1917 Buick Series D Tourer

The 1917 Buick was available in two wheelbase sizes, a 106- and 115-inch platform. Body-styles included a roadster and tourer on both wheelbases and a coupe and sedan reserved for the larger 115-inch wheelbase. The Series D-34 and D-35 were powered by an overhead-valve four-cylinder engine displacing 170 cubic-inches and offering nearly 20 horsepower. The Model D-44, D-45, D-46, and D-47 came equipped with an overhead valve six-cylinder engine of 225 cubic-inches and producing 45 horsepower. A sliding gear transmission was available to all models as were the mechanical drum brakes on two wheels.

The D-34 and D-35 entry-level models were priced at a reasonable $600 and $675 respectively. The larger, more powerful Model D vehicles (D-44, D-45, D-46, and D-47) sold for over $1,000, with the D47 being the most expensive at $1,840.

One of David Dunbar Buick's biggest contributions to America's automobile industry was the adoption of the advanced valve-in-head engine design of Walter L. Marr and Eugene Richard. The production genius of Charles Nash and Walter P. Chrysler make Buick a champion of superior performance at an affordable price and provided a steady stream of income for General Motors during a turbulent period under 'Billy' Durant, Wall Street bankers, and Sloan's duPont-backed leadership.

This 1917 Buick Model D-45 Touring car is powered by Buick's famous valve-in-head engine and was priced at $1,070 when new. It is finished in green and black with black leather upholstery. It has received a body-off restoration during the 1960s and was rewarded with an AACA National First Prize Award in 1970. It is equipped with electric starting, ignition, and lights, plus an ultra-rare front bumper (An option Buick offered in 1917). A spare tire and a stoplight are mounted at the rear of the car.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Hershey, PA sale presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $30,000 - $45,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $19,250 inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2011