The Buick Special, along with the Pontiac Tempest, and the Oldsmobile Cutlass and F-85, comprised the range of GM Y-Body compacts that were introduced for the 1961 model year. Aside from unibody construction, these models each contained several innovative features unique to American cars of their time. Buick’s contribution was a 215 cubic inch V8 engine with an aluminum block and cylinder heads. There was also a 198 cubic inch “Fireball” V6 that was based on the 215 but cast in iron. This well-preserved 1962 Buick Special available here on eBay in Denver, Pennsylvania is equipped with the V6.
This Buick Special is a one-family car and an incredible survivor with only 47,000 miles from new. These Y-Bodies had handsome crisp styling, with just the right amount of chrome, that holds up well six decades later. The body appears to be in excellent condition with no rust and original paint that still shines nicely. The seller fitted some mag wheels to the front and white steel wheels to the rear to give it a vintage drag look, but says the original wheels are included. A look inside the trunk reveals an original spare and jack, and a nicely preserved mat. The trunk lid has its original insulation and even the sticker with instructions on using the jack. These details make it obvious that this car lived an easy life.
The interior is also in excellent condition and is finished in multiple hues of blue which complement the exterior color. The Special was an entry-level model so there is minimal instrumentation, and rubber floor coverings rather than carpet, but things still manage to look more cheerful than austere. The seats have their original patterned upholstery with lap belts up front and the door cards are in great shape.
As one might expect, the engine compartment is as clean and original as the exterior and interior. Most surfaces and components still have their original paint and there is very little dirt or grime. The Fireball V6 recently received a new water pump and alternator. A new exhaust system and heater core have also been installed and power is delivered through a two-speed Turbine Drive automatic transmission.
With less than two days left, this Buick Special sits at $8,500 with more than 20 bids cast. At this price it could provide an affordable entry into the world of classic mid-century American cars with the bonus of being in remarkable original condition. How does this V6-equipped Buick Special compare to other American compacts of the era?
I love it! Super clean car. I can only hope the underside is as nice as the top side. I hale from that part of the country. Heck I went to the Denver high school and the only way a car would stay this nice is if it was never driven on winter roads. Definitely has been repainted at one point in its life. These typically don’t bring much which makes it a great entry into the car scene. As far as mechanicals they don’t get any simpler than this.
I’m loving this too. I’ve been stumbling across a lot of aluminum-block Buicks lately and I think I’d prefer this body style with the cool front end to the F-85. This one is so clean. It would be a score at < 10k. Gas and some new wheels and you are good to go.
I know that I am old, and my eyesight is failing, but I only count 3 outlets on the exhaust manifold. I think that this might have the v6 in it.
The 3 spark plug wires confirm it.
You’re right. I’ll correct the article.
Oldsmobile had the 215 V8, in 1963 they offered a turbo, IIRC. I owned a 1963 F85 Cutlass convertible with the normally aspirated engine. A CB friend had the Buick with the V6 and three on the tree. That thing would fly! Pontiac’s Tempest, made famous by My Cousin Vinny, could be had with a four barrel 326 but few survived because the big engine tore up the transaxles.
It Does Have The V-6 In It The Two Give Away’s Is First Under The Description Of The Engine They Say It Is A V-6 and Second Is There Are 3 Spark Plug Wires On The One Side They Show.
Really liking the wheel combination.
While this power train doesn’t pose much threat at a stoplight the wheels conjure up an early super-stock attitude… //;-)
Looks like a V-6 to me.
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/ccoty-nomination-1962-buick-special-fireball-v6/
Good find Sam!
Beautiful Buick.Love the period rear steels painted white.
Sold for 12k. Seems a little rich for a v6. But it’s a sweet car.
The V6 Buick Special got Motor Trend’s car of the year in 1962 if I remember correctly. There seem to be more Skylarks saved than Specials, and the aluminum V8 is seen more often than the V6. So it’s nice to see the more basic model. This one is the Special Deluxe (mid range option) based on the upholstery pattern. I question the white steering wheel – it should be blue to match the rest of the interior. If it’s really only 47,000 miles, this is a good find.
I like the mags. I don’t like the steel wheels. (perhaps the rear mags were stolen?)
My ’62 Jetfire had four lug wheels, while this V-6 has five lug wheels? Olds vs. Buick? Wish I’d known back then it was as easy as finding Buick parts to swap for the Olds parts. When I sold the Jetfire, kept a 215 short block, and now, with Rover heads, Edelbrock intake, and reverse rotation cam, plans are to go in the back of a ’65 Corvair Corsa.
Scotty , did you modify the head for the extra head bolts?
Hi David,
I didn’t think it necessary to add the extra head bolt. I may end up using ’64 Buick 300 heads (4 bolts per cylinder) if I can keep the compression up.
My ’62 Olds Jetfire had four lug wheels, while this V-6 has five lug wheels? Olds vs. Buick? Wish I’d known back then it was as simple as tracking down the Buick parts for an upgrade. When I sold the Jetfire, kept a 215 short block, and now, with Rover heads, Edelbrock intake, and a reverse rotation cam, plans are to go in the back of a ’65 Corvair Corsa.
My first car! White with a blue top, V8. Bought it from my mom in 66 and kept it until a Firebird 400 came along. Nice looking, wasn’t a slouch with the V8, and I could work on it. Sold it to buy the Firebird. Still have a photo in the garage with my girlfriend standing next to it. Great memories, thanks.
The first car I ever owned was a ’62 Special like this, but it was a white 4-door with power steering and a brown interior. It must have been the very bottom line Special ’cause it had 4-lug wheels and no door jamb switches for the dome light. If you wanted the dome light on when you opened the door you rotated the light switch fully counterclockwise and presto!
Jerk the engine, 425 nailhead. 4 speed and enjoy a fast and different car.
All Buick specials and Olds Cutlass had 4 bolt wheels [61 to 63], and one side was left handed thread. I think somebody used wheel adapters.