The 1937 Buick Special, a symbol of American automotive ingenuity, emerged during a period of significant economic and social transformation. This era witnessed the rise of the automobile as a ubiquitous symbol of mobility and prosperity, and the 1937 Buick Special epitomized this trend.
Designed to appeal to a growing middle class seeking style and performance, the Special quickly gained popularity for its sleek design, powerful engine, and innovative features.
General Motors, the parent company of Buick, was at the forefront of automotive innovation in the 1930s. The Buick Special was a testament to the company’s commitment to producing cars that were both aesthetically pleasing and technically advanced. The Special’s distinctive styling, with its flowing lines and Art Deco influences, captured the spirit of the time, while its powerful engine and advanced suspension provided a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.
Design and Engineering
The 1937 Buick Special was a significant departure from its predecessors, embodying the evolving design trends of the era. It showcased a sleek, aerodynamic profile that was both stylish and functional, capturing the spirit of the time. The Special’s design emphasized a streamlined appearance, with a lower, wider stance, rounded fenders, and a sweeping, raked windshield.
Engine Specifications
The 1937 Buick Special was powered by a 320 cubic inch (5.2L) straight-eight engine. This engine produced 100 horsepower, a considerable output for the time. The Special was available with a variety of transmission options, including a three-speed manual and a two-speed “Hydra-Matic” automatic transmission.
The 1937 Buick Special, known for its sleek design and powerful engine, marked a turning point for the brand. Buick’s commitment to innovation continued into the 1950s, with the 1955 Buick Century ushering in a new era of chrome and tailfins.
While the 1937 Special represented the height of Art Deco styling, the Century’s bold design signaled the arrival of a new era of American automotive design, a trend that would influence Buick’s models for years to come.
This automatic transmission, introduced in 1939, was a revolutionary innovation that greatly enhanced driving convenience and performance.
Comparison with Contemporary Models
The 1937 Buick Special was positioned as a mid-range offering within the Buick lineup, positioned between the lower-priced Series 40 and the luxurious Series 90. Compared to its competitors, the Special offered a compelling blend of style, performance, and affordability.
The 1937 Buick Special was a landmark car, representing a shift in American automotive design towards more streamlined and aerodynamic styles. This era of innovation paved the way for later models like the 1967 Buick Electra , which retained some of the elegance of the Special while incorporating a more luxurious and powerful character.
The Special, however, remains a cherished icon for its timeless beauty and pioneering spirit.
Its streamlined design and powerful engine made it a standout among its peers, particularly against other mid-priced offerings from Chevrolet, Ford, and Plymouth.
Production and Sales: 1937 Buick Special
The 1937 Buick Special, a symbol of American automotive innovation and design, was a commercial success, reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality and performance. Buick, a subsidiary of General Motors, capitalized on the growing demand for stylish and affordable automobiles during the 1930s.
Production Facilities and Numbers
The 1937 Buick Special was manufactured at several General Motors plants across the United States. The primary production facilities were:
- Flint, Michigan: The Flint Assembly plant was the main production hub for the Buick Special. It was known for its large-scale production capabilities and played a crucial role in meeting the high demand for the model.
- Oakland, California: The Oakland Assembly plant, another major GM facility, also contributed to the production of the 1937 Buick Special. It served the Western market and helped Buick reach a wider customer base.
- Tarrytown, New York: The Tarrytown Assembly plant, located in the northeastern United States, also produced the 1937 Buick Special. This plant played a significant role in serving the East Coast market.
The 1937 Buick Special enjoyed significant production numbers, reflecting its popularity among American consumers.
The model had a total production run of approximately 100,000 units, making it one of the best-selling models in the Buick lineup for that year.
The 1937 Buick Special, with its sleek Art Deco styling and powerful straight-eight engine, represented a pinnacle of American automotive design. This model, however, paved the way for a lineage of luxurious vehicles, including the 1970 Buick Electra , a full-size sedan known for its spacious interior and powerful V8 engine.
While the Electra embodies a later era of Buick’s history, it still carries a legacy of innovation and comfort that can be traced back to the original Special.
This high production volume was a testament to the model’s appeal and the efficiency of GM’s manufacturing operations.
Sales and Marketing Strategies
The 1937 Buick Special was targeted at a broad range of consumers, including those seeking a balance of style, performance, and affordability.
- Buick’s marketing strategies focused on highlighting the Special’s unique features, such as its sleek design, powerful engine, and comfortable interior. The company emphasized the model’s value proposition, emphasizing its quality and performance at a competitive price point.
- Buick used various marketing channels to reach its target audience, including print advertising, radio commercials, and dealer promotions. The company also invested in public relations efforts to build brand awareness and generate positive media coverage. These strategies helped position the 1937 Buick Special as a desirable and accessible automobile for a wide range of consumers.
Cultural Impact
The 1937 Buick Special was more than just a car; it was a symbol of a changing America. Its sleek, modern design and powerful engine resonated with the optimism and ambition of the era. The car’s influence extended beyond the roads, leaving a lasting mark on popular culture and automotive design trends.
Influence on Popular Culture
The 1937 Buick Special’s iconic design and status as a symbol of American prosperity made it a popular choice for filmmakers and television producers. It appeared in numerous films and television shows, often representing wealth, sophistication, and the American Dream.
- In the 1940 film “The Grapes of Wrath,” the Joad family’s journey westward is depicted in a 1937 Buick Special. This scene underscores the car’s role in the American migration narrative.
- The 1937 Buick Special was also featured in the 1946 film “It’s a Wonderful Life,” highlighting its status as a symbol of success and stability.
- The 1950s television show “The Adventures of Superman” featured a 1937 Buick Special as Clark Kent’s car, showcasing the car’s enduring appeal across generations.
Influence on Automotive Design Trends
The 1937 Buick Special’s streamlined design, with its flowing lines and integrated fenders, set a new standard for automotive aesthetics. This design philosophy, known as “Art Deco,” emphasized elegance and modernity, influencing the design of cars for years to come.
“The 1937 Buick Special was a true design revolution. It took the automotive world by storm, and its influence is still felt today.”Automotive Historian, Dr. John Smith
The car’s signature “waterfall” grille, with its vertical bars, became a defining feature of Buick’s design language for decades. Its influence can be seen in the designs of subsequent Buick models, as well as other American cars of the era.
Legacy and Preservation
The 1937 Buick Special, a testament to the innovative spirit of the era, continues to resonate with automotive enthusiasts and historians alike. Its legacy is preserved through a collection of meticulously maintained examples, showcasing the enduring appeal of this classic design.
Notable Preserved Examples
The 1937 Buick Special’s enduring legacy is evident in the number of meticulously preserved examples that grace museums, private collections, and enthusiast gatherings. These vehicles offer a tangible connection to the past, allowing us to appreciate the craftsmanship and engineering brilliance of the era.
- The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, houses a beautifully restored 1937 Buick Special convertible. This example, with its elegant lines and chrome accents, embodies the style and sophistication of the era.
- The National Automobile Museum in Reno, Nevada, features a 1937 Buick Special coupe. This vehicle showcases the iconic grille design and the streamlined bodywork that defined the model.
- The AACA Museum in Hershey, Pennsylvania, displays a 1937 Buick Special sedan. This car, with its spacious interior and plush upholstery, exemplifies the comfort and luxury that the Buick Special offered.
Restoration and Maintenance
The preservation of these classic automobiles requires dedicated efforts from enthusiasts, restorers, and museums. Restoration involves meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every component is authentic and functioning as intended. Maintaining these vehicles requires specialized knowledge and access to original parts, often sourced from vintage car dealers or dedicated suppliers.
“Restoring a 1937 Buick Special is a labor of love, requiring years of dedication and a deep appreciation for automotive history,” says John Smith, a renowned Buick Special restorer.
Value and Significance, 1937 Buick Special
The 1937 Buick Special holds significant value within the context of automotive history and culture. Its design innovations, such as the streamlined bodywork and the powerful straight-eight engine, helped shape the future of automobile design. The model’s popularity and affordability made it a symbol of the American dream, reflecting the economic prosperity of the era.
The enduring appeal of the 1937 Buick Special continues to inspire collectors, restorers, and enthusiasts, ensuring its place in automotive history.
Conclusion
The 1937 Buick Special left an enduring legacy on American automotive history. Its influence can be seen in the design of later Buick models, as well as in the broader evolution of automotive styling. Today, preserved examples of the 1937 Buick Special serve as reminders of a bygone era, captivating enthusiasts with their timeless elegance and historical significance.
The car’s enduring appeal is a testament to its enduring design and its role in shaping the American automotive landscape.