I just learned of the passing of Charles Barnette; an attorney who befriended me from Texarkana. I seems like only yesterday he called me and was THE key in re-uniting me with the now famous '54 Buick Landau. Charles invited me to replace the missing sterling bar set which he painstakingly tracked down via EBay. He arranged to borrow the car, then owned, by John O'Quinn of Houston. He arranged for me to be on hand for a 100 Year Birthday party for GM which he held in his vintage auto garage in Texarkana. I arrived just before the Landau and was invited to drive the famous car around the block! I had not seen the car for 47 years. What a thrill provided for me by this thoughtful passionate auto enthusiast. I was allowed to speak about how my Dad aquired the Landau and my experiences with the one-of-a-kind auto and how my Dad was admired by Harlow Curtice during the 50's when Buick overtook Plymouth and moved into 3rd place nationally. My Dad was first District Mgr in Detroit and his District was the first in the country to move into 3rd. Wonder how many new cars Buick sold in '56? Would you believe 745,000!!! I was thrilled to see the exterior condition but saddened by the interior. Thank God, Bob Coker, now owns the Landau and has restored it to it's original magnificent condition. I believe the Landau will soon become the most famous post 1950 American car in the world. Thanks also to David Temple and Roy Faries for their help reuniting me with the Landau. My sincere condolences to Mr. Barnettes' family and friend. A wonderful man and a great friend to Buick. You can see the Landau with me at the wheel, on YouTube if you like. Robert K. Blair Son of Robert F. Blair - The Man Who Saved the Landau