The Special nameplate had been a Buick staple since the 1930s. But from 1961 to 1963, it represented Buick’s “senior level” compact along with the Oldsmobile F-85 and Pontiac Tempest. The seller has a one-owner 1962 Special Deluxe station wagon that was parked in 1973 and stayed that way until recently. It has Buick’s aluminum block V8 engine, but the motor doesn’t turn over (yet). With just shy of 24,000 miles, the little wagon is in good shape in Costa Mesa, California, and is available here on eBay, where the current unmet reserve bid is $5,100.
Rather than employ the standard 198 cubic inch “Fireball” V6, Buick installed its 215 CI V8 in this wagon, which was one of 10,380 made in 1962. This engine differed from other eight-cylinders in the GM family as the block was made of heavy-duty aluminum. Since an automatic transmission was selected from the options list, it must be Buick’s 2-speed Dual Path (a cousin of the Chevy Powerglide?). As the story goes, this wagon was the family’s third vehicle, which helps explain the lack of miles in 11 years.
The blueish paint job, which is original and should shine up with some wax, is called Teal Mist. With a luggage rack on the roof, the exterior is flanked by a silver and black interior, which we also assume is from the day of assembly. Cool extras include a power rear window, power steering, and parking sensors. The Buick finally saw the light of day again, thanks to an estate sale from its original owners. A video is provided that initially looks as though the car is being driven, but it’s really an illusion on the back of a trailer.
In the hopes of getting the numbers matching V8 to respond, some Marvel Mystery Oil is soaking in the cylinders. And the plug wires will need to be replaced as they disintegrated upon being removed. With any luck, this engine can be revived without having to be torn down. And, for some reason, it looks as though none of the tires match. Chances are that you’re not going to see another ’62 Buick Special Deluxe wagon anytime soon. Our thanks to T.J. for coming through again in the tips department.
Tempting.
I’ve never heard curb feelers described as parking sensors before, but I suppose they are a primitive form of today’s sonar parking sensors.
oh yes, curb feelers. They were the preventative solution to creating “wife sidewalls” out of white sidewalls. Rumors have it even a few of the guys occasionally scraped a curb as well.
Need to look closer to see if this really actual miles.