This 1961 Buick Special, a four-door sedan with a rebellious spirit, presents a unique opportunity for enthusiasts seeking a project with character. Modified under prior ownership, it features gray-vinyl-clad aftermarket racing seats with plaid inserts, blue racing harnesses, and a partially stripped interior, offering a glimpse into a custom vision. Powered by a 215ci V8 paired with a two-speed automatic transmission, this silver-blue sedan rides on white 15″ Vors wheels. Purchased by the seller in 2025, this ’61 Special requires brake work and is offered at no reserve.
Exterior and Design: Silver Blue and Custom Touches The four-door sedan is finished in silver blue, showcasing its classic lines with a touch of custom flair. Exterior details include quad aftermarket headlights, fender VentiPorts, and vent windows. However, the car displays chrome pitting, bubbling on the door bottoms, and paint imperfections throughout, adding to its raw, project-oriented appeal. The missing trunk lock further emphasizes its project status.
Chassis and Wheels: Sporty Stance and Project Needs White-finished 15″ Vors five-spoke wheels are mounted with 205/50 Hankook Ventus V2 Concept2 tires, giving the car a sporty stance. Drum brakes are retained at each corner, but the seller notes a lack of brake pedal resistance, indicating that the brakes will require service before the car can be driven.
Interior and Customization: Racing Seats and Stripped-Down Style The interior has been significantly modified, featuring aftermarket front sport seats trimmed in black vinyl with black and blue plaid inserts. Blue Tanaka-branded four-point harnesses are fitted for the front passengers and are anchored to a blue harness bar. The rear bench has been reupholstered in black vinyl, while the carpets, headliner, and rear door panels have been removed, creating a stripped-down, race-inspired aesthetic. A custom center console with a tachometer, cupholders, and power outlets has been added.
Instrumentation and Drivetrain: Classic Power and Project Potential The two-spoke steering wheel fronts a horizontal-sweep 120-mph speedometer and a fuel-level gauge. The five-digit odometer shows 25,000 miles, but true mileage is unknown. The keys are not present, adding to the project’s challenges. The 215ci Fireball aluminum V8, topped with a four-barrel carburetor, was factory rated at 185 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed to the rear wheels through a Dual-Path Turbine Drive two-speed automatic transmission.
Decoding the Past: Body Tag Insights Decoding the Fisher body tag reveals that the car was built during the second week of February 1961, is a 1961 Special sedan, was assembled in Flint, Michigan, and originally featured blue cloth and vinyl upholstery and a Laguna Blue paint finish.
A Blank Canvas: Ready for Transformation This 1961 Buick Special, with its custom modifications and project needs, offers a blank canvas for enthusiasts seeking a unique restoration or customization project. The combination of classic styling and custom touches, along with the 215ci V8 engine, provides a solid foundation for a personalized build.
Summary:
- 1961 Buick Special four-door sedan project.
- 215ci Fireball aluminum V8 engine.
- Two-speed automatic transmission.
- Silver blue exterior with modified interior.
- Aftermarket racing seats with plaid inserts and blue harnesses.
- Stripped-down interior with custom center console.
- White 15″ Vors wheels with Hankook tires.
- Drum brakes require service.
- Chrome pitting, paint imperfections, and missing trunk lock.
- Keys are not present.
- Clean Virginia title.
- No reserve.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of this specific vehicle. As with any project car, we recommend a thorough inspection and independent verification of all specifications and documentation before any purchase. This vehicle requires brake work and is not currently roadworthy. Mileage is unknown. The absence of keys should be taken into consideration.
Source: bringatrailer.com
This article was crafted with assistance from Gemini
