1950 Buick Series 46 Special Jetback Sedanette

While the 1950 Buick's styling curves were as modern as Jane Russell's latest gown, the engineering was as tried-and-true as Clark Gable's smile.  Buick saw no reason, (at this point), to follow Oldsmobile and Cadillac into the short-stroke V8 era.  Its long-stroke, valve-in-head "Fireball" straight-eights still had plenty of appeal to the Buick crowd.  Also, at the time of the Special's debut, only fastbacks -- or "Jet-backs," as Buick called them in 1950 were available.

For consignment, a “jet back” Sedanette car with pontoon fenders, big steel panels, and a grille that is worth its weight in gold.  This car has been transformed on the performance front with a supercharged big block V8, a 1996 Buick Roadmaster frame, and a Ridetech air ride suspension to keep things slammed to the ground, all the while retaining the classy early 50's look that Buick was so famous for, and my oh my, that sexy swept down Jetback roofline....i'm in post-war heaven!

Exterior
This low and mean skate has been finished in a wonderful patina that can only be achieved with time.  Surface rust and formerly shiny paint abound on the body with a few areas of invasive rust on the rockers and door lowers.  While normally this defect is a frown, it works so well on this whole package the body wouldn't be complete without it.  A mix of shine, rust, both surface and invasive, and pitting grace the chrome on this car throughout, including the front grille which is made up of 9 individual pieces for the vertical “teeth” each one different from the other.  A tarnished chrome trim piece curves above these vertical pieces and is badged in Buick Eight copperplate script.  A massive lower bumper with dual signal lights hangs below and completes the “smile”.  As we move up to the bulbous hood it has the trio of vent ports now more oval than circular as in previous models.  Poking itself out of the surface rusted hood are a pair of carburetors and an air scoop that is ready to ingest any birds or errant children that get in its way.  Large steel doors with a fender line bump continuing from front to rear on this car that has no trim spears to be seen.  Bringing up the rear is the “jet back” with curved rear wrap around glass, and another tarnished and surface rusted bumper below dual oval tail lights within the rounded rear quarters.  Blackwall radials wrap black painted steel wheels with chrome dog dish style BUICK badged wheel covers all around.

InteriorA swing of either door reveals a mix of brushed steel uppers and black ribbed steel lowers with a padded armrest.  These panels introduce us to the interior with a very machine age styling that deserves its own award.  Turning our attention to the seats, we see a pair of late model high back black leather buckets with a touch of age wear and wrinkling.  The rear seat has been removed and in its place is a nicely constructed package shelf finished in black carpeting.  Nice clean black carpet covers the floors, and a black and silver zebra grain console races between the seats holding the B&M Pro Stealth shifter, the air ride controller, and a 4-some of antique face AutoMeter gauges.  A black metal dash floats above in front and is bejeweled with a bevy of round gauges, a center radio and button cluster all in nice chrome.  A nice tight curved black headliner is above all this retro-modern interior.

Drivetrain
A 496ci V8 from Big Al's Toybox, making a consignor stated 840hp on 93 octane pump gas, resides under the coffin hinged style hood.  It is topped by a 871 series supercharger with a pair of Quickfuel 4-barrel carburetors mounted atop.  This monster mill has a built TH400 3-speed automatic with a reverse manual valve body behind it.  Bringing up the rear, (literally), is a Ford 9" rear axle with 3.90 gearing.

Undercarriage
Looking at various aspects of the underbelly of this Special, we note a 1996 Buick Roadmaster providing the strong black perimeter frame.  As for the floor pans and areas of the wheel wells, it's all solid black steel, but we note a few areas of invasive rust in the trunk drop offs and inner rockers.  A Ridetech Shockwave air ride system, with in car and phone app controls has been added to the independent front suspension and Checkered Racing 2"x4" square tube back half rear frame with a 4 link suspension.  We note a 3" chromoly driveshaft connecting the transmission to the rear axle and dual 444 Viair compressors are onboard for the air ride system.  Power disc brakes are all around.

Drive-Ability
You've gotta love these massive early 50's cars, which were getting away from the separate body fender styling, and now all integrated, and big smooth continuous lines.  This car started right up with a thunderous road, provided a nice smooth ride, and  displayed unlimited acceleration.  We did note the heater and wipers have been removed, so this is a fair weather cruiser.

With a wonderfully patinaed finish and the jet back, you cannot beat the styling on this wonderful classic.  But don't get lost in the looks as this car is a cooker too.  A  clean engine bay, a killer big block crate engine, air ride suspension on a modern chassis and a nice interior all in tasteful black, it plays well with the exterior surface rust and faded paint.  Rat Rod's unite!

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.