1956 Buick Special Estate Wagon
Production rarity distinguishes this Special series wagon, with 4,545 Estate Wagon variants built among the 13,770 four-door station wagons Buick manufactured for 1956.
The distinctive styling incorporated Sweepspear chrome trim running along the bodysides, fender-mounted VentiPorts (the brand’s signature portholes), and a dramatic panoramic wraparound windshield that defined mid-1950s American design.
Vertical taillights and a practical split tailgate completed the exterior treatment, typically finished in coordinated two-tone color schemes including combinations like mint and white or turquoise and green.
Six-passenger capacity featured front and rear vinyl bench seats, with the rear section offering split-folding capability for expanded cargo space reaching about 80 cubic feet.
Interior appointments included a three-spoke steering wheel with chrome horn ring, a 120-mph speedometer, auxiliary gauges monitoring fuel level, oil pressure, amperage, and coolant temperature, plus amenities such as a Sonomatic push-button AM radio, tissue dispenser, trip odometer, and clock.
The 322-cubic-inch Fireball V8 developed 220 horsepower at 4,400 rpm and was paired with Buick’s two-speed Dynaflow automatic transmission.
Independent front suspension with coil springs and a solid rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs managed the roughly 3,900-pound (1,770 kg) curb weight. Base pricing started at $2,775.
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