1956 Buick Special

Horsepower was the word for the 1956 Buicks, as it was with many of its competitors. The 1956 Buicks were the most powerful yet. With engines producing either 225 horsepower (Special) or the other models 255 horsepower, every Buick in the 1956 lineup could exceed 100 mph. The Century showed 0 to 60 in 10 seconds with a top speed of 110 mph.

Styling changes for 1956 were limited to a re-designed grille: the bumper guard bullets now resemble jet engine intakes and a new V-shaped grille was used. This model features sporty rear wheel cutouts similar to the '55 Special and Riviera. Some interesting mods to say the least, some in the form of shaved rear door handles, a 55 Desoto grille, lake pipes, and a sprayed front bumper and grille surround.

Exterior
With an exterior respray, in two tone in green and black, paint has taken on a patina, and is glossy, but yet has a bit of dullness. All trim and badging has dimples, some more than others, and some parts in chrome show rusting. A nice swoop spear runs from the front quarter, takes a dive at the front of the rear wheel well, then manages to get back up and partially surround the wheel well before it heads rearward at the belt line. Front and rear bumpers have been painted a dull silver from a rattle can. Nice shiny mini moon hubcaps with deep dishes are noted on all 4 corners.

Interior
More two-tone action in the form of Ivory and Black pattern vinyl on both a front and rear bench. These stretch from door panel to door panel and sport the same treatments as the door panels. Black carpet floods the floors and has skull embroidered floor mats. A mostly original dash in good condition shows some cracking of the plastic particularly on the steering wheel, and some of the gauge fronts. A digital speedometer has been added and shows 6,033 miles as the original speedometer was reading inaccurately. Headliner is black and fairly tight, with a dome light that works.

Drivetrain
A flip of the hood reveals a cleaned original condition engine bay, with 322ci V8, a single 2-barrel carburetor on top, a 2-speed automatic Dynaflow transmission, and 3.23 gears out back.

Undercarriage
Surface rust, as well as some invasive rust on the lower tire holder in the trunk. It has been relined, but rusted metal remains. There is also rust through on the rockers, and a few body hangers. Frame has an undulating quality in places and appears to have been on a lift several times. Drum brakes are all around.

Drive-Ability
This car started right up, ran well and shifted smoothly. Brakes were there but needed a hard push to stop this weighty car. Overall a good ride.

A car that has been through several restorations, color changes and some different styling, we now see one of a kind Buick Special, decent paint, good interior, and runs well.

VIN Decode
4C5013701
4-40 Series
C-1956
5-Wilmington, DE Assy Plant
013701-Sequential Unit Number

Trim Tag
MODEL 56 41-1956 Buick Special 4 Door Sedan
STYLE # 56 4469-1956 Buick Special 4 Door Sedan
BODY # BW1059-Wilmington Body #
TRIM # 432-Ivory Corvadeen, Black Nylon Pattern Cloth
PAINT # CBB-Dover White Roof, Castle Gray Middle Body, Castle Gray Below Molding
ACC F-Safety Group (Back Up Lights, Glare Proof Mirror, Parking Brake Warning Light, Padded Dash)

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.