Buick Special 1939–1940 car dimensions: 5158 mm long, 1834 mm wide and 1724 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,579 kg.
The cabin seats five with chair-high, generously sized seats and a roomy feel. Gauges sit directly in front of the driver with the clock on the glovebox door. A column-mounted Handi-Shift handles the three-speed manual gearbox. Flash-Away directional signals (rear only) operate from the shifter stalk. Walnut moldings finish the interior. Heater/defroster and Sonomatic push-button radio are available as options, along with leather upholstery on some cars.
The touring sedan includes a built-in trunk that holds a full-size spare. Access is via a heavy lid with a low load floor. No capacity figures appear in period specifications.
The car uses independent front coil springs and rear coil springs for a smooth ride. Hydraulic drum brakes are fitted all around. Early production used a shortened bobtail frame that left the trunk area vulnerable to overload damage. later cars and kits restored full-length rails. No towing or payload ratings are published.
The cabin offers a roomy Unisteel Fisher body with No Draft Ventilation and Silent Zone mountings for a quiet ride. Seats sit chair-high with walnut moldings and generous space. Gauges sit ahead of the driver with the clock on the glovebox door. Column Handi-Shift keeps the floor clear. Optional Sunshine Turret Top opens the roof on select sedans. Built-in defroster vents pair with an optional heater. Larger safety glass windows improve the view.
18-gallon fuel tank
Tiptoe hydraulic brakes on all four wheels
Flash-Way directional signals standard
Full coil BuiCoil suspension front and rear
Safety glass throughout
The 248 cubic inch straight-eight runs on regular gasoline from an 18-gallon tank. Optional rear axle ratios let owners choose between stronger pull or better economy on the highway.
Shop manuals list a lubrication chart with chassis grease points and engine oil service as regular needs. The engine uses force-feed lubrication and an oil temperature system. Cooling holds about 13 quarts. Keep kingpins, shocks, and torque tube seals in good order for smooth tracking.
Safety gear centers on four-wheel hydraulic brakes and standard Flash-Way rear turn signals controlled from the shift lever. The Unisteel body, torque-tube drive, and Knee-Action front coils add stability. More glass area uses safety glass. No crash ratings appear in period records.
Living with the car means routine chassis lubrication and oil changes plus attention to the cooling system to avoid sediment buildup. Valve adjustment, carburetor, and brake hydraulics need periodic checks. A well-kept example delivers a smooth, quiet ride at touring speeds.
Length 5158 mm, Width 1834 mm, Height 1724 mm, Wheelbase 3048 mm (Special 1939–1940)
Sources: manufacturer data, classiccardatabase.com and equivalent published specs, The Motor 1939 review.