4 new cars from Buick at 1908

1908 Buick Model G

1908 Buick Model G

The Buick Model G was produced from 1906 to 1909, though only six examples of the Model G were built for 1909. The Model F and Model G were nearly identical except the Model F was a Tourer while the Model G was a two-seat roadster version. The running gear was identical and pricing for the F was set at $1250 while the Roadster was $100 less. Power was from a two-cylinder 159 cubic-inch engine that delivered 22 horsepower. There was a 2-speed planetary transmission with mechanical brakes on two wheels.

For 1908, the Buick Model G changed drastically, as it was given a longer wheelbase that now measured 92-inches. The exterior changed as well, with newly designed fenders, grille, and a reshaped hood. A single color was offered, of red with matching red wooden wheels. The two-cylinder engine remained a 159 cubic-inch unit with 22 horsepower. Pricing was set at $1150 with 219 examples built. Its Model F Touring sibling fared better for 1908, with 3281 examples built. The Model G was one of six Buick Models offered for 1908.

When Durant took over Buick in 1904, only 37 cars had been built. By 1906 he had sold over 200 cars, with 4,641 sold in 1907 and 8,820 in 1908. Sales rose to 14,606 cars for 1909, then doubling again in 1910. David Buick sold his stock and departed in 1908. At the same time, Durant would use Buick as his base to form General Motors. By the close of 1908, GM would include Oakland and Oldsmobile, along with Buick.

1908 Buick Model F

1908 Buick Model F 

This 1908 Model F Buick is powered by a horizontally opposed 2-cylinder engine originally introduced in the very first Buicks of 1904. Featuring Buick's patented overhead-valve (OHV) design, the engine made an impressive 22 horsepower. It rides under the body, at the center of the chassis (the fuel tank is under the hood). Buick built cars powered by this 159-cid engine through 1910.

The 1908 Model F Touring originally listed for $1,250. The current owner has owned this example since 1980. A painstaking and careful restoration has just been completed and the Buick now looks exactly as it did when new, 100 years ago.

During the 1908 season, Buick introduced a new, smaller car powered by an 18-hp OHV 4-cylinder engine. Selling for as little as $1,000, the popular new Model 10 would help Buick set a production record of 8,820 cars in 1908.

Basking in Buick's success, Durant set out to create a conglomerate that would blanket the auto market top to bottom, incorporated on September 16, 1908, his new company was called General Motors.

1908 Buick Model 14B

1908 Buick Model 14B 

The Buick Model 14 and 14B were often referred to as the 'Buggyabout' and was powered by a twin-cylinder opposed engine. Development began in 1908 and it was a tiny vehicle. 

It rested on a 79-inch wheelbase and was the final Buick to be powered by a two-cylinder engine and chain drive.

1908 Buick Model 10

1908 Buick Model 10 

a 1908 Buick Model 10 which was Buick's most popular vehicle for 1908. The Model came in one flavor - a Touring Runabout with seating for 3 and cost $900. A total of 4,002 examples were created, with the Model F being the second most favorite, with 3,281 examples produced. The Model 10 featured acetylene headlights, bulb horn, and oil-fueled side and taillights. The front suspension was comprised of semi-elliptic leaf springs with full-ellipticals in the rear. The 88-inch wheelbase vehicle was powered by a four-cylinder engine that displaced 165 cubic-inches. Power was rated at 40 and shaft-driven to the rear wheels via a 2-speed planetary transmission.

At $900, the Buick was the least expensive vehicle in the model range. The most expensive was the Model 5, which cost a staggering $2,500. This vehicle had seating for 5 and would see only 402 examples produced. The Model 5 served as the replacement for the Model K; it was available in two paint schemes of either blue or red. The Model 10 was available in off-white Buick Gray.

When W.C. (Billy) Durant organized General Motors in 1908, the Buick Motor Company was the financial foundation which made it all possible. At the same time, the highly successful Model 10 series cars were the financial foundation of Buick. It must be remembered that Buick also introduced to the Automotive World the valve-in-head motor.

This car was purchased by the current owner in 1986. The car was in running condition but needed restoration back to original specifications and finishes. With the help of friends and people in the restoration of antique of Buicks, he was able to duplicate all the original parts and finishes.