Buick started naming its cars for 1936 starting with the Special (previously Series 40), then moving up to the Century (previously Series 60) which had the body of the Special but the engine of the Roadmaster. The Roadmaster, (previously Series 80) had a longer body than the 'hot rod' Century. At the top of the line was the Buick Limited (previously Series 90). All steel 'turret top' roof bodies were given in 1936 with styling by Harley Earl . There were mechanical changes and some styling changes through to 1941 before new cars were introduced in 1942 and production suspended for the duration of the war.
Buick Special 1938 McLaughlin Touring Sedan. The 'Valve-in-Head' 4,065cc was an early overhead valve engine at at a time when most GM products were running L-head engines. It gave 100 bhp and therefore good performance.
Buick Century 1937. Frank Hershey gave Buicks a new 'turret top' GM B-body in 1937. The Century, built on a shorter 126-inch wheelbase but with the engine of its larger siblings.
Buick Century 1937 McLaughlin Touring Sedan. The Century had been added to the Buick line in 1936 as an evolution of the Buick 60, Given a 5,247cc (320) inline eight engine in the smallest Buick body, it was capable of 100mph and hence was given the name 'Century'
Buick Century 1937 Roadster. 1937 Buicks had a slightly sloping grille, but this was straightened in 1938 giving a longer hood
Buick Limited 1936 Sedan 6-passenger. Powered by 5.250cc inline eight, and built on a 138-inch chassis. Styling by Harley Earl .
Buick Limited 1938 Limousine. Power was given by the 5,247cc (320) 141 bhp straight eight engine.
Buick Special 1937 Convertible, built on a 122-inch wheelbase. Styling by Frank Hershey..
Buick Special 1939 2-door Touring sedan. Powered by a 4.064cc (248) inline eight.
