1948 Buick Models Described In Detail
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General Year Information
Chassis Information
- Wheelbase: Series 40: 121 inches; Series 50:124 inches: Series 70: 129 inches.
- Overall length: Series 40: 2071/2 inches; Series 50: 2121/2 inches; Series 70:2171/2 inches.
- Front tread: Series 40: 581/2 inches; Series 50 & 70: 591/2 inches.
- Rear tread: Series 40: 61-15/16 inches. Series 50 & 70: 62-3/16 inches.
- Tires: Series 40: 6.50 x Series 50: 7.60 x 15; Series 70: 8.20 x 15.
Models Offered
Even more bright metal trim adorned the 1948 Special, as a full-length upper body molding was added. Dual stainless bands along the lower body, fenders and rear skirts were continued. Inside, new nickle grey garnish moldings and a black Tenite steering wheel were featured.
Sedans were carpeted in the rear, while front compartment mats had a simulated carpet insert. Leatherette seat risers and scuff pads were standard. Equipment included an automatic choke, turn signals and an ash receiver. Series identification was found within a round emblem in the bumper guard crossbars.
The main external change to the 1948 Super from its 1947 counterpart was the (Super) script on each front fender. Other series identification continued to be carried on the bumper guard cross bar. The car was a bit lower than in 1947, rolling on new 7.60 x 15 tires mounted on wheels with trim rings and small hub¬caps. Super identification was also found on the center crest of the new black Tenite steering wheel.
New cloth interiors featured leatherette scuff pads and trim risers. The instrument panel was redone, using silver-tone instruments on a two-tone grey paint. The sedan was carpeted in the rear, with a carpet insert also found in the front rubber mat. The Model 56C featured cloth and leather interior trim, with power top, seat and front windows standard.
Exterior appearance of the 1948 Roadmaster was changed only by the addition of series script to the front fenders. Other series identification continued to be found on the bumper guards’ crossbars and within the steering wheel center medallion. The wheel was now black Tenite, coordinated with the new two-tone grey instrument panel with silver tone instruments. Chrome full wheel discs were standard, along with features found on lesser Buicks.
Interiors were cloth, with plusher grades of material available. A new optional Custom Trim was offered, consisting of cloth upholstery with leather bolsters; the robe cord cover, and lower door panels were done in leatherette. The Model 76C convertible coupe included power windows, seat and top in its standard equipment.
Engines
Engine Options and Availability
- List Any Options here
Power Train Options
- Three-speed manual transmission with column-mounted shift lever was standard on all series.
- Dynaflow automatic transmission was optional on Series 70. Cars so equipped also had 6.9:1 compression ratio and 150 brake horsepower motors.
Body Paint Color Codes
Other Significant Options
- Spotlite. Sonomatic radio.
- Weather-Warden heater/defroster.
- Side-view mirror.
- Tissue dispenser.
- Vanity visor mirror.
- E-Z-I non-glare rear view mirror.
- Prismatic inside rear-view mirror.
- Seat covers.
- Auxiliary driving lights.
- Multi-purpose trouble lamp.
- “Breeze-Ease” draft deflectors.
- NoRol assembly.
- Automatic windshield washer.
- Back-up lights.
- Polaroid visor.
- Rear window wiper.
- Power Pak fire extinguisher/tire inflator.
