The Special was produced by Buick as either a standalone model or a trim level from the years 1930 to 1996. It was offered at different times as a full-sized car, mid-sized car, compact car, and as a coupe, sedan, convertible, and station wagon body style. During the generation of models from 1949 to 1958, the Buick Special received all new body work and styling – the first for the postwar era. The 1953 came with the “Fireball” straight-eight 4.3L engine introduced in 1951 along with other Fireball V8’s offered. The transmission was a two-speed Dynaflow automatic. These Specials were all of the Deluxe trim starting in 1953 and was the last Buick to use the straight-eight engine. It was also the last year for the postwar body styling before becoming more boxier in 1954.
For an overview of the Buick Special models, see Hometownbuick.com. For detailed specifications for the 1953 model, see this page on Hometownbuick.com. A five-year sales history can be seen at Classic.com. Detailed classic value tables can be seen at Caaarguide.com.
