The Buick that was selected below as one of this week’s AutoHunter Picks has got me thinking about how manufacturers may have staggered the release of a particular option depending on the model. In this car’s case, Buick saw fit to introduce its all-new V8 in certain models but not others; the latter cars would have to wait until the following model year.
I recall that a similar thing happened in 1949, when Buick offered the redesigned Super and Roadmaster, but the Special continued to use the old 1942-48 body through the middle of the model year, at which time it was replaced by an “early” 1950. Can you think of other examples where features were held back from a certain model?
1965 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
Every time I look at a C2, I have to remind myself that I cannot afford one, especially one that is in a certain state of tune (both small- and big-block). But, lest we forget, the standard Corvette engine was no powerhouse, plus this particular convertible lacks its original engine (though it’s “date-correct”).
Both of those things can keep prices more affordable for folks like me who decided to become a writer instead of a 20-something influencer, though this 1965 Chevrolet Corvette convertible is probably still out of reach. But one can dream.
1953 Buick Special Tourback Sedan
The Series 40 Special was the lowest model on the Buick totem pole, and the Tourback Sedan (aka “two-door sedan”) was the cheapest Buick model. The Special resides in an interesting historical place because the styling was new, but it did not receive the new Nailhead V8 like the Super and Roadmaster models (not to mention the special-edition Skylark convertible).
As such, its Fireball straight-eight was a remnant of a previous era. This one also features the standard three-speed manual instead of Dynaflow.
1981 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Nineteen eighty-one was one of those “Malaise Era” model years when the Z28 package was downgraded to a standard LG4 305 four-barrel with a four-speed. Output was 165 horsepower; if you wanted an automatic, you could not spec out a 305 on a Z, but a 150-horse version was available for other Camaros. Otherwise, you could opt for the 175-horse LM1 350, but it was only available with an automatic.
Canadians, lucky as they may be, were able to opt for a 350/four-speed combo because their government didn’t have an EPA. However, to be honest, it’s the 1970s striping that interests me more than anything else.
1960 Cadillac Series 62 Six-Window Sedan
It can be difficult to wrap your head around the idea that Cadillac called this body style a sedan, but it’s truly a hardtop without a B-pillar. The other “sedan” within Series 62 was the Four-Window Sedan, which had the contemporary flat-top roofline that has aged less gracefully.
I much prefer this roof, plus this car is painted Persian Sand metallic, which probably never looked prettier than it does on this ’60. If you glance inside, you’ll also notice that the interior’s Caspian cloth and metallic-coated fabric is in the same gorgeous hue.