For 1942, the Buick Supers would emerge tastefully and boldly restyled with new brightwork, grilles, fender treatments and other detailing that would lend the car a whole new look overall. It was graceful, refined and elegant with an athletic, sporty edge that exuded just the right amount of wealth. But, thanks to World War II, only 2,489 Super Series 50 convertibles would be built. This one has only been held by three owners from new and underwent a three-year, no-expense-spared, frame-off restoration to original condition, emerging with mechanicals that are either NOS or rebuilt, fresh Tuxedo Black paint, a tan convertible top and a red leather interior. Under the hood, the 248 CI Fireball Dynaflash 8-cylinder engine and 3-speed transmission look better than the day they were built. Featuring a highly detailed engine compartment, trunk, interior and undercarriage complete with a powdercoated frame, the car features an extensive amount of chrome that has been triple-plated and glistens off the paint with ease. While the restyling worked well for 1942, the interior absolutely resonates why Buicks were such style leaders; engine-turned aluminum detailing and highly stylized gauges make up the dash and details, while massively tufted seating looks cushy and comfortable, even for long journeys. A Buick Club of America Senior Award winner, the Super has received a number of other awards, too. Having only traveled about 1,000 miles since the completion of the restoration, the car is well proven yet very well kept and ready for its next caretaker. It’s possible the most dramatic new design element for the 1942 Buick Supers was the “Airfoil” front fenders, which stretched along the side of the car to the rear fenders, creating an elongated, graceful look. Another might be the grille, which was stretched to nearly the whole width of the car, a bold but delicately styled bumper beneath it. Rumor has it that Buick put a lot of effort into restyling the ’42s, knowing that the country would be engaging in war one way or another, leading to the suspension of motor vehicle production, which would ultimately mean that when production resumed, Buick would need something fresh and new. These cars largely served that, as by 1946, Buick resumed production with warmed-over 1942s, but because they were so new in ’42, they appeared largely new in 1946. Whether that rumor’s true or not, it’s great conversation, and this Super will certainly elicit a few of those.
