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!