How much horsepower does a 1962 Buick Special have?
The 1962 Buick Special delivered horsepower roughly in the 180–210 range, depending on the engine configuration. Specifically, the base 264 cubic inch V8 could be found in two states of tune: a 2-barrel version around 180 hp and an optional 4-barrel version around 210 hp.
In Buick’s 1962 lineup, the Special was the entry-level model, designed to balance affordability with respectable performance. The 264 cu in V8 was the standard powerplant for most configurations, while the higher-output version offered a noticeable boost for buyers seeking more spirited acceleration.
Power options and horsepower
Engine choices for the 1962 Buick Special and their approximate horsepower figures are summarized here.
- 264 cubic inch V8 with a two-barrel carburetor — approximately 180 horsepower (SAE gross, as used in many period brochures).
- 264 cubic inch V8 with a four-barrel carburetor — approximately 210 horsepower (SAE gross, as used in many period brochures).
These figures reflect typical factory ratings from the era and may vary by market, measurement method (gross vs. net), and specific vehicle configuration.
Technical notes on horsepower ratings
During the early 1960s, Buick and other GM divisions commonly cited SAE gross horsepower in their literature. Net horsepower numbers, which subtract power losses from accessories and exhaust, were different and generally lower. Therefore, real-world performance could feel somewhat different from the published figures, depending on equipment, exhausts, and instrumentation.
Context within Buick’s lineup
While the Special offered solid V8 performance for a base model, higher-end Buick models such as the LeSabre and Invicta often used larger-displacement V8s with greater horsepower. The 264 cu in V8 in the Special represented Buick’s standard power option for buyers seeking value and reliability in a mid-sized American car of the era.
Summary: For the 1962 Buick Special, horsepower generally ranged from about 180 hp with the two-barrel version to about 210 hp with the four-barrel version. These figures come from period Buick literature and reflect the era’s measurement standards, with real-world output influenced by carburetion, exhaust, and other configuration details.
