Chassis No. 5383 Founded by David Dunbar Buick in 1899, Buick is today the oldest surviving American car manufacturer. After a slow start, William C. Durant assumed control of Buick on 1 November 1904 and transformed the brand into one of the best-selling American cars in short order. From this success, Durant founded the General Motors Company on 16 September 1908. Buick began building its reputation with the horizontally opposed two-cylinder Model B in 1904, but demand for bigger, more powerful, and luxurious cars was insatiable. An all-new engine was developed with an innovative valve-in-head design. It was only natural to enter this new, powerful engine into races across the country, proving Buick's superior technology and reliability over its competition. This included winning the first-ever automobile race held at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway on 19 August 1909. The documented history of this Model 17 Touring begins in 1979 when the car was purchased by Bob Rohrer of Canandaigua, New York, in a partially disassembled state from Henry Jansen of Buffalo. Rohrer set out on a multi-year restoration, which culminated in a well-deserved Senior National First Prize from the Antique Automobile Club of America in 1986. To help fund his children's college education, Rohrer reluctantly sold the Buick to Howard Mitchell of Vermont in October 1987. He reportedly used the car only once, and Rohrer repurchased it in August 1998. After installing a new crankcase in August 1999, the car went to Lawton, Michigan, with David Lyon. In 2005, the car found its next home with Bart Carlson, who sold it to the current owner in April 2024. The car has benefited from exceptional care since then, and its current condition stands as a testament to the quality of the restoration work. Attention to detail is evident throughout this car, from the Jones 60-mph speedometer to the button-tufted leather seats, the Phinney-Walker Co. keyless clock, the cast aluminum running boards, the Corcoran brass headlamps, the kerosene cowl lamps, and numerous other details. More than just a show car, it has been thoroughly enjoyed at touring events across the country, with power provided by its 318 cu-in valve-in-head inline-four and a sliding-gear three-speed manual transmission. Additionally, the car has been upgraded with an electric starter and an alternator for the 12-volt electric lighting and starting system. With seating for five, this commanding Touring is reported to be a strong-running example, as confirmed during a recent inspection by a Broad Arrow specialist, and would be an excellent way to experience early touring pleasure with power, performance, and style.
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- VIN Code5383
