Since that 2014 post, more images of '49 Buick Supers and Roadmasters have appeared, allowing me to present more detail regarding styling of four-door sedans. Unfortunately, I still haven't found a "walkaround" photo set for a single automobile. So rather than waiting and waiting for something that might never happen, today's post is a walkaround built from photos of several cars. Some are line-leader Roadmasters, others are mid-range Supers.
Unless noted, images are of for-sale cars.
Harley Earl really liked large-radius curves, and there are plenty of them on '49 Super and Roadmaster sedans. As mentioned in my previous post on the subject, curves are positioned so as to appear "cascading" downwards. That is apparent in this rear-quarter view.
A partial side view showing fairly standard (for GM at the time) bustleback roof and trunk lid curves. Those are functional. But the rear fender curves associated with the tail light assembly are decorative, echoing those functional curves.
Now for the walkaround. Bold, vertical grille bars were a strong Buick theme for model years 1942-1954 and occasionally after. The shape of the grille frame and related hood sculpting are carryovers of themes dating from the 1920s.
Supers had shorter wheelbases than Roadmasters, and had only three instead four "portholes" on front fenders. Otherwise, Supers and Roadmasters looked the same.
The fender design appeared across most of the GM line in 1949.
The lighting for this photo shoot creates highlights that somewhat obscure the shape of the body.
A massive bumper, but otherwise a pretty clean rear design. Note the curves descending from the roof and trunk centerline.
Basically an attractive design, though slightly fussier than 1948 Oldsmobile 98s that shared the General Motors C-body.
Curves everywhere -- the windshield, hood, grille bars and more.
I love the '49 Senior Buicks. The one change I do not like, and not shown in your pictures, is the "sweepspear" that came in later in the model year. The next year the car got more "Insolent Chariot" (book title of the time) with a "Bucktooth " Grille The next best looking Buick, in my opinion is the 1953 Senior Buick four door sedans. Same body as Cadillac 62 and looks better without the fins.
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