1965 Buick Special Convertible
The Buick Special was an automobile produced by Buick. It was usually Buick's lowest-priced model, starting out as a full-size car in 1936 and returning in 1961 after a two-year hiatus as a mid-size. The Special was built for several decades and was offered as a coupe, sedan and later as a station wagon. When GM modernized their entry level products in the 1960s, the Special introduced the modern Buick V6 that became the core engine for GM for several decades and lives on in current upgraded V6 products. By 1970, the Special was no longer offered as a standalone model but the name would later be used for the entry trim on 1975 to 1979 and 1991 to 1996 Century models. The entry level Buick can trace its heritage to the Buick Model 10, a companion to Buick's first car, the Buick Model B. The Model 10 started out as one of the independent brands merged into Buick, called the Janney.
For consignment, a 2 owner vehicle that has been a Pennsylvania car it's whole life, always garage kept, sporting 1 respray in the factory color, and never in an accident. A perfect complimentary color scheme makes this V6 powered convertible Buick right out of 1965 true to its namesake, Special, and this writer is inclined to agree.
Exterior
A single repaint in the original hue of Silver Cloud, (why don't manufacturers still use these catchy names?), covers the exterior surfaces. Virtually dent and ding free, the exterior is holding up well for an older redux with some slight areas of orange peel, color hues that don't quite match, a few chips at the rockers and just a smidgeon of rust bubble and prior bodywork is noted. The iconic Buick trio of front quarter venting are present on the car and are covered in chrome and lead to a stainless steel polished trim line that runs to the rear of the car. Grille, dual headlights and surrounds are in good condition with mirror-like finishes and Skylark front fender badges. A black canvas top is clean with no tears or rips and has a plastic rear window that is slightly yellowed and can be electrically raised and lowered. Turbine style Buick center logo wheel covers are wrapped in thin whitewall tires. Front and rear bumpers are blemish free.
Interior
Factory original, the interior vinyl is in very good condition for its age. Snappy red vertical ribbing on the inserts with maroon highlights and smooth bolsters for the split bench seat in front, and bench seating in back. Slight age wear is noted on the driver's lower cushion with seam separation at the piping. Also a large tear has formed toward the center of the lower seating surface. The door panels show red vinyl trimming, horizontal ribbing, the tri-shield Buick emblem, and have plenty of chrome accenting attached. Some wrinkling and waviness is noted on the panels but they remain tear free. Dash chrome and black trim is in good condition with just slight tarnish and minor scratching; however all gauges and knobs are clear and working. The upper padded dash is crack free and in maroon. Red carpet floods the floors and Buick tri-shield badges are on the black rubber floor mats.
Drivetrain
Popping the hood leads to an anomaly for a mid 60's American car in the form of a 225ci V6 Buick power plant. This mill is bathed in the original coating of turquoise and is topped with a black "Fireball V6" logoed air cleaner assembly. This is attached to a 2-speed ST300 automatic transmission, which is original to this car. A 10 bolt 3.08 rear axle powers this cruiser down the road.
Undercarriage
Nice and clean with minor rust on the usual suspects, very structurally sound and lots of factory applied undercoating. Floor pans and rockers are rust free and straight. Power drum brakes are seen on all 4 corners and up front we note independent coil spring suspension, meanwhile in the rear we note a 4 link and coil spring arrangement. A single exhaust system snakes its way rearward and has a newer but slightly crunched stock replacement muffler.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and effortless drive for the test area. Smooth acceleration, and a smooth ride too all in comfortable confines of the convertible top with all functions operational at the time of our drive. Our consignor does note not to apply the parking brake as it tends to stick.
I imagine dad behind the wheel, flat top cut, Wayfarers, white shirt and thin necktie, with mom next to him with her Oliver Goldsmith Manhattans, silk bandanna covering her low beehive, and matching paisley dress, rolling down the highway with top down smiling and just enjoying life. This convertible is drive away condition, it can be you, 57 years later with that same smile, and sense of satisfaction in your 1965 Buick Special Convertible!
433675B109886
4-Buick
33-Special V6
67-Convertible
5-1965
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
109886-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
12A-1st Week December Build
ST 65 43367-1965 Buick Special Convertible
BDY BAL543-Baltimore Body #
TR 027-Red Vinyl
PNT Z2-Silver Cloud, Black Top
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 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.
