1909 Buick Model 10

History

The Buick Motor Company was founded by David Buick in 1903 who quickly found himself in financial problems. Dunbar is perhaps more famous, although not widely known, as the individual who developed a method of affixing porcelain to cast iron, resulting in the household white bathtub. In 1909, Buick sold the design for $100,000, giving him the financial ability to enter the automobile business. Although Mr. Buick was a talented plumber and an inveterate tinkerer, he lacked the business skills and experience to operate such an endeavor. Three companies later, the Buick Motor Company was acquired by James H. Whiting who appointed William Crapo Durant as president. David Buick sold his stock and departed the company in 1908.

William Crapo Durant gained control of the company and soon sales, production, and profit greatly increased. In 1908, the Buick Company became a founding 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 the 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 body styles and sales 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.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2020