It's 1978 Again

Yep the cheaper the Buick the less port holes. I can't remember what the vent holes looked like farther back but I had a 1953 Special straight 8 with three holes. Later several 55-56-57's with the 4-port holes. I even put '53 Buick portholes in the hoods of a few Fords.
I was thrilled when Buick came back with the simulated sort of port holes. Like the old Pontiac silver belts, port holes belong in a Buick.
Had I bought a late model Buick instead of the 2014 Impala I'd had to had port holes of some kind. 0000

 

This is good information. Now Texas mike, I don't think this was a very nice way of pointing out that you have the higher level car here. Shame on you! But also congrats on your sweet find! You saved that one from the crusher right? Atta boys all aroundi can't wait to use the term "4 holer" outside of this forum.

 

You low down rascally 3-holer! Think you're some fancy schmancy 4-holer dontcha?

 

For a few years in the early 50's, I believe only the Roadmaster got 4 venti-ports. I think in 55 or 56 the Roadmaster, Super and Century all had 4 holes while only the Special had 3 (I think). Makes model identification a real science sometimes!

 

Haha... Buick slang!

 

Yes, this is the way I remember it. Buick had lots of up scale models yet my first two Buicks were lowly 3 holers.
I dreamed of owning a 1953 Skylark convertible V-8 like the carry out boy at the grocery store had. I worked at a different grocery store. I drove a 1949 Dodge Coronet.
But I didn't have a rich old grandpa!
Back then dad still had a one holer out back and an old Sears catalog. I think he stole it from MAK.