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Researched and contributed by David McCredie from the original “The Australian Monthly Motor Manual - December, 1946"
In Australia the name Buick has become synonomous with some thing more than just a motor car. Over the years service rendered by Buick has made us look forward each year to new models with
eager expectancy. The appearance of the new Buick at the Melbourne Royal Show, proved that this year was no exception.
First to be announced in the post war Buick range is the Model Forty, which is striking in appearance, and a Straight Eight overhead valve car, capable of a very high performance.
Before fully describing it in detail an impression of the car on the road will be of unusual interest. In common with past Buick performances, this Buick has docility, an ease of handling, and yet a reserve of power that is available if required.
The charm of this car lies in the fact that it responds silently and swiftly to the lightest touch, it obeys the slightest wish of the driver, and obeys exactly.
It is when accelerating that this is most evident, it is like a living thing. From a crawling pace, to a flashing ninety m.p.h. it's acceleration seems to be limitless. The steering remains firm, and it is exceedingly comfortable and stable on the road. This Is a fast car, and although a large car (weight 3,924 Ibs.), the controls are so light and so definite that it handles with ease. Our demonstration drive proved that it rides even better than it looks. Now to describe the mechanical features that make all this possible.
As may be expected of the pride of the G.M. range, the body is of striking appearance, long and low, with the fenders sweeping back along the sides: It incorporates good visability and graceful streamlining, with solid practicability. The design is wider and lower, giving added accommodation and added safety. Interiors are luxuriously appointed with well laid out instruments, and every possible convenience is provided for the passengers.
General Motors war-time experience is reflected in many of the mechanical improvements.
The new non-scuffing cylinder bores, for example, save oil consumption and decrease wear. Pistons are lighter, stronger, and more durable, and the compression ratio has been raised to give better performance.
Mechanically it incorporates many major design changes and refinements throughout the chassis and engine. These range from an entirely new method of precision finishing the cylinder barrel walls, new carburretion and new axle gears, to a new metnod of operating windscreen wipers, which is absolutely noiseless.
Some New Features
Changes have been made in the cooling system whereby the flow of water has been altered to give maximum circulation at all points. A new type of 14 millimetre spark plug is used, giving a wider range. Carefully proportioned spring rates and shock absorber calibrations result in an unusually soft ride and add to the good handling- characteristics. In the rear axle the ring gear has a heavier back and is mounted in a stiffer differential case, and the pinion spiral angle has been increased to 50 degrees. Major changes have been made in the construction and control of the ventillating equipment providing an unrestricted flow of warm or cool air.
Altogether, a car in keeping with the Buick pledge "When better cars are built Buick will build them."
The Buick supplied for the demonstration drive was the one seen at the Royal Melbourne Show, and was a model 51. It was provided by courtesy of Preston Motors Pty. Ltd., Melbourne. Metropolitan Distributors of Buick cars.
Specifications Model 40
ENGINE - 30.63 h.p. eight cylinder, developing 110 b.h.p. at 3600 r.p.m. Overhead valves. Bore 3-3/32 in. x stroke 4-1/8 in. Alloy pistons. Domed cylinder head.
LUBRICATION - High pressure to main bearings, big ends, camshaft bearings, timing chains, valve rocker gear and cylinder walls.
TRANSMISSION - Single plate clutch. 10 in. crown spring. 3 speed synchro mesh gear box helical gears.
STEERING - Ball bearing, worm and nut type.
BRAKES - Hydraulic four wheel brakes with mechanical hand brake.
SUSPENSION - Coil spring suspension on all four wheels with double acting hydraulic shock absorbers. Front and rear.
TYRES AND WHEELS - 16 in. broad rim wheels fitted with 6.50 in. tyres.
TANK CAPACITY - 16 gallons.
DIMENSIONS - Wheelbase 121 ins. Track 58-7/8 front, 61 15/16 rear. Overall length 207 1/2 in. Width 76-1/16 in Height 65-1/32 in. Unladen weight 3924 lbs.
Posted 05/2007 |
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