Below is the list of tables from the database along with their columns and datatype. Need to generate an accurate SQL query for the question.
Only use the columns present in the respective table. Only use the columns which are required to generate the SQL query. Only use table joins if required and not otherwise.

### Tables ###
TABLE: CREATE TABLE table_name_45 ( finish INTEGER, start VARCHAR, year VARCHAR, manufacturer VARCHAR )

### Question ###
What is the smallest finish time for a race where start was less than 3, buick was the manufacturer, and the race was held after 1978?

### Accurate SQL ###

SELECT MIN(finish) FROM table_name_45 WHERE year > 1978 AND manufacturer = "buick" AND start < 3