1950s BuickIn the 1950s Buick really came to the fore as automobile manufacturers producing many classic 1950s cars. The Buick Motor Company was formed in 1903 by David Dunbar Buick in Detroit. Shortly after its foundation Buick were taken over by James H Whiting who moved the company to Michigan. Whiting hired William C Durant to manage Buick. Under Durant's charge Buick was to eventually become the largest car manufacturer in the United States. By 1908 Durant stated to build the conglomerate General Motors of which Buick was a part and maintained its own brand name. The 1950s Buick range saw the company gain a reputation for big exotically styled cars with plenty of room inside for driver and passengers alike. Much of what Buick achieved during the decade epitomised the successful American car industry of the era. At the start of the 1950s Buick introduced the LeSabre (below) and XP 300, with both having super streamlined designs. These cars were initially built to try out the innovative style and technical developments being introduced by General Motors.
In 1952 power steering was added to the Buick range, with the Buick V8 high compression engine introduced a year later. 1953 also saw 12-volt electrical systems as well as power brakes fitted in Buick cars. By 1955 the Buick sedans with a “pillarless” hardtop design were available to the motor car driving public. Being under the General Motors umbrella proved to be an advantage to the 1950s Buick range as the brand was well marketed by the huge company. GM's annual travelling car show – the Motorama- in 1954 brought the Buick Wildcat II, and two years later the Centurion, to the notice of an appreciative audience. The Wildcat featured such styling innovations as vertical grill bars, massive bumper at the front of the vehicle, and at the back dual tail fins. The vehicle also displayed the famed Buick ventiports, push button doors and a 188 horse power V-8 engine. 1954 saw the Buick Skylark and the Landau hit the marketplace. The next year Buick introduced the Wildcat III at the 1955 Motorama. At the show the Skylark was painted “Kimberley Red”, honouring racing car driver of the time Jim Kimberley. Related Articles |
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