Lot 32
1948 Buick Super 8 Convertible
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

248 cid inline eight-cylinder engine, 115 HP, three-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension, live rear axle with coil springs, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes; wheelbase: 124”


Designed by Harley Earl and the General Motors design team, it is safe to say many enthusiasts agree that the Buicks of the 1940s satisfied the contemporary to upper-middle class buyers offering them jaw-dropping looks, smooth performance, and an extensive level of comfort. Buick’s post-war lineup was still based upon its pre-war designs, however the slightly revised 1946-1948 models still captured the attention of the eager public. Their overhead valve Dynaflash Fireball inline eight, fully coil-sprung suspension, and Harley Earl-supervised styling incorporated fade-away front fenders, broad grilles, and remarkably bright-trim accents all around. The main external change to the 1948 Super from its previous years’ styling was the Super script that was added to each front fender and slight changes to identification of the bumper guard and crossbar. The interior also featured a number of changes for the year. Super script could now be found on the center crest of the new black Tenite steering wheel. The instrument panel was redone with new silver components, and a power convertible top, seat and windows which all came standard. The Super was offered in different body styles. The most popular among them were the four-door sedans, second on the popularity list was the two-door Sedanet, followed by the convertible. With sales on the low end for the 1948 Buick Super convertible model, today they are seen as highly desirable collectables among the car community.

The Super 8 being offered here was given a body-off restoration that was performed to the highest quality standard with excellent attention to detail. The exterior was finished in a handsome factory option two-tone color scheme of Aztec and Allandale Green, a color combination that is seldomly seen today. The 1948 Super’s curves and lines go unmatched as Harley Earl sculpted the body to appear as though it was crafted in the Art Deco period. The stylish horizontal grille and chrome counterparts all have a mirror-like finish and shine. Equipped with chrome wire wheels wrapped in radial tires which not only bring the brilliant appearance all together, they add additional drivability for modern day cruising. A 248-cubic-inch OHV Dynaflash Fireball inline eight-cylinder engine mated to a slick shifting three-speed on the dash manual transmission combine to create a unique cruising experience. Adding to its drivability, are factory components like the independent front suspension, live rear axle with coil springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. The handsome two-tone paint scheme follows inside where the leather upholstery has been restored in the same Aztec and Allandale Green. The dashboard has been beautifully restored back to its Art Deco design and features a silver-tone instrumentation, as well as a push-button radio. Additionally, with the push of a button one is able to move the windows and seats, as well as the convertible top, a standard feature for the Buick Super Convertibles and rare triple feature to be found in a 1940s automobile.

Buick once marketed their car as, “its beauty is just the beginning”, a bold statement that would hold true as the Buicks of the day conquered production car motors with their innovative Dynaflash Fireball engines. This handsome 1948 Super 8 is undoubtedly one of the nicest of its kind with its concours quality restoration that would make an excellent addition to any local show, Concours or cruise-ins this summer.