1910 Buick Model 10 news, pictures, and information

Tourabout

This is the famous 'Little White Buick' that brought Buick into its first big production levels. It has manually operated transmission with the same basic design as present hydromatic used on many automobiles.

Source - Luray Cavern Museum

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Runabout

Buick was one of the early leaders in automobile production, consistently ranking in the top five during much of the first quarter of the 20th century. Its Model 10 was marketed as a competitor to Ford's industry leading 'T'. This Buick is noted for its inclusion of oil lamps, tail lights, head lights, gas generator and a horn as standard equipment. William Durant, founder of General Motors, used Buick as the base for building his multi-faceted corporation.

Source - AACA Museum

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Toy Tonneau
Chassis Num: FZ224
Engine Num: 20076

This 1910 Buick Model 10 Toy Tonneau is an A.A.C.A. National First Place Winner, awarded in 1937. It was offered for sale at the 2007 Christie's auction of 'Exceptional Motor Cars at the Monterey Jet Center.' It is finished in white with white upholstery, and powered by a four-cylinder engine, cast in pairs, with push-rod overhead valves, and over 22 horsepower. There is a two-speed and reverse planetary transmission and rear wheel mechanical brakes.

This vehicle does not have the top or the windshield but it does have the top mountings. It is basically a standard Model 10 with the addition of wicker basket and single spare fitted to the running board.

This vehicle has spent its recent years in a museum. At auction the car was offered without reserve and estimated to sell for $15,000 - $30,000. It was the first vehicle of the sale to cross the auction block and it found an enthusiastic owner who was willing to part with $35,200, including buyer's premium, to own this very early Buick.

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Tourabout

This 1910 Buick 10 Toy Tonneau was found in unrestored condition in 1990 still bearing its 1910 Indiana number plate. The car retained all of its original components and trim, less the magneto which was located. The Model 10 had a valve-in-head engine. This example carried an original sticker price of $1150 excluding the top, windshield and speedometer.

Approximately 330 units of the Toy Tonneau were produced in 1910 with very few remaining in modern times.

Toy Tonneau
Chassis Num: SD872 8PA
Engine Num: 14124

The Buick Model 10 was introduced in 1908. The Gentlemen's Light Four-cylinder Roadster body-style soon became the company's best seller. Over 4,000 examples were created during its first year and that figure doubled the following year to 8,100. The last year was in 1910, with production approaching 11,000 units.

Racing was apart of Buick's existence since the early 1900s. In 1904, privateers were earning several key victories for the Buick marquee. Buick took notice, and a few years later, Mr. Durant formed a team of legendary drivers such as 'Wild Bob' Burman and the Chevrolet brothers.

The Model 10 Speedster, like this example, did well on the racing circuit. Its lightweight construction and adequately powered engine made it a formidable contender. This example is an authentic race-bodied speedster, believed to have been built up decades ago. It has remained in 'found' except for the engine and transmission which were rebuilt in 2007. The car is equipped with a Jones speedometer, a New Haven 8-day clock, Gray & Davis acetylene headlamps with Prest-O-Lite tank, and a Rubes horn. There is a monocle windshield, dual spare tires, friction shock absorbers and a tool box.

In 2008 this car was brought to the 2nd Annual Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $25,000 - $35,000. It was offered without reserve. A high bid of 38,500 including buyer's premium was enough to secure new ownership. The lot was sold.

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Runabout
Chassis Num: 928

Soon after the introduction of the Buick Model 10, it quickly moved into the position of being the company's best-selling model. During its first year of production, over 4,000 examples were produced. That figure was doubled, reaching 8,100, the following year. 1910 would be its final year; again the production number had increased, this time to 11,000.

This vehicle has been a long-term display in a southern museum. It wears an older restoration which has held up rather well over the years. It is painted in bright ivory with gold coach lining, maroon upholstery and a black top. There is seating for two and has right-hand drive. A third seat can be found in the rear, the 'mother-in-law' seat.
This car has Gray & Davis head, cowl and taillights. There are running board-mounted acetylene generator, radiator shell and windshield frame, beading, and trim all finished in brass trim. It rides on 'No Skid' tires and ivory white wood spoke wheels. Power is from a 165 cubic-inch, four-cylinder engine capable of producing 22.5 horsepower. This power is sent to the rear wheels via a two-speed planetary transmission. When new, this Model 10 sold for $900.

In 2009, this Buick Model 10 was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Amelia Island Auction presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $40,000 - $60,000 and offered without reserve. It was sold for a high bid of $39,600, including buyer's premium.

The Buick Motor Company was founded by David Buick in 1903 who quickly found himself in financial problems. William Crapo Durant gained control of the company which was beneficial for the company, as sales, production, and profit greatly increased. In 1908, Buick became a founder member of the General Motors Corporation. This was the same year the Model 10 Buick was introduced. It carried a price tag of $900 which included Buick Gray paint scheme, oil side and tail-lights, acetylene headlights, and bulb horn as standard. The top was optional and cost an additional fee. In total, over 4000 examples were produced in its first year, providing Buick and General Motors with financial prosperity.

In 1909 Buick extended the chassis length to 92 inches. The number of bodystyles and sale also increased, reaching 8,100 units produced. By 1910, Buick was offering the Model 10 in 13 different body styles. The side-mounted spare and a windshield remained as optional equipment.

Production would last until 1910 with a total of 23,000 units being produced.

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