Dual Carbs! 1941 Buick Special 46 SSE
Here’s one that I am certain I have never encountered, a 1941 Buick Special 46SSE. I’m such a sucker for colors and green gets my attention every time so this “Sedanette” immediately caught my attention. But there are other attributes to consider as well so let’s take a closer look. This Buick Special was spotted by T.J. and is located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $2,949, reserve not yet met.
As with most auto manufacturers, Buick had many bases covered in 1941, starting with the Special, moving on to the Super, the next stop being the Century and the Roadmaster occupying the penthouse. This particular Special was known as a “Sport Coupe” a designation that I thought came along in much later years. Known as a model 46S, its 121-inch wheelbase could accommodate six occupants. According to Hemmings, this was a popular model with 87K finding first-time buyers. Buick, in general, had a great year in 1941, producing 374K cars and coming in fourth place. For perspective, number one Chevrolet settled in at just about 1M even.
Technically, this Special is a model 46 SSE which means that it has a 125 HP, 248 CI, in-line eight-cylinder engine sporting two carburetors! Believe it or not, the seller elected to not include an engine image, the feature, that ostensibly, is this car’s most important, and valuable, aspect. OK, two demerits will be issued for that move! All is not lost, however, as this video does give you a view of a partially dismantled, and very sludged-up prime mover. While obviously a non-runner, we’re told that it does turn over. The seller adds, “The car does NOT run. The engine will need going through, possibly rebuilt“. It looks like it’s going to need a lot more than just “going through”. A three-speed manual transmission channels the power, when available.
The distinctive fastback body is in fair shape with the seller stating, “There is rust, some Bondo, and the paint is flaking off“. The exterior images are not comprehensive and it’s hard to view this car in its entirety. The video, however, is helpful and the seller takes time to point out various issues like the soft front passenger-side floor pan, rotted out trunk floor, and the significant underside scale and surface rust. Additionally, the seller mentions, and reveals, a front suspension that is excessively worn.
The interior, as the video reveals, is gutted though there is this one poor image that shows parts of the driver’s seat and the dash. It’s best to assume a complete interior redo will be in order. But there is a typical for the era, extensively detailed instrument panel still in place and that’s always a welcome and attractive feature on cars of this generation.
This one is going to need a lot of work! But it’s certainly a notable find with its “compound carburetion” arrangement. I couldn’t find actual production numbers for the 46 SSE option but it stands to reason that it’s pretty uncommon. I’d say a stock and faithful reproduction is the way to go with this Special, what says you?
Auctions Ending Soon
2002 Subaru Impreza WRXBid Now2 days$333
1975 Chevrolet Corvette ConvertibleBid Now2 days$4,000
1964 Ford F-100 Camper CustomBid Now2 days$2,000
2006 Jeep Wrangler SportBid Now4 days$10,500
1974 Datsun 260ZBid Now6 days$750
Comments
I’m an interested buyer. I need more information
Contact the seller via the eBay link.
JO
I always like the front ends on the 40-42 GM cars, but that turdpedo body is horrendous. A very low mile (30,000) original went for $32,000.00 recently, I wouldn’t spend alot on this rust bucket parts car.
This is interesting as a rolling chassis only. Blank canvas that the buyer can do what they want. Rust issues don’t seem severe, and it’s disappointing that she’s not a running car. I would update the engine to a 50s nail head, and an automatic trans, front disc brakes with a newer power booster and lines. Good find for a non runner rolling chassis.
An engine rebuild would likely be for the dedicated.
The “Homecoming ’86” booster plate should be saved and transferred to a car from that era. If I ever score the right AE82 Nova hatchback…
That was from 1886, not 1986.
Front bumper “elephant ears” is a rare 1941 option.
I have the almost twin to that one ,,darker green on the bottom and lite green on the top,much prettier,, unless thats not original colors,,mine are ! dual carbs,,rebuilt the motor a few yrs ago ,,,parents bot it new in 41 and it goes like a bat and gets good mileage,,,,,I should get it I guess , but ——
I bought a 40 Buick Special coupe of the same colors that had sat in a Buick, Pontiac, Oldsmobile new car dealership showroom for years as a conversion piece. When the dealership was sold the new ownership had no interest so the previous owner donated it to a benefit auction that I was the high bidder. Beautiful totally original car that I drove occasionally for a few months but being into hot rods and drag racing sold it to a wonderful gentleman that was an official in a National Buick collectors club.
I just love these Sedanette Cars. But like someone already mentioned you can buy a nice one for less than you can repair this one. G.M. built one in every model from caddy on down to chevy, but Buick is my favorite. It’s a design that grows on you, when I was young in the 50’s & 60’s I saw a lot of them and didn’t like them, but now I find them quite attractive. Hope it finds a good home.
God Bless America
My dad had a 42 Chevy “fastback” and the back seat was claustrophobic to say the least. Couldn’t get much air on a hot day.
I also had an uncle that had a Caddy “fastback” with a v8 in it.
If front suspension is worn out and needs replacing, wondering what later model GM would work. As opposed to rebuilding or upgrading its original. If you dropped a later 50s nail head I know you would have to weld in some engine mounts to make that happen. This rolling chassis is like a blank canvas.
The lower door and quarter panel design makes for incredible rust traps. An investigation of these areas for previous repairs is mandatory before comitting to a bid. Finding them original, solid, and bondo free would be a shock.