The three generations mentioned in the title above were model years 1941-1948, 1949 only, and 1950-1951, when classic GM fastback production ended for Buick. I wrote about General Motors' 1942 C-bodies here.
The images below are left-side views of some C-body Buick fastbacks (called "Sedanets" if they were 2-door models) from each of those generations. The first two generations were Sedanets only, but final-generation fastbacks included four-door models.
GM's fastback designs were generally quite attractive, and sold well at first because there was a fashion for "streamlining" (often more in appearance than aerodynamically), and fastback cars looked more streamlined than their bustle-back kin. However, fastback designs in those days had the roof curve dropping down to rear bumper level, not leaving as much space for luggage as bustle-backs had. So the latter, more practical, body style won out, and fastback sales faded away.
The Roadmaster was the top Buick line. Besides the fastback, this car's front fenderline extended back to touch the rear fender, a futuristic feature in those days.
C-body Buicks for 1949 were attractive cars, the fastback curve being particularly well-sculpted. (GM design boss Harley Earl is credited with having an excellent "eye" for such things, and it shows here.)
The Super was the next line down from Roadmaster. Its wheelbase was 121 inches (3073 mm), the Roadmaster's was 126 inches (3200 mm). The difference in length is forward of the cowling, as can be noted by the amount of sheet metal between the front wheel opening and the leading cutline of the door.
For model year 1950 only, Buick's entry-level Special line was built on the C platform (they were awaiting the redesigned 1951 B-body, and the previous B-body design was passé). Shown here is a four-door version.
Side view of the two-door design.
Senior level Buick Supers and Roadmasters did not have the four-door "Jetback" -- only Sedanets. The Super Jetback had the same wheelbase as Specials.
Only around 2,70 Roadmaster Sedanets were made for the 1950 model year, so the car pictured here is a very rare survivor (which is why I could find only this opposite-direction side view). Its wheelbase was 125.3 inches (3183 mm) compared to the Special/Super wheelbase of 121.5 inches (3038 mm). Again, the difference is forward of the cowling.
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