Will the Venerable Brand Last Another Century?
Incorporated May 19, 1903, the Buick Motor Company has had a dramatic roller coaster ride throughout its 100 years of history. Even in the beginning, taking three years to build its first two cars, to 1908 when it produced more vehicles than both Ford and Cadillac combined.
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| Buick's first V-8 engine powered the classic limited-edition 1953 Skylark, their 50th Anniversary car. (Photo: General Motors) |
In 1953, to commemorate their 50th anniversary, Buick built the Skylark, a treasured classic even to this day. One of its most remarkable features was Buick's first V-8 engine.
Will Buick's 100th anniversary concept car, the Centieme, be so consider in 2053? My personal opinion is, I don't think so. Its concept and image are not much different than other crossover vehicles, like the Pontiac Vibe or the Volvo XC, but in the end time will tell. I've been wrong before, could be wrong again.
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| In 1939 Buick released their first concept car, or 'dream car' as it was called then. Even today the Y-Job is a dramatic car to look at. (Photo: General Motors) |
1939's Y-Job, Buick's first dream car, would be called a concept car today. It's still in existence, still dramatic and pleasing to the eye.
The first Buick I ever drove belonged to my girlfriend's dad. It was a Black 1956 Century, 2-door, hard top with power steering, power brakes and power windows... and would ya lookee here! The radio had the gosh darndest doo-dad you ever did see. It's called "wonder bar". You push it, and glory be, it finds another radio station all by itself!! You're supposed to keep your eyes on the road? That was probably what it was meant for. I watched that new-fangled thing change to each and every station it could reach. I was surely impressed, but the people in the hamburger drive-in were not as I weaved through them with the gracefulness of a pregnant cow. The Century was, however, incredibly smooth and comfortable to drive. I felt like royalty. How I'd love to drive it again.