Founded by David Dunbar
Buick in 1903, it only survived one year of independence
before financial problems would see the need
to bring William C Durant into the company.
Durants
capital injection was put to good use, the new
Buick factory turning the fledgling company into
a success story that survives to this day. From
that factory was born the "Model C"
- almost the most popular car around, 2nd only
to Henrys Model T.
By 1908 had become part of
the GM empire, but decided to maintain market
position by innovation, Delco electric lights
and starters being made standard by 1914, the
same year they would release a 6 cylinder model
B-55.
Quietly kept alive the US tradition of
making each successive model bigger and more
elaborate, and by 1931 had released a straight-eight
overhead valve model. Synchro gearboxes were
introduced in 1932, independent front suspension
in 1934.
1956
Buick's new "dream" car for 1956 is the Centurion, a racy four-passenger, two-door coupe with an all-glass top. Made of fibreglass, the Centurion incorporates many innovations in styling and engineering. It is mounted on a 118 inch wheelbase and is powered by a 325 horsepower V-8 engine. More>>
1963 - 1965
Blessed with some of the finest styling to come out of
Detroit it was restrained yet swoopy and exuded presence
where cars like the Cadillac and Imperial were seen as
merely big. More>>
1967 - 1969
The California GS was Buick's attempt to create a lower
cost and smaller muscle car. Fitted with the small block
GS drivetrain, the exterior received the full treatment
including vinyl top, chrome moulding package, GS emblems,
and special California scripts. More>>
1971 - 1973
Although controversial when released, successive Riviera's
became smaller, uglier and far more conventional, ending
the allure but ensuring this model would forever be remembered
as a true classic. More>>
1982 - 1987
While the Buick T-Type Regal coupes were aimed at the
performance market, 1982's Regal Grand National signalled
a change for the better. Named for the NASCAR Grand
National racing series, this car incorporated a 4.1
litre V6 with 125 hp, or an optional 180 hp turbocharged
3.8 V6. It also featured T-tops, front and rear spoilers
and a striking gray over silver paint job. More>>
