Buick Roadmaster III (Series 70) gallery (1940–1941)

The third generation Series 70 Roadmaster showcasing wide Torpedo body styling and dual-carburetor performance.

All photos 11 I (Series 80) 0 1936–1937 II (Series 80) 1 1938–1939 III (Series 70) 0 1940–1941 IV (Series 70) 0 1942–1948 V (Series 70) 1 1949–1953 VI (Series 70) 9 1954–1956 VII (Series 70 / 75) 0 1957–1958 VIII (B-body) 0 1991–1996

For the 1940 model year, Buick reclassified the Roadmaster as the Series 70, introducing General Motors' revolutionary wide Torpedo C-body architecture. The new design eliminated exterior running boards and provided generous interior passenger room. The model was offered in four-door sedan, two-door sport coupe, and two-door convertible configurations. It was powered by the robust 320 cubic inch (5.2-liter) Fireball Straight-8 engine. In 1941, Buick introduced dual-carburetor Compound Carburetion, boosting output to 165 horsepower, making the Roadmaster one of the most powerful American production cars of the era. Power went to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission with a steering column shifter. Styling features included two-way opening alligator-style hoods and integrated headlamps. Built in the United States, this generation was widely praised for its balance of high power and refined styling before wartime civilian production halts.