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In the early 1950s, the Buick brand was full speed ahead in feeding post-war demand for passenger cars. Buick became known for its tagline ‘Premium American Style’

A 1951 black and white Buick print ad for a Buick Special Convertible with model standing in the top-down passenger seat with a beach in the background

The 1951 Buick Convertible remains a symbol of an era when cars were more than mere transportation — they were works of art, craftsmanship, and aspiration. (Photos courtesy of the GM Media Archive)

BY MARK MAYNARD

American car design was on the threshold of a renaissance in the early 1950s. It was just five years since the end of World War II when U.S. automakers got back to the business of making vehicles for civilians and not the war effort.

Between Feb. 10, 1942, and Sept. 9, 1945, General Motors and other American carmakers did not produce cars for civilian use. Starting in 1940, General Motors eventually converted over 100 of its manufacturing plants to produce for the war effort.

After the war, passenger car designs continued to grow in size — a direct reflection of the post-war prosperity enjoyed by most Americans. Automotive engineering brought new technologies, such as electric starters, hydraulically operated convertible tops, power windows, and power driver’s seats — sometimes referred to in period print ads as the pilot’s seat.

A black and white photo showing a factory employee installing a left-side back door.

On the production line in 1951 at Buick City, Flint, Mich.

The first safety features debuted, such as padded dashboards, safety glass, and improved brake systems. Now that chrome was again available (restricted during wartime production), large expanses of the shiny metal alloy coating was applied to bumpers, bodyside spears, grilles, and headlight casings.

Design features of warplanes could be seen in the post-war designs of cars, according to a report in Hertz.com. Expansive tail fins emulated aircraft wings. Hood ornaments took the shape of gunsights, and conical “Dagmar” bumper guards would mimic artillery shells. Buick’s iconic “vertiports” — hood portholes — recalled the exhaust outlets of fighter aircraft such as the P-51 Mustang, built by North American Aviation in the 1940s. While the P-51 Mustang was V-12 powered, with six exhaust ports aft the propeller, the Buick had just three to four ventiports on each side of the hood.

A black and white photo of a Buick Roadmaster instrument panel

The Roadmaster instrument panel.

Ventiport History

The now-iconic Buick portholes, correctly termed “ventiports,” were a stylist fluke. Credit for the brand-defining feature goes to noted General Motors stylist Ned Nickles, who designed and installed a set of round fender vents on his personal 1948 Buick Roadmaster. According to the engaging report in MacsMotorCityGarage.com, Nickles used small electric lamps (probably neon or similar) that were wired to the ignition system. The lights would flash in sequence with the cylinders of the engine. Reportedly, he was inspired by the flashing exhaust pipes (or gun muzzles, in some versions of the story) on World War II fighter aircraft.

At that moment, a Buick styling trademark was born.

“Buick manufacturing boss Edward T. Ragsdale ridiculed the gimmick, saying it ruined the car, but general manager Harlow Curtice loved the idea, minus the flashing lamps, and ordered the vertiports into production on the 1949 models, a scant seven months away.

The 1949 Roadmaster debuted four “Cruiser-Line Ventiports” per side, while the junior Super and Special sported just three per side. The Roadmaster earned four portholes for its 320-cubic-inch straight-eight vs. 260 cubic inches of the lesser models. The F-263 engine (for 263 cubic inches) had power ratings of 120 hp or 124 hp in the 40 series or 50 series. The top-line 70 series had an upgrade to 168 hp.

A 1951 color Buick print ad touting "Buick Lifts the Limit on Luxury"

Buick color print ad: “Smart Buy for 1951.”

Post-War Vehicle Demand

The Buick brand was full speed ahead in feeding new post-war demand for passenger cars. The brand became known for its tagline, “Premium American Style.”

The 1951 Buick model-year lineup elevated the General Motors brand to America’s fourth-largest automaker. Total sales that year were 406,657, according to the third edition of “The Standard Catalog of American Cars, 1946-1975.” Convertibles represented 9.4 percent of Buick’s business.

A black and white photo of a Buick Super

Each Buick series had its unique grille pattern, contributing to its identity. The Super Series, for example, sported a bold horizontal grille.

Buick Innovations

The 1951 Buicks were known for their distinctive features, combining style, comfort, and innovation. Here is a list of some of the special features that set Buicks apart:

1. Dynaflow Transmission: Buick introduced the Dynaflow automatic transmission, which provided smooth gear changes and eliminated the need to shift gears manually.

2. Distinctive Grille Designs: Each Buick series had its unique grille pattern, contributing to its identity. The Super Series, for example, sported a bold horizontal grille.

3. Electric Clocks: Buick was among the first to include electric clocks as standard equipment. The timepieces added a touch of modernity.

4. Safety Innovations: Buick emphasized safety. Features like padded dashboards, safety glass, and improved braking systems ensured passenger well-being.

5. Wide Whitewall Tires: Buicks roll on wide whitewall tires, which enhance their visual appeal and ride quality.

The open Buick Roadmaster trunk with a spare tire on the right side

There looks to be room for the golf cart and clubs in the 1951 Roadmaster trunk.

The “Fireball Eight”

Buick debuted the “Fireball Eight” straight-eight-cylinder engine across its entire lineup beginning with the 1931 model year. The straight-8 would continue powering all Buicks until it was replaced by the 322-cubic-inch “Nailhead” V-8 beginning in 1953, per the Journal of Classic Cars.

“The Buick lineup in the early 1950s was easy to map out, with just three models starting with the Special (Series 40) at the entry-level position. Moving upward came the Super (Series 50) with such features as distinctive rear side windows. Sitting at the top was the Roadmaster (Series 70) flagship with “sweepspear” fender trim and wide chrome panels below the windows and doors.

A black and white of a 1951 Buick Super Convertible.

Convertibles represented 9.4 percent of Buick’s business in 1951.

Buick Special Convertible

The 1951 Buick Special Convertible, also known as Model 46C, epitomized Buick’s dash and elan in a budget-priced package. Despite its affordability, $2,561, it boasted luxurious deluxe finishes that set it apart.

The Model 46C was a two-door convertible with seats for six. It was powered by the new F-263 engine, with high compression ratios and ample horsepower. The convertible was full-bodied at 3,645 pounds but 860 pounds less than the Roadmaster.

Inside, passengers were treated to plush interiors, comfortable seating, and attention to detail.

The top-of-the-line Buick Roadmaster Riviera pushed the starting price to $3,453 in 1951. But it remains a symbol of an era when cars were more than mere transportation — they were works of art, craftsmanship, and aspiration.

For Buick restorations, be sure to visit the Buick Heritage Alliance.

The 2024 Buick Envista is a new Buick nameplate and a comfortable fit as a subcompact-plus small SUV

A Frost White Buick Envista Avenir parked at a boat launch along San Diego's Mission Bay with a small sailboat with a red and range sail in the background

This new-for-2024 Envista “sport coupe crossover” is the smallest Buick and the first Buick to adopt the brand’s new design language. Starting prices range from about $25,000 to $30,000. (Photography by Mark Maynard)

Jump To Special Features

2024 Buick Envista Pricing
Safety Features
Interior Function
Powertrain and Performance
Ride and Handling
Observations and Considerations
Why Buy the 2024 Buick Envista?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

The Buick Envista tooling past me on the highway was a glint of whoa-what-is-that? Its fastback shape looked European. It looked aspirational. It looked expensive. I changed lanes for a better look. Why do I not know this car, looking so smart in its pearlescent metallic white?

This new-for-2024 Envista “sport coupe crossover” is the smallest Buick and the first Buick to adopt the brand’s new design language. It carries over some styling elements of the compelling Wildcat EV concept.

Buick’s sex-jet Wildcat EV concept.

The 2024 Envista is a new Buick nameplate and a comfortable fit as a subcompact-plus small SUV. It is a corporate GM platform partner with the Chevrolet Trailblazer. However, the big separator of these GM SUVs is Envista’s distinctive styling and Buick’s more premium interior treatment.

Competing five-seat subcompact SUVs include the Chevrolet Trax, Mazda CX-30, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, and Volkswagen Taos. While most competitors have a powertrain option for all-wheel-drive, the Envista is strictly front-wheel drive. However, Buick’s other subcompact SUV, the Buick Encore GX, does have an AWD option.

Buick has structured an E nameplate series: Envista, Encore, Envision (a compact-class SUV), and Enclave (3-row, V6-powered SUV).

There is simple, no-stress access to getting comfortable behind the wheel.

2024 Buick Envista Pricing

The Buick Envista is available in three trim levels, all front-wheel drive. All trims have a 137-hp turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Also standard for all trims is a single-panel digital display that combines an 8-inch screen for driver instruments and an 11-inch infotainment screen. Below is the price walk:

Preferred, $24,590. Standard features include black leatherette upholstery, 17-inch silver painted wheels, and 3 years of OnStar Remote Access.

Sport Touring, $25,690. Standard features include black leatherette upholstery with Santorini Blue stitching and ST embossed headrests, 18-inch black-painted wheels, a wrapped steering wheel, gloss black side mirrors, and body-side trim moldings.

Avenir, $29,695. Standard features include perforated leather-trimmed upholstery (in black with terracotta stitching or gray with Whisper Beige stitching), and 19-inch pearl nickel alloy wheels.

Retail manufacturer pricing includes the $1,095 freight charge from Bupyeong, Korea.

There is a choice of eight Envista paint colors, but only Summit White is a no-cost color; six hues are a $495 option. White Frost Tricoat is $1,095 but $600 for Avenir.

Today’s 2024 Envista Avenir is $31,090 with the advanced safety package, $795, and White Frost Tintcoat, $600. The advanced safety package is worthwhile for its upgrades of:

Adaptive cruise control;
Rear cross-traffic alert;
Lane-change alert with side blind zone alert;
Power, heated side mirrors with turn signals;
Rain sensing intermittent wipers.

Check current Buick special offers here. At publication, there was an ultra-low-mileage lease for the base Preferred trim level. The 2-year/20,000-mile lease is $219 monthly, with $3,439 due at signing.

The Envista's flat-bottom steering wheel provides thigh room for large drivers.

A flat-bottom steering wheel provides thigh room for large drivers.

Safety Features and Technologies

Envista safety features include six air bags (with Passenger Sensing System that automatically switches on or off the front passenger seat when no occupant is seated), front seat knee bolsters, StabiliTrak electronic stability and traction control, and hill start assist.

Safety technologies include the standard Buick Driver Confidence package of:

Automatic Emergency Braking;
Front Pedestrian Braking;
Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning;
Forward Collision Alert;
Following Distance Indicator
IntelliBeam auto high-beam assist.

The Avenir advanced safety package, $795, adds driver assistance technologies for lane change alert with side blind zone alert, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert.

A cropped image showing LED headlights and amber LED running lights

Envista has LED exterior lighting, including those amber running lights. Headlights are below.

Interior Function

There is simple, no-stress access to getting comfortable behind the wheel. It is a position of confidence.

With its subcompact-plus size, the front-seat area of the cabin feels roomy, with broad shoulder room of 56 inches, door to door. Front headroom of 39.4 inches, without the moonroof, should fit most 6-foot drivers. A flat-bottom steering wheel improves thigh space for larger drivers. The Envista wheel has a non-leather wrap with elaborate stitching. I liked that the 9-and-3 spokes of the steering wheel have channel-changing and audio volume buttons.

Sightlines are refreshingly open over the hood and at the ellipse of the rear window. Side mirrors offset from the body add visibility when turning, and the design helps reduce wind turbulence and noise.

With a new dashboard design, there is ergonomic order and smart placement of switches and controls. Special features include a single-panel digital display that combines an 8-inch screen for driver instruments and an 11-inch infotainment screen.

Envista has a slim shift lever on the slim center console. There is not much “drop” space on the console, and cup holders are small.

Looking into the back seat of the Envista with back doors open

Max legroom of 38.7 inches seems long, but the bench is short.

Back Seat and Cargo Space

While front-seat space feels more compact class than subcompact, the back seat feels more subcompact in dimensions. Max legroom of 38.7 inches seems, but the bench is short. The flat floor accommodates three across seating to drive colleagues to lunch. There is no seatback recline, but the fixed angle is comfortable.

Duck your head when slipping into the back seat to allow for the low roof contour.

Useful back-seat amenities include:

Large door panel stash space with bottle slots;
Dual types of USB ports (A and C);
Wide, padded fold-down armrest with can holders.
The trailing arc of the fastback body takes away some height for big-box cargo capacity. However, the 20.7 cubic feet of space behind the back seat is functional for a young driver or family. The cargo area entry is about 3 feet wide, with almost 3 feet to the seatback. Fold the 60/40 back seat for up to 5 ½ feet in length.

The open cargo area of the Envista with the back seat folded

Fold Envista’s 60/40 back seat for up to 5 ½ feet in length.

Envista Powertrain and Performance

No Sport mode, no paddle shifters, no problem (mostly).

Envista is a hustler with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine. The turbocharged and direct-injected engine spins up 137 horsepower and has a usable torque of 162 lb.-ft. from 2,500-4,000 rpm. Power is sent forward through a six-speed automatic transmission.

The diminutive engine’s torque, the pulling force in the low to mid rev range, makes the engine feel more potent. Acceleration from the 1.2-liter three-cylinder is responsive away from the traffic light. However, performance lags when cruising along to keep the power underfoot. There is no Sport mode, so it takes a heavier foot for a transmission kick down. Highway cruising is competent, but anticipate your need for passing power.

Official fuel-economy ratings are 28 mpg city, 32 highway, and 30 mpg combined. Regular unleaded fuel is recommended. According to the onboard computer, my average fuel economy over the test week was 25.6 mpg with a best of 42.1 mpg.

GM uses this 1.2 liter — its smallest engine in North America — in the Buick Encore GX and Chevy Trailblazer. However, both vehicles have a slightly more powerful engine upgrade in the 155-hp 1.3-liter. This somewhat larger choice would reinforce more of Buick’s “premium” position.

“Compared to previous generations of our 1.2L Turbo engine, this version is lighter and uses fewer parts, which reduces the overall vehicle weight, increases efficiency, and creates nimble ride and handling,” said Scott McLane, lead development engineer, Buick Envista.

An open hood view of the 1.2-liter 3 cylinder engine

Envista is a hustler with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine.

Ride and Handling

Buick’s QuietTuning and active noise cancellation are rewarding technologies in this small sport-coupe SUV. Zipping along the interstate at 70 mph, conversations are comfortable without raised voice volume.

Push hard through corners, and the all-season Continental ProContact tires grip without squeals of protest. These Continentals are premium all-season touring tires with a comfortable treadwear rating of 500. The tires have a 65,000-mile limited warranty and are pricey to replace at around $250 each.

A long wheelbase (106.3 inches) helps with a settled highway ride. However, the torsion beam rear suspension transfers jolts over potholes and rough city streets.
The long wheelbase with 18- or 19-inch wheels pushes the turning circle to 38.4 feet. That span is awkwardly wide for a “subcompact” vehicle. With 17-inch wheels, the circle is a foot shorter.

The standard Buick Confidence Package includes driver-assistance technologies, such as lane-keep assist with lane departure warning.

To get full semiautonomous driving requires the Avenir Advanced Safety package, $795. It adds adaptive cruise control, including lane change alert with blind zone alert.

Always keep hands on the wheel when using this semiautonomous mode. Lane centering is not accurate and lets the Envista drift wide in interstate cornering. However, the suite of safety systems is well worth the $795.

The 19-inch tires and bright silver wheel on the Envista

Continental ProContact tires grip without squeals of protest.

Observations and Considerations

There is a lot of black plastic throughout the cabin. The Avenir, however, is dressed up with multiple grain patterns and engaging “zicka” lines on the door panels from the dashboard. Avenir’s padded dash pad has a line of copper stitching, which continues onto the seat trim aesthetics.
Power windows have an auto-down function but no auto-up, which is a silly budget issue.
Visors do not slide.
Front seat belts have no height adjustment; some will not like the position of the seat belt at their neck.
The front passenger seat has no power adjustments. That is another compromising budget measure that detracts from “premium” for a $30,000 price.
No rear wiper! Buick (and other makers saving a few dollars) seems to think that rain will blow down the rear glass while driving. However, the large back glass will still accumulate dirt and grime as it sits, and somebody will need to clean it. However, I’m not sure I would want a rear wiper because it would clutter up the gorgeous rear-end design. The shapely front end has the same dilemma when affixing a license plate to the Avenir’s attractive black-chrome ice grille treatment. (Michigan does not require a front license plate.)

Envista’s ultrawide infotainment display spans 19 inches (diagonal) of combined LCD screens.

Why Buy the 2024 Buick Envista?

The $30,000 Envista Avenir is an elevated economy car with sexy styling. Its pricing and features are a good fit for a young family or a career-goal graduate.

A rearview of the Envista has a custom and aerodynamic appearance

The 2024 Envista is a new Buick nameplate and a comfortable fit as a subcompact-plus small SUV.

2024 Buick Envista Avenir Specifications

Body style: Subcompact, 5-seat, 5-door front-wheel-drive SUV crossover

Engine: 137-hp, turbocharged and direct injection 1.2-liter 3-cylinder; 162 lb.-ft. torque from 2,500-4,000 rpm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Fuel economy: 28/32/30 city/hwy/combined; 87 octane recommended

BY THE NUMBERS

Fuel tank: 13.2 gallons

Cargo space: 20.7 to 42 cubic feet

Front head/leg room: 39.4*/41.9 inches *without moonroof

Rear head/leg room: 36.3*/38.7 inches *without moonroof

Shoulder/hip room, front: 56/52.3 inches

Length/wheelbase: 182.6/106.3 inches

Width/height: 71.5/61.3 inches

Track, f/r: 61.3 inches front/61.6 inches rear

Curb weight: 3,115 pounds

Turning circle: 38.4 feet

FEATURES

Standard equipment includes: Keyless open and start with push-button ignition, HD rearview camera, perforated leather-appointed upholstery, cruise control, flat bottom wrapped steering wheel, 8-inch configurable color driver gauge display, remote start, 8-way power driver seat with seat-cushion tilt and 2-way power lumbar, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, electronic parking brake, wireless phone charging pad, rear seat armrest with cup holders, power liftgate, 40/60 split-folding rear bench seat, carpeted floor mats (front and rear), cargo cover.

Special Envista features include: Avenir door sill plate cover, active noise cancellation, Buick QuietTuning, acoustic laminated windshield, automatic on/off LED headlamps, LED rear taillights, running lights, and turn signals, heated power-adjustable side mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators.

Multimedia features include: 6-speaker audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, 11-inch HD color touchscreen, SiriusXM 3-month platinum trial subscription, 3 years of OnStar premium plan (includes the OnStar Guardian app, connectivity for available In-Vehicle Apps, In-Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot data and Remote Access through the myBuick mobile app), 2 USB ports
(1 USB Type-A, 1 USB Type-C).

Standard safety features and technologies: 6 air bags, front seat knee bolsters, StabiliTrak electronic stability and traction controls, hill start assist, and the Buick Driver Confidence package.

CHASSIS COMPONENTS

Brakes: Four-wheel discs with Duralife rotors, ABS, and ESC; 11.8-inch rotors front, 11.3-inch rear

Steering: Electric power assisted rack and pinion; turning circle 28.4 feet (w/18- or 19-inch wheels); 37.4 feet with 17-inch wheels

Tires-wheels: 19-inch alloy wheels (Avenir) and 245/45 al-season tires; compact spare with jacking tools

Suspension: Front MacPherson struts; rear compound crank (twist-beam axle) with Watts link

PRICING

Base Envista Avenir price: $29,695, including $1,095 freight charge; price as tested $31,080

Options on test vehicle: Advanced safety package $795; White Frost Tricoat paint $600

Where assembled: Bupyeong, Korea

Warranties: 3-years/36,000-miles bumper to bumper; 12-months/12,000-miles free scheduled maintenance service; 5-years/60,000-miles powertrain and roadside assistance with courtesy transportation

1951 Buick Special Convertible