I rode to highschool in a 1956 Buick 2-door, with a neighbor who was a secretary there. Their other car was a 1965 Chevy Malibu SS convertible and I got to ride in it to highschool also. The gaspedal starter was unique and it surprised me. It should have started in neutral, so the gear position switch must have been out of adjustment. The Dynaflow transmission could be considered the first CVT transmission. Although it had 2 forward gears, it did not change gears automatically. The transmission depended on the variable-pitch stator in the torque converter. It operated electrically by a switch and a hydraulic pressure solenoid in the transmission. I believe that the starter switch and stator switch were located together. The later ST300 and ST400(TH400) also had variable-pitch stators. The stator switch had 2 position. It was actuated at closed to light throttle for maximum torque starts and quicker take-off. It actuated again at near wide-open throttle like a passing gear. To show how the Dynaflow acted like a CVT, when starting up from a stop, press on the gas pedal and don't move your foot. The engine rpms will remain constant but the car speed will continue to increase until the engine and torque converter were spinning at close to the same speed. If you hooked up a tachometer you could see the process much better. If you moved the gear selector from 'D' to 'L' while accelerating at full throttle, the car will take off like a bat out of hell. 'L' was primarily for engine-braking like the 'B' in a Toyota hybrid. Chevrolet, with it's multi-stator Dynaflow-like transmission, the Turboglide, the low gear position was marked 'Gr' for Grade Retarder(engine braking). Those never worked right, plus people didn't understand how it worked and were usually replace with a Powerglide. The latest Dynaflow also had multiple stators and didn't work right either. The ST400 was already in development so there was not need to improve the Dynaflow. The ST400 was Buicks first automatically shifting automatic and incorporated the variable pitch stator. It was introduced in 1964 and for only that first year, it had no 2nd gear position. It was used in the 1964 Cadillacs when the Hydramatic stock was used up. Also in 1964, Buick introduced the Powerglide-based ST300. Both of these automatics had identical shift quadrants so you had to look at the transmissions to identify them. Thanks for the memories!

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for all that added information =) 56 has been the 50s year =) I drove in the parking lot in low a goosed it zach was in the back helping with camera when I goosed he wasn’t ready and fell over lol

@automatedelectronics6062

Жыл бұрын

@@What.its.like. That's why the Buick V8 was a favorite of hotrodders and ended up in a lot of T-buckets. The low-end torque was amazing. Buick's engines had lot's of low-end torque to compensate for the non-shifting Dynaflows.

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

I was surprised at how peppy it was For it weighing two tones Another fun fact this is faster than a Mercedes-Benz 450 SL and it’s more luxurious the seats are nicer drives better all of that could be hard for a fraction of the price =) lol I just had to

Jail House Rock, Elvis Presley. Love the black and red color scheme, especially inside. Also appreciate the cool interior mechanics. I have owned cars with manual transmission and steering. Was very happy to graduate to power steering especially. 😰

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

You got the song, I love four door hardtops, would but would take 2 door hardtop over four door

@asteverino8569

Жыл бұрын

@@What.its.like. I understand. I would like to have either for a Sunday drive. But you are around many more classics than me and that's all right. ❤

I had a 56 Century 401 ci. motor and Dynaflow that was finally perfected. This model I was told was meant to be a "Police Special" in '56. Mine was Flamingo Pink over Charcoal Grey with Black and White interior. And it was a four door. I was told that because not so many Police departments bought this for their departments Buick opted to civialinaze these for certain markets/dealers !!!!!! I bought mine from the original owner in '67 with 94,000 miles on it and in the ten years I owned it I put over 235,000 miles on it myself. Lets just say I LOVED THAT CAR !!!!!!!!!!!!! Changed the wheel bearings on it twice and always kept up with all the serving myself. Not only was it my daily driver but from So. Cal to Florida twice and So Cal to Idaho twice and anywhere in between I wanted to go !!!!!!!!! I happened to see the car three years later and found out it was still being driven regularly. BTW the 401 motor was the Cadalic motor stock to the car as meant for the "police special" !!!!!!!!

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

Awesome story I really enjoyed that what happened to the car? Sounds awesome =) thank you so much for sharing that story =)

@mr.whythesciencemagicguy

2 ай бұрын

I know the CHIPs had a Buick Century made special from the factory but I don't know if it had the Caddy 401 engine. The gas pedal actuator won't start the car if you don't have the original carburetor.

Jailhouse Rock-Elvis Presley. I have at 55 buick special 4 door. This video is very informative, and you cannot find this content anywhere else. Thank you!!

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

=) glad you found this channel I want to keep this information out there some of these cars are hard to find information on just like you said. We love the orphan cars the goal is to do all of them especially the cars that never got reviewed =)

I really like the color combination on this car. And the interior. And the fact that it's a four-door hardtop. IMO the '56 and '57s were the best-looking Buicks of the fifties.

It's good to see these beautiful cars being cherished into the 21st century.

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

I love that car last summer we only had it for two weeks we sold out really fast 50s cars are pretty popular. I love the way that this road and drove every time you switch gears it would click into gear but it was on the column it was so cool

Those mid 50's Buick's were just amazing cars! I loved those Nailheads! Grew up driving and working on them.

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

It was such a nice running and driving car we only had it for 2 weeks it’s in Cuba now =)

That Buick is a real beauty it’s like taking your living room for a ride 👍

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

I was that exact experience. =)

My grandfather had one of these, black and white with the same interior shown in this car. So elegant! Grandma looking regal in her best hat riding to church really stands out in my memory. My dad had a '55 coupe, baby blue and white. Great cars. Loved those mid 50s Buicks.

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing that awesome story it was good seeing you in the comment section =)

One of my favorite cars from the 50's. Thanks for showing it off, Jay.

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for watching.. I need to find that hardtop wagon =)

Couple things I really like are a 56 Buick and the song Jailhouse Rock. My best friend in high school always talked about wanting to have a 56 Buick someday and they are IMO one of the most beautiful cars from the '50s. The nailhead engines were solid motors. Just keep em filled with oil and they would run forever. I had the 401 nail head in my 62 Buick Invicta rag top that I owned. It also had the dynaflow transmission. Or as I like to call it the slush-O-Matic. I always felt It was a weird design for an automatic transmission. But They worked well and Buick used them for many years. I think the body lines of the 56 Buick are one of the nicest looking cars of the 1950s. It has that the big bold grill up front and yet it doesn't look gaudy. The sweeping brightwork on the sides adds to the look. It looks fast just sitting there. Thanks Jay for posting this. My high school friend Randy would appreciate it.

@What.its.like.

9 ай бұрын

That car was really cool we only had it for two weeks I told my boss he needed to buy more 50s cars but he didn’t listen to me... lol The coolest thing about that was it was a hard top the engine had really good pull and I remember it wasn’t anything crazy that was almost a year ago crazy how time flies when you have fun. The starter button was on the gas pedal which was really cool and it would only start and drive it would not start in neutral when you put it in a different gear it clicked it was a real quality auto mobile Thank you so much for sharing your friends car are you still friends with him?

You forgot to show how cool the red line on the speedometer is when driving at speed. My father had a new 1954 Buick Super hardtop coupe in yellow with a black top. It was the longer Buick like the top of the line Roadmaster but had the slightly less powerful 322 cubic inch V-8 with lower compression & the two barrel carburetor. A great automobile.

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

That car drove so nice and super smooth =)

Beautiful car. I am surprised that the lower body is not black, three tone paint was very popular on 55 and 56 Buicks.

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

I love the color combo on this =)

BEAUTIFUL BUICK AND YOUR VIDEO IS EXCELLENT KEEP IT UP

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

Thank you glad you liked this review

Hello Jay, when I was a little boy we had a neighbor that had a 56 Century 2 door hardtop. It was yellow & white with red wheels under the full wheel covers. This beautiful Buick that you are showcasing is like a brand new car!!! I like the huge steering wheel with the full horn ring!!! Thanks for sharing another exciting video!!! 👍👍🙂

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

I love this car i think we just sold it (I could be wrong tho) rides so smooth and all the doors have that quality shut. From the side angles the design looks smushed at some angles =) glad you got joyed this one on double feature Thursday

My great aunt had one of these in pink and black. The 322 nail head was a neat motor. Even my 67 Buick Sport Wagon has the "switch pitch" automatic (dynaflow).

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

That’s crazy that transmission was still being used by 1967

@Radiowild

Жыл бұрын

@@What.its.like. In 67, they called it a "switch pitch" automatic. When you accelerate once you've reached a certain RPM, they're vains in the torque converter that flip over which makes it feel like you have an extra gear, but the converter locks up. Olds used these as well in some of their cars but I forget what Olds called them.

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

Sounds really similar to Studebaker‘s ultra Matic =)

@craigcardwell4143

Жыл бұрын

Yes it had "switch the pitch", but it was not a Dynaflo. The 67 Sportwagon had a two speed ST300 transmission. The Dynaflo was not used after 1963.

@Radiowild

Жыл бұрын

@@craigcardwell4143 Thanks for the correct info! The info was from the gent I bought it from. I'm really a Chevy guy, but this is my second Buick.My first was a 73 Riviera.

Great video and wonderful car choice! I should also say, “welcome to the world of bias ply tires!” Any car with bias ply’s on them felt every imperfection in the road, plus the cars would wander in your lane from side to side. Hold on tight when you came across ruts. You’d end up tracking through ruts like you were driving on a train track. Bias ply’s really made the driver pay attention to their driving.

@What.its.like.

11 ай бұрын

There are pros and cons to the bias tires.. I put radials on my 52 chevy one ton and I don’t like it going the try a couple more things but the ride is roughy it was roughy before bad not like this

@LlyleHunter

25 күн бұрын

You’d need to change the type of shock absorbers to use radial tires on an old car that was intended to ride on bias ply tires. They made a big deal in advertising cars in 1975 that the new cars had radial tuned suspensions. They had more modern shocks and different bushings. It made a tremendous difference.

Another great review of a wonderful car. I really like the color combination of this one. BTW, that is a "drum" speedometer -- so called because there is a drum that has a graduated line to indicate increasing speed. They were used on a variety of cars through 1977 on the Lincoln Continental, at least.

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for that correction and added information =)

I believe the pecking order of the main 4 models then, cheapest to most expensive, was Special, Century, Super & Roadmaster. (My Dad had a '54 Super Coupe, then a '56 Super Coupe.)

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for that correction

@1940limited

Жыл бұрын

Correct.

@tubbs2132

Жыл бұрын

Price wise, yes, but the series designation indicates otherwise. The Century was marketed as the Roadmaster of the smaller body style; the Super just cost more because it was bigger.

Some of the illustrations show 3 port-a-vents and some show 4 port-a-vents. I thought it was only the Roadmaster that got the 4 port-a-vents. Maybe you could a show where you explain and illustrate the history of the vents through the models over the years. I have owned Buicks and I like Buicks, so I would find such a show very educational. Thank you.

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

I noticed that as well I think the deluxe one has the four port events but I could be mistaken I think our car is the deluxe Riviera I’ll have to Monday when I get there I’ll look up the vin and see what it really is 1950s GM products are hard to decipher because there’s 1 million different names for one car For example 1959 AMC ambassador cross country wagon is totally different than a 1959 AMC Rambler cross country wagon. Maybe I’ll make a short video on that thank you so much for the insight =)

@johnnyblaze5448

Жыл бұрын

special had 3 port holes. century, super & roadmaster had 4

@Buick54

Жыл бұрын

@@johnnyblaze5448 My father's 1954 Buick Super hardtop coupe had only 3 ports. The Century & Roadmaster had 4 at least in 1954.

@1940limited

Жыл бұрын

All models but the Special had 4 fender vents starting in 1955.

We had a 56 2 door century, when I was young. I loved that car, would love to able to afford one.

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

That’s awesome the four door ht are out there get on Facebook marketplace you’d be amazed what you can find for very little money specially if they’re having an estate sale and the kids don’t know what they have I can’t tell you how many 57 Studebaker Silverhawks I found for five grand that doesn’t need anything but nobody knows what that car is

I have a '56 Special 4 door hardtop. I have had it for 37 years. It is red white and red with a red and black interior.

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

That’s awesome any cool stories of you and your ride

@mikemullay5622

Жыл бұрын

@@What.its.like. It was given to me as a Christmas present from my wife the year after we were married. So I have had it since 1985. I drive it regularly during nice weather. I was a young 32 year old man when I was gifted the car. This summer I turn 70 years old. The car looks the same. I sure don't! :}

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

Wow great story I’m 33 I’ll be 34 in a coupe days I wish my wife would buy me a car lol I’d keep it forever =) I love four door hardtops, this one was super cool the starter was on the gas pedal

Nicely presented review. And nice to see you got to drive this one. One suggestion: In your drive review include some driving impressions such as is the acelleration good or sluggish? Is there a lot of play in the steering? Is the ride firm or soft? What is the noise level like? Does the car sound solid or are there squeaks and ratttels? Does the car handle well or is there excessive body lean on turns? These are the kind of things covered in new car reviews and it would be interesting to know this about old cars as well. Anyway love your reviews and keep them coming.

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for the insight I really wanted to do that in this video I think I lost that clip I had a clip saying how I thought it drove but I couldn’t find it.. I will make it a point to talk about how the cars drove if I drive them in the future thank you so much for that

Called the Banker's Hotrod. I think the Chrysler 300 or the Studebaker Golden Hawk were faster, but of course there's three measurements used, 0 to 60, Quarter Mile and Top End. Love the way they proudly marked the car "Buick Century 1956" on the grille with the airplane motif stretching it's wings out. Cadillacs didn't have much of a door dip in either the coupes of the coupes in 1956, but of course the smallest 56 Cadillac used the same body as the Olds 98 and Buick Roadmaster. 56 Roadmasters - small door dip but only on 2-doors, 56 Olds 98 big door dip in 2- and 4-doors. She sure is pretty. Hope you can do a What It's Like on a 1961 thru 1965 Lincoln Continental someday!

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for the insight I know I’m planning on hitting some Lincoln’s soon it’s been a crazy couple weeks.. =) hopefully soon on the Lincoln’s

That "dip" on the doors is known as the "Darrin Dip" for the stylist that came up with it.

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

Awesome information =)

@MonsterHobbiesModelCarGarage

Жыл бұрын

@@What.its.like. Thought you would like that info. Seems no one else commented with the term, but then I only scrolled down 1/2 of the comment section.

Jay, do some research on the CHP Buick Centurys. 270 2dr post '55 Centurys reported built for the California Highway Patrol. I haven't found a reference to 1956-later CHP Centurys, but the period tv show 'HIGHWAY PATROL' used '56 2dr post Centurys.

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

Awesome information thank you so much for sharing that I never knew =)

@jonathanmorrisey5771

Жыл бұрын

My apologies. The '56 Buicks used in the tv show HIGHWAY PATROL were 2dr post Specials.

Those were wonderful cars!

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

It drove really nice once the bias tires got warmed up

@craigjorgensen4637

3 ай бұрын

@@What.its.like.Not the bias tires that cause this. In those days you could get tires constructed of Nylon or Rayon belts. Nylon tires were stronger but they would flat spot overnight. The colder outside the worse the thumping would be. If a person was really bothered they could replace them with Rayon tires.

really good cars, my uncle had a yellow and black two toned one

@What.its.like.

11 ай бұрын

Sweet I really liked this car

The Century had four portholes like the Roadmaster when it had the Roadmaster engine.

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for that insight

@kirbywaite1586

Жыл бұрын

@@What.its.like. And thanks for your enjoyable video.

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

=)

She is pretty!

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

=)

Awesome sh...!!

We had a ragtop from this year!

Elvis jailhouse rock 1955

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

I looked up billboard charts it was on the 57 chart which is the wrong year lol.. but song could have came out before then as well.. I think name that tune will just reflect the car if I can find a song that portrays the featured car

Elvis Presley Jail house rock 1956

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

Yeah buddy =)

Jailhouse Rock, Elvis.

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

Bingo

Did you try starting the car without the key? I know in the 1956 Chevy you only needed the key if the ignition was in the locked position.

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

No I didn’t I was also reading I can’t remember the car but it was in the 50s one could push start it and it was an automatic transmission that was one of its selling points

@1940limited

Жыл бұрын

Buick works the same way. You could put the ignition switch in "Off" and use it without the key or "Lok" and take the key for security.

The first Century got its name because it could go 100 MPH.

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much I didn’t know that =)

Jailhouse Rock Elvis Presley !!!

You needed that huge steering wheel because of the lack of power steering. PS. Were many of these cars sold with factory optional AC?

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

This one has power steering but I know what you mean =)

@1940limited

Жыл бұрын

This car has power steering, but every model got the same steering wheel.

Jail house rock Elvis Presley 1957

so, gas cap was on side, unlike MY '56 bel-air 4 dr hardtop

I see the temperature gauge isn't working. It's easy to break the sending unit if the heads have been removed.

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

Really good to know

Beautiful Buick. The early 50's still had a rather fat body design. Not until 1959, which was my favorite did the style catch up to the decade. That was pretty much the same for all the GM Cars.

Wrong engine Bud. The Century had the 255 hp. high compression plus 4 barrel version of the 322. Not the 220 hp. (which was the Special's engine)

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for that correction this is where I got to information www.conceptcarz.com/s11916/buick-century-series-60.aspx

Why are the Super and Roadmaster 236 HP? And the Century only 220HP? Is it a different carburetor 2 barrel vs 4 barrel?

@What.its.like.

2 ай бұрын

2 barrel on the lesser models

I'm surprised the 56 Chrysler Hemi isn't faster. Or is it?

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

I was surprised by that two the transmission holds it back

Jailhouse Rock

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

Yep =)

Elvis Presley jail bird rock

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

Yeah =)

jailhouse rock

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

Yeah buddy =)

Are you here in Pasadena?

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

Pasadena California I’m clear on the other side of The country I’m from the western Pennsylvania region

@davidallen5776

Жыл бұрын

The sad thing about most cars in that region is that they get rusted out after a seven-year period, and then you have to keep exchanging one vehicle for another as history repeats itself!

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

Yeah that’s the truth I wanna end up south I’m so sick of the weather here but we have an excellent car culture where I’m at. Is one of the only redeeming things about living here. I’m talking a car show every weekday in the summertime Monday night is my favorite in Lowville Ohio they get sometimes I get 500 cars there on a Monday night which is crazy. So there’s always a reason to drive your car because there’s always a cool show to go to

Don't get me wrong, I love Buicks and I had couple of them, but what the hell was GM thinking, that bodystyle for 55 and 56 , possibly 54 (can't remember what the 54s looks like ) was horrible, Oldsmobile was another one in 66 to 68 ,it just looked like someone gave a pencil to a 10 year old and the said draw me a car. What kills it for me is those wheel arches and on Buick the excessive amount of chrome. Great video, you would make a great salesman

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

This design doesn’t look proportionately correct at every angle almost like 65-66 rambler marlin the hood is too short to the point it sort of looks smushed Thank you about the sales man comment.. trying to get more confident before youtube I was more of a behind the scenes type

@michaelkehm3663

Жыл бұрын

I think it was a classic design, loved the open wheel openings and side spear trim. If you have never owned or driven a well maintained one, you just won't get it.

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

I drove this one it rode great took it on the hwy just wasn’t on video rides great

@johnehlert4366

Жыл бұрын

Guess to each his own. I love those open wheel arches. Always hated the fender skirt look. My parents had a 56 special with three on the tree manual transmission. It was a good runner.

@tubbs2132

Жыл бұрын

Too much chrome.. the '50s might not be the era for you. I like the '50s Buicks, save for the '58, which was just outrageous.

The uper was below the Roadmaster, not the Century.

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for that correction

@1940limited

Жыл бұрын

Sorry for the typo. I meant Super! :-)

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

www.hometownbuick.com/1956-buick/1956-buick-production/ This is where I got the information specials the basement model followed by super followed by century followed by roadmaster

@tubbs2132

Жыл бұрын

@@What.its.like. That's how they were marketed. The special was the series 40, super the series 50, century series 60, Roadmaster series 70. They had a cheap car and an expensive car for each body size

Jailhouse rock Elvis presley

@What.its.like.

Жыл бұрын

Yeah buddy =)

Ahh, yes... When gas was $.18 and you could watch the gas gauge drop as the speedometer rose.

@What.its.like.

10 ай бұрын

They didn’t get all that bad of gas mileage all things considered switch the rear end can improve fuel economy.. Now we have computers and all kinds of tech and can’t get any better than 30 mpg and they were doing that back in the day with flathead engines