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The 1947 Buick Super represented a significant step in the post-World War II automotive landscape, offering a blend of style, comfort, and Buick’s renowned smooth straight-eight power. The Super trim sat above the Special and offered more luxurious appointments and a longer wheelbase. Its distinctive styling, with its upright grille and flowing fenders, was characteristic of the era. This particular 1947 Buick Super has undergone a thoughtful restomodification, retaining its classic charm while integrating a more modern drivetrain and chassis components to provide improved performance and reliability for contemporary driving.
Engine and Performance: This modified 1947 Buick Super is now powered by a replacement 248 cubic inch straight-eight engine, sourced from a 1949 Buick and rebuilt in 2007. The original straight-eight engines were known for their smooth operation and ample torque. While the exact horsepower rating of the rebuilt 248ci engine is not specified, these engines typically produced around 110-120 horsepower in their era, offering a significant improvement over the pre-war engines. The key upgrade is the modern 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission, replacing the original manual or earlier automatic options. This transmission provides smoother shifting, better highway cruising with an overdrive gear, and improved fuel efficiency. A 12-volt electrical system conversion ensures reliable operation of modern accessories. The installation of a custom front subframe with independent front suspension, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, and power front disc brakes represents a substantial improvement in handling and stopping power compared to the original solid axle and drum brake setup. A Chevrolet-sourced 10-bolt rear axle with a rear Panhard bar further enhances stability and handling.
Exterior Features: The Fisher-built body of this 1947 Buick Super was repainted in its factory-correct Seine Blue (47-15) using a modern base coat/clearcoat system in 2005, ensuring a durable and attractive finish. Replacement weatherstripping was installed at the same time, and the bumpers were re-chromed, restoring their original luster. The car retains its classic styling cues, including a prominent hood ornament, a steel sun visor, electric windshield wipers (an upgrade from vacuum-operated ones), dual side-view mirrors, and elegant rear fender skirts. A Buick Eight-branded trunklid light adds a touch of period detail. The body-color steel wheels were powder-coated in 2014 and are fitted with chrome hubcaps and trim rings, as well as Coker Classic whitewall radial tires, which offer improved ride and handling compared to bias-ply tires.
Interior Appointments: The interior of this Buick Super was retrimmed in a factory-style gray broadcloth upholstery during the refurbishment, maintaining the original aesthetic while providing a refreshed and comfortable cabin. The color-coordinated headliner, door panels, and carpets further enhance the cohesive look. Amenities include a Sonomatic AM radio, a heater, and a practical fold-down rear armrest. The original column-shift manual transmission mechanism was cleverly modified with Lokar components to accommodate the floor-mounted shifter for the new automatic transmission, a testament to the thoughtful integration of modern components.
Chassis and Handling Upgrades: The most significant modifications to this Buick Super lie beneath its classic exterior. The installation of a custom tubular steel front subframe with tubular control arms and coilovers provides a modern independent front suspension, dramatically improving ride quality and handling precision. The power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering offers more responsive and easier control compared to the original steering system. Power-assisted front disc brakes provide significantly enhanced stopping power and safety. The rear suspension features a Chevrolet-sourced 10-bolt live axle with coil springs and tube shocks, along with a Panhard bar to control lateral movement, further contributing to improved stability and handling.
Instrumentation: The banjo-style steering wheel retains the classic look and frames a 120-mph speedometer and auxiliary gauges. The five-digit odometer shows under 17,000 miles, with only approximately 90 miles added under the seller’s ownership. Due to the age and modifications, total mileage is unknown. An aftermarket tag listing a chassis number is mounted on the firewall, while the original Fisher body tag provides details about the car’s original build specifications.
Awards and Recognition: This beautifully restomodded 1947 Buick Super was awarded a first-place ribbon in a 2006 All-Buick show, a testament to the quality of the refurbishment and modifications.
Summary:
- Repainted in its factory Seine Blue.
- Retrimmed interior in factory-style gray broadcloth.
- Powered by a replacement 248ci straight-eight engine (1949 Buick).
- Upgraded with a 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission.
- Features a custom front subframe with independent front suspension.
- Equipped with power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and power front disc brakes.
- Chevrolet 10-bolt rear axle with a Panhard bar.
Disclaimer: Information provided is for general informational purposes only and is based on available details. This vehicle has undergone significant modifications, and potential buyers are advised to conduct their own thorough inspection and verification of its condition and specifications.
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