1947 Buick Super Eight
“When better cars are built, Buick will build them” – this advertising slogan for one of America’s most well-known marques has always held true for well over a century. Buick cars are synonymous with excellent quality and has been the aspirational choice for millions of buyers. From the early 1930s, Buick cars were fitted with their famous Straight Eight engines, which were offered for almost 20 years in varying capacities.
In 1947, Buick advertised its cars as having a “bonnetful of Fireball power,” with 110 hp from the 248-ci straight-8 engine. What would those marketing folk say about the Chevy swap in our custom Super? “LS-swap all the things,” is what the Chevy missionaries say, and it’s hard to argue against it when you can bolt a fuel-injected, supercharged, LSA crate engine in just about any car and make nearly six bonnetfuls of Fireball power.
Of course, you wouldn’t want to try to move all that curvy steel on the stock skinny tires and softly sprung chassis and 12-inch drum brakes. Not a problem for the buyer of this car. The builder matched the underpinnings to the powerplant, choosing an Art Morrison GT chassis with power steering and adjustable suspension. Stopping is no problem thanks to Wilwood 6-piston brakes on 14-inch rotors.
The rest of the build is also upgraded to the best of the modern aftermarket. The LS is backed by an automatic 4L85E transmission leading back to a Strange 9-inch rear with 31-spline axles, and 3.70 rear gears, meaning not only will this Buick go and stop with ease, it’s also going to be a perfectly happy freeway flier.
Instead of the felty bench seat you’d normally see in a car of this vintage, there’s a split bench covered in quilted camel-colored leather. Power windows, a full stereo system, a tilt wheel, and a push-button start add in conveniences Ned Nickles couldn’t even have imagined. For the most part, the modern touches are well integrated into the overall look of this custom.
You’re meant to notice that it isn’t stock, but also recognize the classic Buick lines and features. The gauge cluster is especially attractive, with an oxblood background and vintage lettering that stands out among the beachy blue-and-tan color combo.
One design mystery is the use of the Beechcraft airplane company’s “B” logo in the center of the steering wheel. Was the original customer a pilot? Maybe the buyer was, and that’s why he or she bid so vigorously to be the new owner.
Aaron Robinson, an automotive journalist and car collector, is the owner of a considerably more stock 1947 Buick Special. “Slamming a Chevy in it seems sacrilegious,” he said, when I asked him how he felt about the modifications here. “There’s something about driving the car with a straight 8 that appeals to me. It sounds more like a European luxury car than a hot rod.”
