The straight-eight engine, alas, is something we'll likely never see again, except at classic car meets. And that's a shame, for no conventional engine was as smooth and at the same time simple and elegant. Blame their demise, if you will, on the post-war desire to reduce hood lengths and lengthen passenger compartments. Ford did show a concept car a few years ago with a transversely-mounted straight-eight but it was only a mockup, perhaps created by engineers who, like myself, have a nostalgic longing for the old smoothie. I was reminded of this when I spotted a car for sale in Classic Motor News, a 1941 Buick Special with a Canadian-built McLaughlin body. This restored beauty has a freshly rebuilt 248-cid inline eight, three-speed manual, and the original 6-volt electrical system. The editors commented that "four-door cars continue to pick up steam on the market." This doesn't surprise me. Everyone chases after coupes and convertibles, driving prices beyond reason, then collectors begin to recognise that it isn't all about sexy body styles, it's about history. So pay the asking price of $23,800, pick up your Buick at Bay City Motors in Michigan, and enjoy the lovely hum of eight powerful cylinders, all in a line.
I agree. I have a 1948 Buick super 4-door sedan that I am rebuilding but the original inline 8 has a slight rod knock. I would love to keep that engine in the car but I am having lots of trouble finding books and parts for it. If you have any advice as to where I can get quality parts and manuals I would really appreciate it. It’s always nice to find a guy who shares my sentiment as far as these cars go.
September 27, 2008 @ 10:57 pm