Editing Buick (section)

===Post World War II years===
<gallery caption="1940s–1950s">
File:Buick Super 4-Door Sedan 1947.jpg|1947 [[Buick Super]]
File:1948 Buick Roadmaster - blue - fvr.jpg|1948 [[Buick Roadmaster]] Sedanet
File:Buick Convertible 1949.jpg|1949 [[Buick Roadmaster]]
File:Buick Riviera 1950.jpg|1950 [[Buick Super]] [[Buick Riviera#The Riviera name|Riviera]]
File:1953 Buick Skylark - blue - fvl.jpg|1953 [[Buick Skylark#1953–1954|Buick Roadmaster Skylark]]
File:1953 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon - Green - fvr.jpg|1953 [[Buick Roadmaster]] [[Buick Estate|Estate]]
File:Buick Special sedan ca 1955.jpg|1955 [[Buick Special]]
File:1956 Buick Century fvl2.jpg|1956 [[Buick Century]] [[Buick Riviera#The Riviera name|Riviera]]
File:Buick Super 1957.jpg|1957 [[Buick Super]] [[Buick Riviera#The Riviera name|Riviera]]
File:Mint green Buick.JPG|1958 [[Buick Special]] [[Buick Riviera#The Riviera name|Riviera]]
File:1959 Buick Electra two-door hardtop.jpg|1959 [[Buick Electra]]
</gallery>

====1940s====
[[File:1910-buick-archives.jpg|thumb|1910 Buick Bug race car and 1944 M18 Buick Hellcat tank destroyer]]

1940 saw the first use of the "[[Buick Estate|Estate]]" designation for Buick on the [[Buick Super|Super]] station wagon. World War II stopped automobile production in 1942. Starting that year, Buick produced the [[M18 Hellcat]] tank destroyer and supplied radial engines for the [[Consolidated B-24 Liberator|B-24 Liberator]], [[Douglas C-47 Skytrain]], and [[Douglas C-54 Skymaster]]. By the fall of 1945, automobile production resumed. In 1948, the [[Dynaflow]] automatic transmission was first offered by Buick. 1949 saw the debut of Buick's [[#VentiPorts|VentiPorts]].

====1950s====
1953 marked Buick's 50th anniversary as well as the introductions of the [[Buick V8 engine]] and the Roadmaster Skylark. In 1955, Buick had its best model year sales to date with 738,814 vehicles sold; a record that would hold until 1977. In 1957, Buick's new 364 cu. in. engine block and [[ball joint]] front suspension debuted and Roadmasters now had [[aluminum]] finned brake drums. 1959 saw the introduction of three new models: [[Buick Electra|Electra]], [[Buick Invicta|Invicta]] and [[Buick LeSabre|LeSabre]] as well as a new 401 cu. in. V8 engine in the Electra and Invicta. An Electra also paced the [[Indianapolis 500]] race that year.

<gallery caption="1960s–1970s">
File:1962 Buick Special DeLuxe.jpg|1962 [[Buick Special]] DeLuxe
File:1963 Buick Wildcat -- 06-18-2011 1.jpg|1963 [[Buick Wildcat]]
File:1963 Buick Riviera (12917772414).jpg|1963 [[Buick Riviera]]
File:1965 Buick LeSabre convertible in blue, front right.jpg|1965 [[Buick LeSabre]]
File:1966 Buick Riviera -Side View.jpg|1966 [[Buick Riviera]] [[Buick Gran Sport#Riviera Gran Sport|GS]]
File:1968 Buick Skylark black 2-door hardtop in NY, front.jpg|1968 [[Buick Skylark]]
File:1970 Buick GSX 455 Coupe (33285990451).jpg|alt=|1970 [[Buick Gran Sport#GSX|Buick GSX]]
File:1971 Buick Estate wagon front.jpg|1971 [[Buick Estate]]
File:1972 Buick Riviera in Finland.jpg|1972 [[Buick Riviera]]
File:1973BuickCenturyGSlarge.JPG|1973 [[Buick Century]] [[Buick Gran Sport#Century Gran Sport|GS]]
File:1975 Buick Skyhawk.jpg|1975 [[Buick Skyhawk]]
File:1978 Buick Electra Limited (29173635664) (cropped).jpg|1978 [[Buick Electra]] Limited
File:1979 Buick Regal Sport Coupe, front left, 05-12-2023.jpg|1979 [[Buick Regal]]
</gallery>

====1960s====
An Electra 225 paced the [[Daytona 500]] race in both 1960 and 1963. In 1961, a new [[Fireball V6]] engine was introduced and the [[Buick Skylark|Skylark]] nameplate returned as the top model of the new [[Buick Special|Special]] compact car line. The Buick Special was named [[Motor Trend Car of the Year]] in 1962. Also in 1962, [[Buick Wildcat|Wildcat]] was introduced as a trim level on Invicta and became its own model the following year. In 1963 the [[Buick Riviera|Riviera]] was introduced as its own model. In the mid-1960s Buick started officially selling German-built [[Opel]] cars through its North American dealerships. For 1967, [[radial tire]]s became available as an option on all full-size Buicks.<ref>LaChance, David (July 2006). [http://www.hemmings.com/mus/stories/2006/07/01/hmn_buyers_guide1.html "1966–'67 Buick Riviera GS"]. ''Muscle Machines''. Retrieved July 26, 2015</ref>

====1970s====
The 1970s saw a number of new models added to the Buick lineup including the Estate Wagon as its own model in 1970, [[Buick Centurion|Centurion]] in 1971, [[Buick Apollo|Apollo]] in 1973, and [[Buick Skyhawk|Skyhawk]] in 1975. 1975 also saw the first appearance of the "[[Buick Park Avenue|Park Avenue]]" nameplate for Buick as a trim/option package on the Electra 225 Limited. A Buick Century paced the Indianapolis 500 race not once but twice in the mid-1970s. In 1976, Buick began selling rebadged [[Isuzu Gemini]]s as Opels to replace the Opel Kadett models it had previously marketed. The following year, Electra 225 and LeSabre were redesigned and downsized, and the Buick brand saw its best model year sales to date with 773,313 vehicles sold. 1978 marked Buick's 75th anniversary and welcomed a redesigned Century as well as a redesigned Regal coupe which was now available with a turbocharged [[Buick V6 engine|V6]] engine. Buick model year sales broke another record in 1978 with 795,316 vehicles sold. In 1979, the Riviera was redesigned; Riviera S-Type was named Motor Trend Car of the Year.

<gallery caption="1980s–1990s">
File:Buick Skylark (5011365230).jpg|1980 [[Buick Skylark]]
File:1982 Buick LeSabre Limited diesel sedan front.jpg|1982 [[Buick LeSabre]] Limited
File:1984 Riviera convertible.jpg|1984 [[Buick Riviera]]
File:Blue Buick Electra.jpg|1985 [[Buick Electra]] Park Avenue
File:Buick Somerset.jpg|1986 [[Buick Somerset]]
File:1987 Buick Regal Grand National, front left (2022 Back to the 50's Weekend).jpg|1987 [[Buick Regal#Grand National, Turbo-T and T-Type|Buick Regal Grand National]]
File:1987 Buick SkyHawk Custom.jpg|1987 [[Buick Skyhawk]] Custom
File:1988 Buick Reatta, front left.jpg|1988 [[Buick Reatta]]
File:Buick Roadmaster -- 04-22-2010.jpg|1992 [[Buick Roadmaster]] Limited
File:94-96 Buick Century Wagon.jpg|1994 [[Buick Century]] Estate
File:1996-1998 Buick Skylark.jpg|1996 [[Buick Skylark]]
File:Buick Park Avenue -- 01-07-2012.jpg|1997 [[Buick Park Avenue]]
File:1999 Buick Riviera.jpg|1999 [[Buick Riviera]]
</gallery>

====1980s====
In the 1980s, Buick's lineup saw several changes including the downsizing of various models. In 1980, Lloyd Reuss was appointed as general manager and further pushed Buick into turbocharging, racing, and performance production cars, building momentum which continued a number of years after his departure in 1984 as he headed toward a brief term as GM president. Also in 1980, the [[Oldsmobile Diesel engine|Diesel engine]] became available on select Buick models and Somerset was introduced as an optional package on the Regal Limited. In 1981, the [[T-Type]] performance trim was introduced on the Riviera. Regal was the official pace car of the [[Indianapolis 500]] race in 1981. In 1982, the [[Buick Grand National|Grand National]] high-performance package was first offered on Regal. A soft-top Riviera helped lead the return of the convertible, which had disappeared from domestic lineups in 1976. The following year, a Riviera convertible with a twin-turbo V6 paced the Indy 500. Also in 1983, Buick had its best model year to date with 810,435 vehicles sold.

In 1984, Buick was the official car of the [[1984 Summer Olympics|XXIII Olympiad]]. A reorganization split manufacturing & engineering from sales and marketing. The first pilot Buick is produced at "Buick City", a state-of-the-art assembly center built inside the walls of Buick's home plant in Flint. Buick had its best model year sales to date with 906,626 vehicles sold plus Buick's worldwide sales topped one million for the first time. Lloyd Reuss ended his tenure as general manager of the Buick Motor Division in 1984.

For the 1985 model year, Buick introduced the downsized sixth-generation Electra, effectively GM's first front-drive, transverse-engine, full-size unibody cars &mdash; initially powered by a carbureted 3.0 liter Buick [[V6 engine]], a fuel-injected 3.8 liter Buick V6 engine, or a 4.3 liter [[Oldsmobile Diesel engine|Oldsmobile diesel]] V6 engine. Each was mated to a 4-speed [[automatic transmission]] with a 0.70:1 overdrive gear. The 3.0 liter V6 and 4.3-liter diesel V6 were discontinued after 1985. During the 1985 through 1989 model years, the Electra name also continued to be used on the rear-wheel-drive B-body "Estate" station wagon. Also in 1985, Buick introduced the [[Buick Somerset|Somerset]] as its own model. Buick-powered cars won the pole and second position in qualifying for Indianapolis 500. Over the next few years, Buick engines would set a number of stock-block records and twice would power a third or more of the 33-car Indy 500 field (11 in 1990 and 12 in 1992). 1985 would be the final year for the rear-drive LeSabre before another downsizing and conversion to front-wheel-drive for 1986 (sedans and coupes only; the rear-drive LeSabre Estate Wagon would soldier on largely unchanged for a few more years). The top-line LeSabre Limited became the LeSabre Limited Collectors Edition to mark the end of an era for the rear-wheel-drive coupe and sedan; engine offerings included the standard 231 V6 (sedans and coupes) or optional Olds 307 V8 or Oldsmobile 350 diesel V8. 1985 saw Buick's best model year sales to date with 915,336 vehicles sold.

In 1986, the LeSabre was introduced on the new [[front wheel drive]] [[GM H platform|H platform]], after departing from [[rear wheel drive]] on the [[GM B platform]]. Joining the LeSabre on the H-body included the [[Oldsmobile 88|Oldsmobile Delta 88]]. Like the previously introduced Electra, the LeSabre's hood was hinged at the front of the car instead of near the cowl and windshield. Styling and did not include Buick's long-standing [[#Ventiport|ventiports]] or [[#Sweepspear|sweepspear]] styling cues. In 1986, a LeSabre Grand National model was built to qualify the coupe body style for NASCAR competition. Less than 120 units were made, all finished in black with a gray interior.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://lesabret-type.com/LeSabreGN.html |title=1986 LeSabre Grand National Page |access-date=2012-01-08 |url-status=dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120211083727/http://lesabret-type.com/LeSabreGN.html |archive-date=2012-02-11}}</ref>

Also for 1986, the [[GM E platform|E-body]] Riviera was converted to [[Monocoque|unibody construction]] and further downsized to a {{convert|108|in|mm|abbr=on}} wheelbase similar in length to that of the [[Buick Regal]]. The V6 was now the only engine, rated initially at {{Convert|142|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} SAE and {{convert|200|lbft|Nm|-1|abbr=on}} of torque. It used the Turbo-[[Hydramatic]] 440-T4 [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] with a 2.84:1 final drive ratio. This generation was noted for advanced electronic instrumentation displayed on a dash-mounted {{convert|9|in|mm|adj=on}} CRT. The CRT controlled the vehicle's climate control system and stereo, and also supplied advanced instrumentation such as a [[trip computer]] and maintenance reminder feature. Four-wheel disc brakes were standard. With a choice of three suspension packages available, up to the performance oriented FE3 setting, handling was notably improved. The Riviera placed fourth for ''[[Motor Trend]]''{{'}}s 1986 Car of the Year contest. Fuel economy was notably improved for the 1986 Riviera, but the investment in the downsized, [[transverse engine]] front-wheel drive platform resulted in a substantial price increase to $19,831 for the base model to $21,577 for the new [[T-Type]]. Downsizing also resulted in a dimensional similarity to smaller, less expensive offerings from GM. The smaller dimensions, generic styling, and lack of a V8 led to Riviera sales plummeting to 22,138 for 1986.

In 1987, the last of the turbo/intercooled Regal Grand Nationals, often called the quickest American cars, were offered as well as 547 even quicker special edition '87 GNXs. It would also be the last year for the rear-wheel-drive Regal. General manager Ed Mertz promoted the new "Premium American Motorcars" theme which focused Buick marketing on the various qualities that made the marque famous.

In 1988, Buick was the official car of the [[U.S. Olympic Team]]. The [[Buick Reatta|Reatta]] two-seater was introduced, to be followed two years later by a convertible. Also in 1988, [[Buick Regal|Regal]] was downsized and converted to front-wheel drive. Bobby Allison won the Daytona 500 in a Regal that year. 1988 also saw the debut of the slogan "The Great American Road Belongs to Buick".

In 1989, a new Electra trim level was offered called the Park Avenue Ultra. The Ultra was an upgrade to the Electra Park Avenue and featured a standard leather-trimmed interior with dual 20-way power front seats (shared with Cadillac's restyled 1989 [[Cadillac Sixty Special|Fleetwood Sixty Special]]), lower-body accent exterior paint treatment, distinctive thick-padded vinyl top with limousine-style rear-window surround (available only on Ultra), simulated burled elm trim on the doors and instrument panel, unique aluminum wheels, anti-lock brakes, chromed [[B-pillar]] moldings, specific grille and tail lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel, electronic instrumentation, padded glove-compartment door, unique interior door panel trim, and a variety of otherwise minor changes. With its long list of standard equipment, the Park Avenue Ultra carried a higher base price than Cadillac's [[Cadillac de Ville series|Sedan de Ville]]. The Riviera was also restyled for 1989, adding 11 inches to its overall length. In the late 1980s, the Flint-built LeSabre ranked #1 in North America and #2 in the world in a major independent quality study which eventually led Buick to change its ad slogan from "The Great American Road Belongs to Buick" to "Buick: The New Symbol for Quality in America."

====1990s====
In 1990, the first Reatta convertible was produced. 1990 was also the last year for the Electra as Park Avenue, previously a trim level on the Electra, became its own model for the 1991 model year. In 1991, Buick led the industry in improvement in sales and market share. A new four-door Regal came to market for 1991, the first Regal sedan since 1984. Buick also introduced a supercharged 3.8-liter V6 in the Park Avenue Ultra. Supercharging became so popular at Buick that by the new millennium, Buick was the leading marketer and industry leader of supercharged cars. 1991 saw the return of the [[Buick Roadmaster|Roadmaster]] after a 33-year absence. The Roadmaster was first offered as a wagon only and then a sedan was added for 1992.

For 1992, the popular LeSabre was redesigned along the same lines as the previous year's [[Buick Park Avenue|Park Avenue]]. 1992 also saw the introduction of a new, redesigned Skylark. In 1993, a special edition LeSabre was sold to commemorate Buick's 90th anniversary. In addition to Custom trim level standard equipment, included were "90th Anniversary" badging, cassette player, cruise control, rear-window defogger, power driver's seat, carpeted floor mats, exterior pinstripes, and choice of wire or aluminum wheel covers.

In 1995, after a hiatus in 1994, the Riviera returned with radical styling that departed from the previous generations' more traditional image. A {{convert|205|hp|abbr=on}} [[naturally aspirated]] 3800 V6 was standard, with a [[supercharger|supercharged]] version rated at {{Convert|225|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and {{Convert|275|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} available as an option. Rivieras were now assembled in [[Lake Orion, Michigan]], riding the same Cadillac-derived [[GM G platform (FWD)|G platform]] as the 4-door [[Oldsmobile Aurora]].

In 1996, both the Roadmaster sedan and wagon were discontinued. In 1998, after 95 years in Flint, Buick's headquarters was moved to Detroit. Bob Coletta, Buick general manager, saw the first Chinese Buick roll off the line at Shanghai before he turned over the top Buick job to Roger Adams. Buick Gallery and Research Center opened at Flint's Sloan Museum. A reorganization of the division split sales from marketing.

In 1999, the last of nearly 16 million Buicks were built in Flint's Buick City. The last car, a 1999 LeSabre, rolled off the assembly line on June 29 that year. In a major independent quality study, Buick ranked #2 (and top domestic) among 37 international brands and Buick City shared the top world position among automotive assembly plants. With sales of all coupes declining in the North American market, GM decided to discontinue the Riviera. 1999 was the car's last model year with production ceasing on November 25, 1998. The final 200 cars had special silver paint and trim and were denoted "Silver Arrow"<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.rivowners.org/silver.html|title=Riviera Owners Association}}</ref> models, a designation which hearkened back to several Silver Arrow show cars that had been built off Riviera bodies by [[Bill Mitchell (designer)|Bill Mitchell]]. The eighth generation Rivieras received the most powerful V6 Buick engine since the [[Buick Grand National|Grand Nationals]] of the 1980s. The supercharged [[Overhead valve|OHV]] V6 gave impressive [[torque]] and acceleration, pushing the car from 0 to {{convert|60|mph|km/h}} in under 7 seconds, and turning the {{frac|1|4}} mile in 15.5 seconds and achieved MPG fuel efficiency ratings of 18 city/27 highway.