The 1964 Buick Special was a mid-size car produced by Buick, a division of General Motors. It was available in a variety of body styles, including a two-door hardtop, a four-door sedan, and a four-door station wagon. The Special was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced 155 horsepower. It was offered with a three-speed manual transmission or a two-speed automatic transmission.
The 1964 Buick Special was a popular car, with over 300,000 units produced. It was praised for its stylish design, comfortable interior, and powerful engine. The Special was also relatively affordable, making it a good value for money.
1964 Buick Special was significant because it was the first Buick to offer a V6 engine. The V6 engine was more compact and lighter than a V8 engine, but it offered similar performance. This made the Special more fuel-efficient than previous Buick models.
1964 Buick Special
The 1964 Buick Special was a mid-size car produced by Buick, a division of General Motors. It was significant for several reasons:
- First Buick with a V6 engine
- Stylish design, comfortable interior
- Powerful engine, good value for money
- Available in a variety of body styles
- Popular car, with over 300,000 units produced
- Praised for its performance and fuel efficiency
- Represented Buick’s move towards more modern and efficient car designs
- Collectible classic car today
- Affordable classic car, making it a good value for money
The 1964 Buick Special was a significant car for Buick. It was the first Buick to offer a V6 engine, which was more compact and lighter than a V8 engine, but offered similar performance. This made the Special more fuel-efficient than previous Buick models. The Special was also popular with consumers, with over 300,000 units produced. Today, the 1964 Buick Special is a collectible classic car, prized for its stylish design, comfortable interior, and powerful engine.
First Buick with a V6 engine
The 1964 Buick Special was the first Buick to offer a V6 engine. This was a significant development for Buick, as it represented a move towards more modern and efficient car designs. V6 engines are more compact and lighter than V8 engines, but they offer similar performance. This makes V6 engines more fuel-efficient than V8 engines, which was a major selling point in the early 1960s, when gas prices were on the rise.
- Fuel efficiency: V6 engines are more fuel-efficient than V8 engines, which was a major selling point in the early 1960s, when gas prices were on the rise.
- Compact size: V6 engines are more compact than V8 engines, which allowed Buick to design the Special with a smaller engine compartment. This freed up more space for the passenger compartment, making the Special more comfortable and spacious.
- Lighter weight: V6 engines are lighter than V8 engines, which improved the Special’s performance and handling.
- Modern design: The V6 engine was a more modern design than the V8 engine, which gave the Special a more up-to-date look and feel.
The introduction of the V6 engine in the 1964 Buick Special was a major step forward for Buick. It represented a move towards more modern and efficient car designs, and it helped to make the Special a more popular and successful car.
Stylish design, comfortable interior
The 1964 Buick Special was known for its stylish design and comfortable interior. These features were important selling points for the car, and they helped to make it a popular choice among consumers.
- Exterior design: The 1964 Buick Special had a sleek and stylish exterior design. The car’s body was long and low, and it featured a distinctive grille and headlights. The Special was also available in a variety of colors, including white, black, red, and blue.
- Interior design: The 1964 Buick Special had a comfortable and spacious interior. The car’s seats were, and they were upholstered in high-quality materials. The Special also featured a variety of amenities, such as air conditioning, power windows, and a power seat.
The stylish design and comfortable interior of the 1964 Buick Special were important selling points for the car. These features helped to make the Special a popular choice among consumers, and they continue to make it a desirable classic car today.
Powerful engine, good value for money
The 1964 Buick Special was known for its powerful engine and good value for money. These two factors were important selling points for the car, and they helped to make it a popular choice among consumers.
- Powerful engine: The 1964 Buick Special was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced 155 horsepower. This was a powerful engine for a mid-size car, and it gave the Special good acceleration and passing power.
- Good value for money: The 1964 Buick Special was priced competitively with other mid-size cars on the market. However, it offered more features and a more powerful engine than many of its competitors. This made the Special a good value for money.
The powerful engine and good value for money of the 1964 Buick Special were two important factors that contributed to its popularity. These factors helped to make the Special a popular choice among consumers, and they continue to make it a desirable classic car today.
Available in a variety of body styles
The 1964 Buick Special was available in a variety of body styles, including a two-door hardtop, a four-door sedan, and a four-door station wagon. This was a significant advantage for the Special, as it allowed buyers to choose the body style that best suited their needs and preferences.
For example, the two-door hardtop was a popular choice for young buyers who wanted a sporty and stylish car. The four-door sedan was a more practical choice for families, as it offered more seating and cargo space. And the four-door station wagon was a good choice for buyers who needed a vehicle that could handle both passengers and cargo.
The availability of a variety of body styles was a major selling point for the 1964 Buick Special. It helped to make the Special a more popular and versatile car, and it contributed to its success in the marketplace.
Popular car, with over 300,000 units produced
The 1964 Buick Special was a popular car, with over 300,000 units produced. This was due to a number of factors, including its stylish design, comfortable interior, powerful engine, and good value for money. The Special was also available in a variety of body styles, which made it appealing to a wide range of buyers.
- Popularity and demand: The high production numbers of the 1964 Buick Special indicate that it was a popular car among consumers. This popularity was likely due to the car’s combination of style, comfort, performance, and affordability.
- Production scale and efficiency: The production of over 300,000 units suggests that Buick had efficient production processes in place. This allowed them to meet the high demand for the Special while maintaining quality standards.
- Market penetration and reach: The widespread production and sales of the 1964 Buick Special indicate that it had a significant market penetration. The car was likely sold in a variety of regions and countries, which contributed to its overall popularity.
- Cultural impact and legacy: The production of over 300,000 units of the 1964 Buick Special suggests that it had a lasting impact on the automotive industry and popular culture. The car’s popularity and widespread use likely influenced the design and production of future Buick models.
The high production numbers of the 1964 Buick Special are a testament to its popularity and success. The car’s combination of style, comfort, performance, and affordability made it a popular choice among consumers. The Special’s production numbers also indicate that Buick had efficient production processes in place and that the car had a significant market penetration. Overall, the popularity of the 1964 Buick Special is a reflection of its quality, value, and appeal.
Praised for its performance and fuel efficiency
The 1964 Buick Special was praised for its performance and fuel efficiency. These two factors were important selling points for the car, and they helped to make it a popular choice among consumers.
- Powerful engine: The 1964 Buick Special was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced 155 horsepower. This was a powerful engine for a mid-size car, and it gave the Special good acceleration and passing power.
- Fuel efficiency: The 1964 Buick Special was also praised for its fuel efficiency. The V6 engine was more fuel-efficient than V8 engines, which were common in other mid-size cars at the time. This made the Special a good choice for consumers who were looking for a car that was both powerful and fuel-efficient.
The combination of performance and fuel efficiency was a major selling point for the 1964 Buick Special. These two factors helped to make the Special a popular choice among consumers, and they continue to make it a desirable classic car today.
Represented Buick's move towards more modern and efficient car designs
The 1964 Buick Special represented a significant shift in Buick’s design philosophy, marking the brand’s transition towards more modern and efficient car designs. This move was driven by several factors, including increasing competition from European automakers and rising fuel prices.
The Special was the first Buick to feature a V6 engine, which was more compact and lighter than the traditional V8 engines used in most American cars at the time. The V6 engine provided similar performance to a V8 but with improved fuel economy, making the Special more appealing to cost-conscious consumers.
In addition to the V6 engine, the Special also featured a number of other design innovations that improved its efficiency and performance. These included a new unibody construction that reduced weight, a redesigned suspension that improved handling, and a more aerodynamic body shape that reduced drag.
The 1964 Buick Special was a critical and commercial success, helping to restore Buick’s reputation as a builder of stylish and reliable cars. It also set the stage for Buick’s future success in the mid-size car market. In the years that followed, Buick would continue to produce a series of successful V6-powered cars, including the Skylark, Century, and Regal.
Collectible classic car today
The 1964 Buick Special is a collectible classic car today due to several factors, including its stylish design, powerful engine, and historical significance.
The Special’s design is both timeless and distinctive. Its long, low body and sleek lines give it a classic look that appeals to collectors and enthusiasts alike. The Special’s interior is also well-appointed, with comfortable seats and a spacious cabin.
Under the hood, the Special is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 155 horsepower. This engine gives the Special plenty of power for cruising and passing, and it is also relatively fuel-efficient for a car of its size.
In addition to its stylish design and powerful engine, the Special is also significant for its historical value. It was the first Buick to offer a V6 engine, and it was also one of the first American cars to be designed with a unibody construction. These innovations helped to make the Special a more modern and efficient car, and they paved the way for future Buick models.
Today, the 1964 Buick Special is a sought-after collectible car. Its combination of style, performance, and historical significance make it a valuable addition to any collection.
Affordable classic car, making it a good value for money
The 1964 Buick Special is an affordable classic car, making it a good value for money. This is due to several factors, including its relatively low purchase price, low maintenance costs, and good fuel economy.
- Purchase price: The 1964 Buick Special is an affordable classic car to purchase. Prices for a good condition Special typically range from $10,000 to $20,000. This is significantly less than the cost of many other classic cars, making the Special a more accessible option for collectors and enthusiasts.
- Maintenance costs: The 1964 Buick Special is also relatively inexpensive to maintain. Parts for the Special are readily available and affordable, and the car’s simple design makes it easy to work on. This makes the Special a good choice for classic car owners who are on a budget.
- Fuel economy: The 1964 Buick Special gets good fuel economy for a classic car. The Special’s V6 engine is relatively fuel-efficient, and the car’s lightweight design helps to improve its gas mileage. This makes the Special a good choice for classic car owners who want to save money on fuel costs.
Overall, the 1964 Buick Special is an affordable classic car that offers good value for money. Its low purchase price, low maintenance costs, and good fuel economy make it a good choice for classic car owners who are on a budget.
1964 Buick Special FAQs
This section addresses frequently asked questions regarding the 1964 Buick Special, providing concise and informative answers to common concerns or misconceptions.
Question 1: What engine powers the 1964 Buick Special?
The 1964 Buick Special is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 155 horsepower.
Question 2: What is the fuel economy of the 1964 Buick Special?
The 1964 Buick Special gets an estimated 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
Question 3: What are the available body styles for the 1964 Buick Special?
The 1964 Buick Special is available in three body styles: a two-door hardtop, a four-door sedan, and a four-door station wagon.
Question 4: What are the key features of the 1964 Buick Special?
The 1964 Buick Special offers a range of features, including power steering, power brakes, a three-speed manual transmission or a two-speed automatic transmission, and a spacious interior with comfortable seating.
Question 5: What are the dimensions of the 1964 Buick Special?
The 1964 Buick Special has a length of 206.4 inches, a width of 76.0 inches, a height of 56.4 inches, and a wheelbase of 119.0 inches.
Question 6: What is the value of a 1964 Buick Special today?
The value of a 1964 Buick Special varies depending on its condition, mileage, and features. However, on average, a 1964 Buick Special in good condition can range from $10,000 to $20,000.
These FAQs provide essential information about the 1964 Buick Special, addressing common inquiries and misconceptions. Interested individuals can explore further details and specifications through additional research and resources.
Transition to the next article section:
Explore the 1964 Buick Special’s historical significance, design influences, and impact on the automotive industry.
Tips for Maintaining a 1964 Buick Special
Preserving the timeless elegance of a 1964 Buick Special requires meticulous care and attention to detail. Here are some essential tips to guide you:
Tip 1: Regular Maintenance and Inspections
Routine maintenance is paramount for ensuring optimal performance and longevity. Adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid checks. Regular inspections by a qualified mechanic can identify potential issues early on, preventing costly repairs.
Tip 2: Protect the Exterior
The 1964 Buick Special’s classic exterior finish requires careful protection. Regular washing and waxing will maintain its luster and prevent fading. Consider using a car cover when parked outdoors to shield it from the elements.
Tip 3: Preserve the Interior
The Special’s spacious interior is a sanctuary of comfort. Clean the upholstery regularly using appropriate cleaning solutions to maintain its pristine condition. Protect it from sun damage by using UV-resistant window tint or parking in shaded areas.
Tip 4: Maintain the Engine
The Special’s powerful V6 engine demands proper care. Use high-quality oil and filters and ensure timely tune-ups. Monitor fluid levels regularly and address any leaks promptly to prevent engine damage.
Tip 5: Enhance Safety
While classic cars have their charm, modern safety features can significantly enhance driving experience. Consider installing seatbelts, upgrading the braking system, and adding turn signals for improved visibility.
Tip 6: Restore and Preserve
Over time, even the most well-maintained vehicles may require restoration work. Seek professional assistance for bodywork repairs, paint restoration, or mechanical overhauls to maintain the Special’s original beauty and functionality.
Tip 7: Find a Community
Connect with fellow 1964 Buick Special enthusiasts through online forums or local car clubs. Share knowledge, find parts, and participate in events to enhance your ownership experience.
Tip 8: Enjoy the Drive
The 1964 Buick Special is a testament to classic automotive design and engineering. Take pride in owning this timeless treasure and cherish every moment behind the wheel. Remember to drive responsibly and appreciate the joy of owning a piece of automotive history.
Summary: Preserving a 1964 Buick Special requires a commitment to regular maintenance, meticulous care, and a passion for classic cars. By following these tips, you can ensure that your Special continues to turn heads and provide countless miles of driving pleasure.
Conclusion
The 1964 Buick Special was a pivotal vehicle that showcased Buick’s transition towards modern and efficient car designs. Its introduction of the V6 engine, unibody construction, and aerodynamic styling set the stage for future Buick models and influenced the automotive industry.
Today, the Special remains a sought-after classic car, cherished by collectors and enthusiasts for its stylish design, powerful performance, and historical significance. Preserving and maintaining this timeless treasure requires a commitment to regular care, attention to detail, and a deep appreciation for automotive heritage. By embracing these principles, owners can ensure that the 1964 Buick Special continues to captivate generations to come.