1956 Buick Special Convertible Conversion

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Hagerty Marketplace is honored to offer another selection of vehicles from The SugarCreek Collection. This private collection in southwestern Ohio is supported by its own in-house restoration and maintenance shop, with a full-time staff of craftsmen. The garage is a true spectrum of car enthusiast dreams, ranging from unfinished restorations to the most recent sale of the SEMA-exhibited 1,000 HP 1962 Dodge Power Wagon, supporting the Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation. Thirty select cars from the collection are being offered just in time for spring. Whether awaiting restoration, preserved showroom stock, restored to like-new, or tastefully modified, these cars and trucks are truly SugarCreek quality.  

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Buick is America’s oldest automaker; there must be a reason for that. In 1956, the Buick Special Convertible was part of the popular Series 40 lineup, as entry-level as a Buick could possibly be. This model year was distinguished by its stylish design, featuring a distinctive grille, chrome accents, and a sleek, aerodynamic body. Under the hood, the 1956 Buick Special was powered by a 322 cubic-inch V8 engine, known as the "Fireball V8." This engine produced 220 horsepower and 319 lb-ft of torque, providing robust performance for its time. The car also featured a Dynaflow automatic transmission, which was known for its smooth and seamless operation.  

The interior of the 1956 Buick Special Convertible was designed with comfort and luxury in mind. It featured high-quality materials, spacious seating, and a range of amenities that were advanced for its era. The convertible top was power-operated, adding to the convenience and appeal of the vehicle.   

Buick manufactured just 9,712 Special Convertibles in 1956, and few good ones exist today. So, the SugarCreek shop took a solid Special sedan and created one.  

Highlights 

• Offered from The SugarCreek Collection 

• Restored by and converted into a convertible by The SugarCreek Collection shop 

• 322 cu-in Fireball V8 with 220 horsepower and 341 lb-ft of torque 

• “Variable Pitch” DynaFlow two-speed automatic transmission 

• Two-tone burgundy/creme exterior over a two-tone burgundy/creme interior 

• The chassis number (4C3055286) decodes as: 

  • 4 – Special model 

  • C – 1956 model year 

  • 3 – Linden, New Jersey final assembly plant 

  • 055286 – Plant sequential production number 

Features 

• Sonomatic radio

• Power seats and steering

Known Imperfections

• Paint chip under driver side headlight

• Slight chrome pitting in center of driver side front bumper

• Paint chip under passenger side headlight

• Paint chip on lower right on front of hood

• Paint chips by front of hood near Buick logo

• Two paint chips and two scuffs on passenger side quarter panel, above Special logo

• Slight pitting on driver side rear taillight housing lower chrome

• Paint scuff on top of driver side rear fender, near convertible top trim

• Scuffs on driver side seat cushion corner

• Minor imperfection near driver side window crank

• Minor chips on steering shaft and by ignition cylinder

• Paint chips on rocker panel

• Body trim plates show wear commensurate with their ages

• Whitewall tires show minor scuffs and slight discoloration 

Included 

• Keys

 Ownership History  

This 1956 Buick Special was acquired by The SugarCreek Collection in 2007. Restoration and conversion into a convertible took place the same year.  

Additional Notes 

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty. 

Contact: Matt Lowney   Phone: 623.308.2640   email: mlowney@hagerty.com