1939 Buick Special: A Stylish and Spacious Companion
The 1939 Buick Special represented a significant evolution for General Motors' mid-tier brand, offering a blend of updated styling, enhanced comfort, and Buick's signature "why stop at a hundred?" engineering philosophy in a more accessible package. Positioned as the entry-level offering in Buick's 1939 lineup, the Special aimed to attract a broader market segment without sacrificing the prestige and quality that defined the marque.
Styling and Design:
For 1939, Buick embraced the evolving automotive aesthetic of the era, presenting a more streamlined and elegant profile. The Special benefited from a redesigned front end, featuring a more prominent and distinguished grille, often referred to as the "waterfall" grille, which became a Buick hallmark. Headlights were typically faired into the front fenders, contributing to a cleaner, more integrated appearance.
The body lines were smoothed out, with less ornamentation than previous models. Fenders were still pronounced but flowed more gracefully into the rest of the body. The overall impression was one of sophistication and upward mobility, making the Special an attractive proposition for families and individuals seeking a stylish and capable automobile.
Available body styles included:
- Two-Door Sedan: A popular and practical choice, offering comfortable seating for four or five passengers.
- Four-Door Sedan: Providing even more interior space and accessibility, ideal for families.
- Coupe: A sportier, two-door option with a more raked windshield and a sloping rear roofline.
- Convertible: For those seeking open-air driving pleasure, a stylish convertible offered a touch of luxury.
Powertrain and Performance:
Under the hood, the 1939 Buick Special was powered by Buick's well-regarded 233 cubic inch (3.8-liter) overhead valve straight-eight engine. This powerplant was renowned for its smooth operation and torquey delivery, providing a refined driving experience. It produced around 93 horsepower, which was competitive for its class at the time.
Transmission options were typically a three-speed manual gearbox with a column-mounted shifter, a common setup for the period. While not a performance powerhouse by today's standards, the Special offered competent acceleration and highway cruising capabilities, making it a reliable companion for daily driving and longer journeys.
Interior and Comfort:
Buick consistently emphasized comfort and quality in its interiors, and the 1939 Special was no exception. The cabin offered ample space for its occupants, with comfortable seating upholstered in durable fabrics. The dashboard featured a clear and functional layout, with essential instruments and controls. While not lavishly appointed, the interior exuded a sense of solid craftsmanship.
Features that contributed to the Special's appeal included:
- Spacious seating: Providing comfortable accommodation for passengers.
- Good visibility: Large windows offered a commanding view of the road.
- Solid build quality: Contributing to a quiet and rattle-free ride.
- Optional accessories: Buyers could often opt for features like a heater, radio, and whitewall tires to further personalize their vehicles.
Key Innovations and Selling Points:
The 1939 Buick Special was marketed as offering a compelling combination of:
- Style: The updated styling appealed to a modern sensibility.
- Comfort: Buick's reputation for a smooth and comfortable ride was a major draw.
- Durability: The robust straight-eight engine and solid construction promised longevity.
- Value: Positioned as Buick's most affordable model, it offered a taste of luxury at a more accessible price point.
- "Dynaflash" Engine: Buick promoted its overhead valve straight-eight as the "Dynaflash" engine, highlighting its power and efficiency.
Legacy and Significance:
The 1939 Buick Special played an important role in Buick's sales success during a challenging economic period leading up to World War II. It demonstrated Buick's ability to produce attractive, comfortable, and reliable vehicles that appealed to a wide range of consumers. As a representative of Buick's pre-war design philosophy and engineering prowess, the 1939 Special remains a desirable collector's item and a testament to the enduring appeal of classic American automobiles. It offered a premium experience within reach for many, solidifying Buick's position as a respected and popular brand.