Intro: Started in 1903 by Scottish industrialist David Dunbar Buick, the horseless carriage company bearing his name featured an ingenious overhead-valve engine, something of a rarity then. By 1908, Buick Motor Company was very attractive, and as such, William C. Durant bought the company to help form General Motors.
By the late 1920's, the Buick cars were reliable, conservative, and yet stylish. New styling for Buick during the 1930's was somewhat ahead of its time, marking the way for cars of the 1940's. During the 1940's Buick became the number two seller of the General Motors family, following Chevrolet. Chief designer Harley Earl created all new looks for the 1942 year, looks that wouldn't surface until after World War II.
During the late 1980's, Buick offered some of the most futuristic looking vehicles of the time with the Reatta, Skyhawk, and Riviera, featuring lots of electronics and glass areas. During the early 1990's, Buick brought back the name Roadmaster as its flagship make, featuring V8 power, and rear-drive.
Bob Lutz is now trying to inject some spirit into the ailing brand. First sign is the nice V’lite concept car, introduced at the 2004 New York Autoshow.
Production in 2003: Century/Regal: 127154, LeSabre: 131962, Rendezvous: 77307, Park Avenue: 26 616, Rainier: 17031. |
