Lot 10483: 1951 Buick Super

The 1951 Buick Super was a significant model in Buick’s post-war lineup, representing the middle tier of their three-model strategy. Here’s what you should know about its history and production:

Historical Context: The 1951 Buick Super was part of the second generation (1949-1953) and positioned between the entry-level Special and the luxury Roadmaster. This was a challenging year for Buick - total production dropped significantly to 404,657 units (from 665,000 in 1950) due to Korean War-related production cutbacks and a return to defense manufacturing priorities.

Technical Highlights: The Super featured Buick’s renowned 263 cubic inch “Fireball” straight-8 engine producing 128 horsepower, paired with the smooth Dynaflow automatic transmission. This combination was known for producing “gobs of low-end torque” and established Buick’s reputation for engines that prioritized smooth power delivery over raw performance.

Production Numbers: While specific production figures for the 1951 Super model alone aren’t readily available, we know that Buick’s total 1951 production was 404,657 vehicles across all models. Given that the Super was positioned as the middle-tier offering and sources indicate “production numbers were generous for their time—tens of thousands across all body styles,” it’s reasonable to estimate that Super production likely ranged from 80,000-120,000 units, representing roughly 20-30% of total Buick production.

Market Position: The Super prioritized passenger comfort over engine performance, sharing the straight-8 engine with the Special but offering more upscale appointments and features. It was available in multiple body styles including sedans, coupes, and the rare Sedanet (of which only about 1,500 were produced).

The 1951 model year was notable as it was among the last years for the straight-8 engine before Buick introduced their new OHV V-8 in 1953, making these vehicles particularly significant to Buick historians and collectors today.

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