It is hard to believe that this 1949 Buick spent 30 years stored in an industrial building, but the seller claims that it did, and it seems to have survived this hibernation quite well. It is now up for sale, and you will find it listed for sale here on Craigslist. Located in Clearwater, Florida, it is offered for sale with a clean title. The seller has set a price of $5,900, but they may be willing to consider a trade.
I’ve always liked those distinctive VentiPorts that are a hallmark of Buick. When you see those you can’t mistake what brand you’re dealing with, and this Buick looks to be a good one. There is no visible rust in the body. The seller provides a number of blurred shots of the underside of the car, but they are clear enough to indicate that there is only a dusting of surface corrosion to deal with. The car only has a few minor dings, and most of the trim is present, barring the headlight surround on the passenger side.
The front seat doesn’t sport its original cover, and this one has a tear in it. A fresh cover would be nice, but throwing a blanket over it would suffice at this stage. The dash is complete and in good condition. It’s nice to see that even the original radio is still present.
The rear seat does have its original cover, and while it is a bit stained, it’s not too bad. The headliner is also in good condition, as are the door trims. Overall, the interior is in nice, useable condition.
Powering the Buick is the 248ci Fireball inline-8, which is backed by a 3-speed manual transmission. The seller states that the car runs and drives well. He has fitted a new radiator and water pump, and the brakes have received a new master cylinder and wheel cylinders. The seller has also had new tires fitted to the car.
This 1949 Buick Super Eight is a survivor. It wears its original paint, and the only deviation from standard is the cover on the front seat. It is a car that the new owner can drive and enjoy exactly as it is. If you bought it, would you restore it, or would you leave it original?
While my preference would be for a two-door Sedanette of this model, this one looks like good buying.
The fact that it’s a three-on-the-tree is a plus, imho…
I would keep the car as is, and find fabric for front seat.
Not having A/C kills it to me.
Just kidding, nice car. Wish I would have some extra money…
Nothing like riding my motorcycle down US 24 behind a Buick such as this one and smelling pot roast vith veggies.
We pulled into a shaded roadside park as the owner was opening the hood on the Buick. He removed a large pan with tin foil on top. Inside, of course, was what we had been smelling for 10 miles. Manifold cooking at it’s best. Being as we were always hungry back then, we were invited over for lunch. Plenty for all including the couple’s four kids.
Yep. Even Buicks back then would last more than 18 years with no visible signs of stress. Do THAT with your Enclave and the Buicks with Pep Boys looking ventiports on the sides.
Photos are over 2 years old.
The thought of that massive grill filling the rear view mirror of a Prius makes me smile.
“Back seat is a little stained”, you’re the master of understatements. Didn’t know there was so many shades of green. This Buick has them all.
You would also have to find the crome ring for the passenger side headlight william
Those Straight 8’s have un-mistakable exhaust note, as did the Pontiac, Buick 8’s, and they sounded different from one another. Add the Straight 8 Caddy to the list. When the V/8’s showed up that all changed.
Sorry, no straight eight Cadillacs. The 1934 to 1936 LaSalles used an Oldsmobile straight eight, but that’s as close as Cadillac got.
Prior to the ohv V8 of 1949 (331-cid), Cadillac used a 346-cid flathead V8 that was introduced for 1936.
Cadillac V8 engines dated back to 1915 and was a noted feature, just as Buick was with its ohv straight 8 which dated back to 1931.
automatic was optional in 49 however my guess is that there are very few standards left
This would be the second year for the Dyna Slush. The standard would probably move that straight 8 a little better. I always liked that toothy grille.
This is a really nice car! I love it, I hope that one of you guys or gals jumps on this! As old as I am I have never had the opportunity to drive a straight 8! Everyone that I have talked to that has all say the same thing! They say it’s the smoothest running engine you could ever experience? Maybe one day I will get a chance?
I remember my dad telling me he had a 1953 Pontiac Star Chief with a flathead straight 8. He loved the car. Said it took a while to get it up to speed, but once you did, it flew along.
Standard shift not so meen on cruie night but nice extra.
This seems in good enough shape as to not need full body off resto but would not hurt for a keeper.
Complete new cloth interior with sound deadening, new weather stripping for glass, door and trunk and add a custom, hidden in dash panel, a remote bluetooth stereo.
Outside dings and dents with as close to original color, and trim rechromed.
Mechanicly stock evcept for power disc brakes.
Recurved springs
New clutch assembly.
A new Fedora hat.
For under cost of a new egg shaped tin and plastic wagon you would have all convenience of a self maintained, roomy distinctive luxury go anywhere in North America auto.