviously been loved all its life and is worth every dollar the seller is asking. Kudos to its next caretaker.
Nice car, but imagine being the tool makers that had to make the dies and punches etc for this with the large panels. Easy to draw a picture but then to make the dies was a whole new world. I would like to own this one but by the time I shipped it here it would owe me a fortune with dollar exchange and shipping then tax and duty etc.
There are good looking cars and there are GOOD looking cars. This is a GOOD looking car! The charcoal gray is timeless and works perfectly with the lines of the Buick. Swoon.
I don’t remember ever seeing one of these but now that I have I’m in awe. What a lovely old girl! If I had the extra money and a place to keep her I would definitely give her a new home.
This is one GORGEOUS car and would make a nice addition to anyone’s collection (wished it was mine). This would really look nice parked next to my Buick Grand National.