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Hey, Another Pre-war Buick Here but...


dei

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As stated above, just thought it might get more exposure here and all Buick owners might enjoy.

The car I'm posting is "NOT" for sale or "I" own but is something I'm personally involved with and thought you might enjoy.

The car is a 1906 Buick.

Here is the story:

I have been a member of a local Car Club (off and on) since my father joined and bought a 1920 Overland touring back in 1966. Back then the Club was active with all kinds of car activities and touring was part of that fun.

We have lived in Windsor, Ontario, Canada since 1963 which is across the river from Detroit, Michigan and after joining the Club learned that the Detroit Chapter of the VMCCA was holding an International Invitation Meet and Dad was planning on attending with the Overland as part of the Club to be held at the State Fair Grounds. So, not everyone had trailers (especially enclosed) back then and a time was set to meet in Windsor at the Club Garage, drive through the Windsor/Detroit Tunnel and down Woodward Ave to meet with the VMCCA group. The pace was set by having the oldest car leading the way. No this was not the 1906 Buick but... a 1905 Ford built (assembled) here in Walkerville, Ontario, Canada. Also included in the group was: a 1909 International truck, a 1911 Studebaker touring and 1921 Grey Dort touring to name a few that I remember. As a 12 year old and not up with world politics (this was before the Riots in Detroit), seeing all these wonderful cars in our Club and then looking at the VMCCA Member's cars, left me with a huge appreciation of ANTIQUE CARS. Needles to say it was a wonderful day and... while looking at the Buick with Dad while it was running for everyone to see, doesn't he ask the owner if we can go for a ride?!

Well... obviously the experience of hearing that 2 cylinder motor, the smell of the leather seats, hearing the drive train whine, the shifting of gears, that fresh air in the face (no windshield) and just being included (at 12) to enjoy antique cars..... FANTASTIC!

Flash to today, That Buick has been owned by the same owner since I rode in it and.... the Car Club Dad & I still belong to, The Historic Vehicle Society of Ontario (Windsor), owns and operates the Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village and it was donated recently. It sits proudly in the 25,000 square foot Museum along with many other fine (some Member owned) cars and has not been on the road since 1967 (see photo).

Outwardly the Buick is essentially in the same condition it was back in 1966. Naturally it would need some extensive (tuning up) work to get it in dependable running condition and still has the same tires on it.

Being a BCA member, I asked if I could possibly bring it (by trailer) to the 2008 Buick National in Flint but as it was still in the owners name and only on display would have to pass.

It has been suggested to me that because of my Buick car interest that I should make contact with the previous owner, maybe tape an interview with him at the car and record just how and what to go through in order to start this incredible car. With a bit of time right now, just might pursue this and see what can be preserved for the future.

Hope everyone enjoys this as much as me. Should it be better served to move this to the Pre-War section feel free.... Being Buick..... all good.

Doug

BCA# 3539

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Guest Rob McDonald

DOUG, I envy your long, two-generational involvement in this wonderful hobby.

My own first antique car memories were formed in the early '60s, when the newly organized Edmonton Antique Car Club began a series of annual tours from Edmonton to Jasper National Park and back. They must have coincided with my dad's usual summer vacation because I remember repeatedly sharing the road with convoys of beautiful but slow old cars, as we zipped along on our way to camping in the mountains. I guess our family car at the time would have been an already aging '53 Chev sedan. The Jasper tour went on for several years then petered out but it was revived for the club's 50th anniversary last year. I'm not a member but I do keep on eye on their activities.

Think about it: that 1906 Buick from your youth was built just 39 years after Canada became a nation in 1867. When you got your memorable ride, the car was already 61 years old. When we celebrate the Sesquicentennial in 2017, this Buick will be 111 years of age. i find it astounding somehow that functioning automobiles can be that old.

Mind you, when I go to write a cheque, often my first instinct is to write the year as something like 1986. Clearly, I am not a willing participant in the march of time.

The first car in Edmonton, Joe Morris' 1903 Ford

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Edited by Rob McDonald (see edit history)
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Yes Rob it is a Hobby and looong time love of all things cars!

Being that Windsor was once the Automotive Capital of Canada, close proximity to the Detroit Auto Show (currently going on) and being involved with antique cars helped lead me down this path.

Also, your comment about it being a two-generational involvement..... actually I can say it is a three-generational involvement! My youngest of two sons is in his fourth year of Mechanical Engineering at the U of Windsor. Since he has grown up with not only my "Old Cars" and his Grandfather's (now mine) he has that car thing in his blood too. We have had many interesting and sometimes spirited conversations often comparing (and sometimes enlightening him) about how today's technology evolved because of early pioneering in the automotive industry.

Another note about the 1906 Buick, did you notice the Buick Club badge on the rear license plate? In 1967 I guess we were known as 'The Buick Collectors Club of America'. I will have to check and see if indeed that the owner was a member or the badge was at some point put on the car later.... anyone have a roster from that far back or know of a name change for the BCA?

I know I'm not too old yet to learn something new.

Finally, if you look at the car next to the '06 Buick in picture 2, you will see that 1905 Ford that I mentioned. Because this is the Buick Forum will leave that for the AACA group. However, loved the history of your Edmonton Ford!

Rob, I'm going to send you a PM later about a family trip in 1969 and seeing Edmonton using the Upper Trans-Canada Highway from Vancouver to home.

Doug

BCA# 35039

1958 Buick Special

1958 Buick Limited (2)

1958 Buick Roadmaster

1920 Overland

1928 Whippet

1951 Nash Canadian Statesman

1952 Ford F1

1989 Cougar (30,000 miles)

and no more room

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Doug,

Thanks for posting this. We all enjoy seeing the "older" cars, but too many of us never get to ride in them. I have been fortunate to own some (not quite that old) and have had rides in many one and two cylinder cars including Model F Buicks. It is truely amazing how different the experience is with the wind literally in your face at 35 - 40 mph in one of these true antiques. You can smell the trees and flowers and feel the temperature differences when passing rivers & streams...etc...etc...

More of our members should join us on the PreWar AfterTours and catch a ride in a back seat...

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