Buick Special (4th generation)
The innovative 'senior compact' that birthed the legendary Rover V8.
- Power
- 155 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 11.4 s
- Top speed
- 101 mph
- Est. value
- $4k–$24k
About the Buick Special
The 1961 Buick Special marked a radical departure for the brand, introducing a 'senior compact' built on the unibody Y-platform. Its defining feature was the 215 cubic-inch 'Fireball' V8, an all-aluminum unit that weighed just 144 kg, making it the lightest mass-production V8 in the world at the time. While the model was only produced for three years before growing into a mid-sized car, its engine lived on for decades after the design was sold to Rover in 1965. Driving the Special offers a quintessentially soft 1960s American experience, though its lightweight engine provides surprisingly agile handling compared to its full-sized contemporaries.
Buick Special specs
The Buick Special produces 155 bhp (116 kW) and 298 Nm (220 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 11.4 seconds and has a top speed of 101 mph (162 km/h).
| Make | Buick |
|---|---|
| Model | Special |
| Generation | Fourth Generation (4th generation) |
| Trim | 4.0 V8 |
| Years | 1961–1963 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | United States |
| Production | About 86,868 built |
| Original price | About $2,300 when new |
| Engine | 3.5-litre V8 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,532 cc (3.5 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 155 bhp (116 kW) at 4,600 rpm |
| Torque | 298 Nm (220 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 5,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 11.4 s |
| Top speed | 101 mph (162 km/h) |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,220 kg (2,690 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 127 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Buick Special worth?
A typical Buick Special is estimated to be worth $4,100 – $24,000 (about £3,100 – £18,000).
Its original price when new was about $2,300.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Buick Special rarity in CarSpot
The Buick Special is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 36 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Buick Special fun facts
- The 215 V8 engine was so light that it weighed less than many contemporary cast-iron four-cylinder engines.
- General Motors sold the tooling for this engine to Rover, where it powered everything from the Range Rover to the TVR Griffith for nearly 40 years.
- A 1961 Buick Special won its class in the Mobilgas Economy Run, achieving an impressive 24.7 mpg.