Centurion

BCA # 5168 here, and my first Bugle was the November, 1975 issue. The issue included an article written by Bob Alberini -- "Century to Centurion" -- and I mailed him a letter in response to the article. I first met Bob at the Buick 75th Anniversary national meet in Flint, 1978, and look forward to seeing him once again in Allentown. I was a first year graduate student when I joined the BCA -- a Christmas gift from Mom and Dad. I obtained information about joining from the kind owner of a '58 Limited, which I test drove with hopes of buying. I never succeeded in buying that Limited, but have gained a wealth of wonderful friends through the BCA.

Bill, thanks for your help. I will follow up.

Chris, it makes sense to me!

Thank you, Chris. I hope that this is possible, so we'll see what the response is to our questions.

I have just been contacted by Frank Sorrento of East Greenbush, New York. He has just learned that he will be able to attend the meet in Allentown with his 1959 Electra coupe, and is mailing in his meet registration today. He has asked whether missing the registration deadline will preclude his participation at this point. Can he be accommodated at this late date? Thanks in advance for your reply.

This car participated in a portion of our Pacific Northwest caravan to Flint for the Buick Centennial Celebration in 2003. As I recall, a nice, roadworthy car at the time.

And cars may still be registered for another 3+ weeks.

Ever since I have been part of the BCA (since 1975), Buicks 12 years old or older could be displayed at the National Meets. Gary did not park the car on the sidelines; the '55 was very much part of the show. Gary admits that it felt a bit odd to have a later model car than the vast majority of the Buicks that were displayed. In the first image on this topic, you can plainly see the National Meet windshield card on the car.

With regard to the '55 Roadmaster hardtop in the first photo, this car still belongs to Gary Klecka (BCA #1955). He traveled with the Chicagoland Chapter in this car for the first BCA National Meet. He stayed at the Pick Durant Hotel, and has fond memories of the event. This car was not a daily driver for Gary. He acquired it from the original owner in 1969 when he was fifteen years old. Gary drove this beautiful car to many of the Flint meets during the 1970's, and drove it from Alaska to the Buick Centennial Celebration in Flint in 2003. This was a 10,000-mile round trip, and the Flint-built Roadmaster performed beautifully.

Some further information regarding the Buick dealerships in Columbus, with thanks to my Columbus friend: "The photo shown (in TempoNick's post above) is of the original Wendy's location at 257 E. Broad St. but that was NOT a showroom for Columbus Buick/Immke. While that location was on E. Broad St. east of S. Fifth St., the predecessor to the Wendy's was Tommy Heinrich Steak House. It had served as an auto dealership as well (Jan Ross if I remember correctly) but there was no association with Buick. Columbus Buick was on the east side of S. Fifth St. at the corner of Capital St. (one block south of E. Broad St.) and the address was 32 S. Fifth St. This was the showroom and service facility for Columbus Buick and later Len Immke (in 1963). When the Capital Parking Garage was built across the street at 31 S. Fifth St. (around 1973/4/5), the lower level became the home to Len Immke Buick until they moved to S. Hamilton Rd. The 32 S. Fifth St. showroom became Immke's used car showroom although some vehicles were parked in a portion of the lot on S. Fifth St. that was adjacent to the Wendy's location."

Matt, I have received further information from my friend, Bob, regarding this subject: "My long time friend and co-worker, Paul Bussert, researched the name using various Columbus city directories and did find some information but it would seem to confirm that Charles Bachman was NOT a Buick dealer in Columbus. "The earliest records from the late 30s show he was a typewriter repairman before becoming a salesman for Thompson-Davies Chevrolet in 1940 and 1941. When we moved to Columbus, it was Paul Davies Chevrolet and later Hugh White Chevrolet. The building at 390 E. Broad St. is now owned and utilized by the Columbus College of Art and Design. "After that, he was involved in the financial industry before operating a wholesale and retail USED CAR business in 1945 through 1949 or 1950. It would appear that he left Columbus sometime in 1950. "Paul has also included photos of the properties where he lived as found on the Franklin County Auditor's website. Mr. Bachman's used car business at 585 S. High St. was just south of downtown as is obvious in the photo." Matt, I am uncertain regarding the best way to get these various files to you, but, if you will send me an e-mail, I would be happy to forward to you. My e-mail: brianL@americanconstco.com

Update: I have learned that Old Air Products can repair my existing cables, so I will send them in for repair.

I am in the process of having the original heater box re-installed in my '59 Buick Electra. (Aftermarket A/C is being removed.) Unfortunately, the temperature cable is broken. Does anyone have intact heater control cables among their spare parts? Ideally, I could get BOTH the temperature cable (that connects the heater box with the instrument panel lever) and the heater / defrost cable). Please let me know. I need these ASAP. Please e-mail me at: brianL@americanconstco.com or phone at 253-678-4244 (cell). Thank you!

Fr. Buick and 1953Mack, I will retract my statement above. I cannot base my comment on factory literature. This is simply what I had been told at some point, and I thought I had seen the Autronic Eye on Buicks as far back as 1953. But you are correct that they are simply not seen on Buicks from at least the 1954 - 1956 time period.

Retracting my comment from below, since I cannot back this up with factory literature and I believe that I may be incorrect. Retracted: Matthew, the Autronic Eye was offered on Buick from 1953 - 1959. Beginning with the 1960 models, the system changed to the "Guidematic" with its smaller, more slender dash-top unit.

Excellent, Tom! Wonderful photos and great models! Thanks, too, for a primer on how you shoot these great images of your models.

These were definitely extended wheelbase vehicles.

I would also have a great interest in this. Please keep us posted.

Luis M., I live in Puyallup and work in Tacoma. If you're in Spanaway and succeed in buying this Buick, please let me know. We have a number of 1959 Buick owners / enthusiasts (including me!) in the area, and we'd love to get together with you. Email: brianL@americanconstco.com --Brian

Excellent news! I also thank you for making us aware of this.

Terry, I agree completely with you. I have often wished that a new Harlow Curtice would arrive at General Motors, someone with a real heart and passion who "gets" Buick and wants to bring it back to greatness.

Back home in the garage, joining the old Motor Max 1/18-scale '57 Roadmaster convertible. The Caballero easily outclasses the Roadmaster model for detail, proportions, and proper scaling. Taking its place with the other 1/18-scale Buicks: