Picked up a 1951 Buick Special 2 dr ht last week. Only parts that didn't come with it is a carb and air cleaner as far as I can tell. Have the straight 8 engine and Dynaflow trans as well. PO passed away while rebuilding the engine. He owned it since at least 1983. Sadly I will most likely sell it as soon as I get the title in my name. Have a project next in line already.
I haven't tried to decipher the VIN plate yet. Is there an easy way to tell what model it is? I assumed that it was a Special.
The Super and the Special both only had 3 holes in the front fenders. Roadmaster had 4 as far as I know. No build tag on the cowl and no holes for it that I can find.
It's a Special for sure. The tail lights on a Super mount flat and don't have that thick bezel, only Specials had that bezel that kind of flares out around the quarter a bit. If you Google some pictures of Specials and Supers you'll see the different tail lights. Supers are also longer but the tail lights are an easy way to tell.
I believe the vin tag will show model and if it say 56 it’s a Super, 76 denotes Roadmaster, and anything else would be the Special.
Very Nice! I know where one just like that is in Idaho..... Off the side of a steep mountain dirt road
Your 51 Buick is a Special model 45R. ID plate on this type is under the hood on the right side near the front window. I have exactly the same one, also in black since 1990. Approx. 16000 were build of this type.
Definitely a 45R Special the baby Buick Riviera. The quarters are not removable on the Special series. The most desirable model in my opinion, but I might be a little biased.
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