In many respects, I’d suggest this 1963 Buick Special is what discovering old cars is all about. OK, it doesn’t look like much at first glance, but it’s old, it’s a product from an esteemed auto builder, it has two doors, rear wheel drive, and… it’s cheap! Now, if you’ve been weaned on high-dollar muscle cars and you’re looking for something pristine, this Special won’t be too special to you. But if you dig old cars and are looking for an inexpensive project, this may be one to consider. Piqua, Ohio, is calling, and here on craigslist is where you’ll find this $1,200 compact. Thanks are due to Tony P. for this tip!
Now in its third year, Buick’s Y-body Special was responsible for 142K units in ’63, including Specials and upscale Skylarks (two-door hardtops and convertibles). As for the two-door sedan, such as our subject, it’s one of 22K to leave assembly lines in Flint, Kansas City, or Southgate, CA in ’63. OK, to state the obvious, this one’s lookin’ a bit like a moldmobile, and that’s likely due to its eight-year status as a non-runner. There are no images of the rear or passenger side, which is a concern. What can be seen shows some traces of rust, and the immediate concern should be what can’t be seen. Unfortunately, the listing is very light on details, so an inquiry would need to be made – assuming someone’s interested enough to ask.
While a “Fireball” V8 engine would be the powerplant of choice, this Buick is less special with its 135 gross HP, 198 CI V6 engine – a feature that Buick proudly proclaimed as, “It’s the only V6 in any American car, and one of the greatest engine developments in years.” Backed up by a “Dual Path Turbine Drive” automatic transmission, this Special “will need hauled” as the seller states due to its eight years of dormancy. From what can be seen, the engine room and its occupant appear to be complete.
Worn is one way to describe the interior. It’s a bare-bones environment, especially for a Buick, but this Special was a budget-friendly compact in Buick’s lineup, so its overall bearing is really no surprise. The cloth upholstery has clearly seen better days, but the included images aren’t thorough enough to develop a clearer assessment. That said, what can be seen seems like a fair enough start.
So, am I off the mark here? Is this Buick Special too much of an “Oh, whatever,” or is there some on-the-cheap project potential here that can be enjoyed?
“Project Cars”
Because clean fingernails, free weekends, intact knuckles & knees and financial stability are totally overrated!
That’s actually pretty funny!
JO
Wayne, you hit the nail right on the head with that one. Very funny, also very true.
No Fireball V8 came with this car, the V6 was called the Fireball V6. The fireball V8 was only for the large Buicks. The Aluminum 215 V8 was the optional engine for the special.
Ah, no. Note the attached ’63 Skylark/Special brochure.
JO
Good research Jim!
That would be a little screamer! Never knew these could pack a punch.
You are correct. I never considered the Aluminum Fireball V8 as the Fireball V8. I hear Fireball V8 I’m thinking Nailhead instinctively. I was unaware/didn’t remember they also called the aluminum version, Fireball, as well, without the Aluminum descriptor. I have a 63 Buick 215 HO, that makes it even more embarrassing. It’s been a while.
Get you one of those little aluminum V8 ‘s and add a modern 4 speed transmission. Add some interior and enjoy the ride!
A 86/87 GN drivetrain would be a ton of fun in this…
The first time you put the throttle down it would rip this thing in half
too far away for me to tackle but i think it would be fun to tinker on the engine and see if you can get it running again
if it were closer i would jump on it for 1200.00 bucks. little bit of TLC and you would have decent cruiser
I really like these. Would be a neat project for a 215 swap if it is solid enough underneath.
As we all know, this Fireball V6 was the Grandpa of the legendary engine series (1962-2008) that ended up as the 3800 (3.8). Along the way were numerous variants including turbocharged and supercharged versions with output as high as 300 h.p. My final year 2008 Grand Prix 3800 Series 3 is still a push rod overhead valve engine with an iron block and iron heads. This old Buick Special has over 4 decades of engine swap possibilities. :-) Terry J
My Uncle found a convertible one of these with the aluminum engine…in far worse shape. I seriously had to question his sanity when he initially showed it to me. Lots of work and a white convertible top with a gorgeous black paint job and tru-spoke rims…. people in car crazy LA giving him thumbs up as he drove down the road.
Ah, good old LA. The city that Detroit built. ;)
The purchase price may be cheap. by the time you spend the money To put it back on the road Indecent condition, You could have purchased a car in better condition And been on the road a lot sooner. My suggestion Get a parts catalog And start listening parts that you’ll need. Add that to the purchase price And it may surprise you. Purchase Car in the best shape you can afford.
As stated already by19sixty5,
GN powertrain swap would be quite fun!!
now think …a GNX turbo drive train and interior in this car would make it about perfect .