Buicks were always high-quality cars, but it wasn’t until Harlow Curtice took over in 1933 that they truly started hitting on all eight cylinders. By 1936, Buick was known as the over-achieving automaker that embraced state-of-the-art technology, building cars that were not only high-quality, but stylish and great to drive. Although they weren’t designed to be cheap, the Specials were specifically designed to wage war on lower-priced models like Pontiac and Oldsmobile, offering eight cylinder power and performance at a six-cylinder price. In short, you got a lot of car for your dollar with a Buick and the people who own them love them above all others.

Today, Buick’s value proposition is even more pronounced, with handsome cars like this 1936 Special sedan representing a pretty big bang for the buck. It features Buick’s famous “Valve In Head” straight-8, which is as durable as it is smooth, a synchromesh transmission, powerful hydraulic brakes, and all-steel body construction that was the first in the industry. Granted, this one isn’t a show car, but you already knew that from the price. It is, however, a nice entry-level tour car that’s a lot more powerful, smooth, fast, and sophisticated than most pre-war cars at this price, making it a great place to start. It has a long-term history with a loving owner who has used it for decades as his primary tour car in various AACA and BCA events, and that should tell you something about its reliability and roadability.

The ’36 Buicks were all-new, and the handsome design is the epitome of mid-30s aerodynamics, smooth and flowing but still formal and conservative. Finished in dark blue with black fenders, it certainly looks traditional, although by 1936, Buick was painting their cars in monochromatic colors; nevertheless, it’s quite attractive. The paint job is quite old and in fair shape, and with some color sanding and buffing, we brought out a pleasing shine in the bodywork, although someone looking to take the car up a notch might want to repaint the fenders. A jaunty red pinstripe adds some interest and certainly an upscale feel. There is no evidence of bad bodywork, previous rust damage, or even ill-fitting parts, suggesting this car has always been cared for. Micro-blisters, some thin spots, and some light signs of use should be expected, but none of it detracts from the handsome overall appeal of the mid-sized Buick. It also appears that the chrome trim is original, and while it shows signs of age and the usual light pitting in the pot metal parts like the grille, there’s nothing that is so deteriorated that it needs immediate attention and the car retains a pleasing all-of-a-piece look. In fact, it might be kind of nice to have a car you never have to worry about when the weather threatens or you have to park it in public. Just get in and enjoy!

The tan cloth interior is more recent than the paint, a quality job that belies the car’s reasonable sticker price. Correct patterns make it look very much as it might have in 1936, offering good space for four, maybe five in a pinch and nothing makes for a better tour car than a 4-door sedan. There are almost no signs of use inside, the seats remain firm and comfortable, and you’ll note that they went the extra mile in the details, from the ornate stitching on the door panels to correct wind lace around the door openings to retaining all the factory door hardware. The big banjo-style steering wheel is in excellent shape with none of the usual cracking and disintegration, and the dash appears to have been repainted at some point. The car has a 12-volt electrical system, and despite that, all the gauges work except the fuel gauge, plus there’s an upgraded temperature gauge under the dash. That 12-volt upgrade means a few lights and the horns aren’t working, but those should be relatively easy fixes on a Saturday afternoon. The upgrade also means much of the wiring is new and the starter spins with genuine enthusiasm today. The back seat looks almost unused, there are protective rubber mats over the tan carpets, and all the windows roll up and down smoothly. The glass is undoubtedly original, with some delamination around the edges, but none of it affects visibility with the front vent windows showing the worst of it. Overhead there’s an absolutely beautiful headliner and the reasonably spacious trunk is neatly finished and includes a full-sized spare tire.

Buick’s 233 cubic inch straight-8 features overhead valves, a Stromberg downdraft carburetor, and a modern distributor with vacuum advance. All told, it made a rather impressive 93 horsepower (remember that Ford’s 221 cubic inch V8 made just 65) and enough torque that shifting in most situations is unnecessary. It was rebuilt at some point in the past, and even though the blue engine enamel isn’t quite correct, it looks right under the Buick’s long hood. Thanks to that 12-volt electrical system, the starter spins it over quickly and it starts faster than many cars half its age. It is not fussy in the least, idling easily even when cold and pulling the sedan around with enthusiast and a pleasing 8-cylinder burble from the tailpipe. These engines are incredibly durable and parts are plentiful from a myriad of suppliers, so don’t worry about it being difficult to service. Thanks to all those years of touring, it’s nicely sorted, it doesn’t burn oil, and aside from a few drips from the oil pan, it’s not even much of a leaker. There’s a giant radiator up front, so it stays comfortable even on hot days, and, well, we just can’t complain about a machine that works this well and asks for so little from its owner.

Buick added synchromesh to their transmissions in 1930, and this 1936 gearbox feels smooth and tight, with well-chosen gears that make the most of the engine’s powerband. In the days before automatic transmissions and before interstate highways, smoothness and ease of operation were key, so the gearing in this Buick allows it to idle at a walking pace in high gear and accelerate to a 50 MPH cruising speed without any shifting at all. Nice, right? It’s probably happiest on country roads and secondary streets rather than the interstate, but if that’s what you need, the Special is happy to oblige although it starts to sound somewhat busy at speeds above 60 or so. It also features an independent front suspension, which rides and handles surprisingly well, and powerful hydraulic drums (again, Ford and others like Packard were still using mechanical brakes) pull it down without any drama. The undercarriage is likely original, and while it’s grimy and dirty, it is not rusty or damaged, so you don’t have to worry about driving it as intended. Factory artillery wheels are color-matched to the bodywork and highlighted with handsome pinstripes, as well as correct hubcaps and trim rings. The 6.00-16 whitewall tires are ancient and should probably be replaced before heading out on any long-distance tours (we would recommend a set of wide whitewall radials for best results).

If you look around in this hobby, the number of reasonably-priced cars with eight cylinders is pretty small. The Buick Special offers a great deal of car for not a lot of money, and this one in particular shows that you can get the basics right and add a little elbow grease to add value later. For less than the price of a 4-cylinder Model A Ford, this Buick will deliver many years of fun on the road. Call today!