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1927 Buick Standard Six

The North American market experienced a sharp, but brief, recession in the late 1910s caused by the end of wartime production and an influx of labor from returning troops. By March of 1919, the recession was over, but ten months later the economy experienced another recession as the market continued to adjust to peacetime. Although brief, it was nonetheless devastating and 1920 was the single most deflationary year in American history. A strong recovery quickly followed, along with artistic and cultural dynamism, leading to the phrase, the 'Roaring Twenties.'

This period of history witnessed a greater embracing of modern amenities, including automobiles, radio, electrical appliances, films, and telephones. Rapid industrial and economic growth was fueled by accelerated consumer demand, the birth of aviation as a business, and mass-market advertising. Leading metropolitan centers were the hub of this revival and it spread widely in the aftermath of World War I, and by the middle of the decade, prosperity was widespread. The second half of the decade was known as the 'Golden Twenties.'

Buick weathered the difficult recession years due to the vast resources of General Motors and its lineup of four- and six-cylinder models that were competitively priced and outfitted with attractive features. Under the stewardship of General Motors' President William C Durant, Buick production rose dramatically from 750 cars in 1905 to 8,802 in 1908 when its most popular product was the four-cylinder Model 10. The company's first six-cylinder model was introduced in 1914 and for a period in the 1920s, the range would consist entirely of sixes.

Buick had one of the most respected engines in the American car industry, made famous for its 'Valve-in-Head' construction. The 225 cubic-inch Six was dropped in 1918 and replaced by a larger 242 CID version that produced 60 horsepower, an increase of 15 horsepower. In 1924, the displacement grew to 255 cubic inches, horsepower to 70 bhp, and came with a removable cylinder head and aluminum crankcase. The frames and axles were stronger, and braking was now handled by four-wheel mechanical drums. The 1924 Buick model lineup included the Series 24 Four and the Series 24 Six. A year later, the company adopted a new series designation with the Standard Six replacing the previous 24-Fours as the lower-priced Buicks. The Master Six used the same engine of the previous 24-Six, and the Standard Six received a new six-cylinder engine with a 191 cubic-inch displacement, overhead valves, mechanical valve lifters, four main bearings, and delivering 50 horsepower at 2,800 RPM. The Standard Six rested on a 114.3-inch wheelbase and the Master Six used either a 120- or 128-inch platform.

The 1926 Buicks wore new styling and gained new air, oil, and gas filters, one-piece brake linings, and a stronger clutch for its three-speed sliding gear transmission. The engine displacement of the Master Six grew to 274 cubic inches and horsepower was rated at 75.

The styling introduced in 1926 continued into 1927 with only minor updates. The Standard Six continued to be the entry-level model and its 207 CID inline-6 offered 63 horsepower at 2,800 RPM. Body styles included a two-door sedan, a sport roadster, and a two-passenger coupe priced at $1,195. The DeLuxe Sport Tourer was $30 higher and the country club coupe and four-passenger coupe were priced at $1,275. The sedan listed at $1,295 and the town brougham sedan was $1,375. The most popular Standard Six was the four-door sedan with 40,272 units built, followed by 33,190 examples of the two-door sedan. There were 11,688 of the country club coupe and 11,032 of the Town Brougham sedan. 10,512 were two-passenger coupes, 7,178 were the four-passenger coupe, 4,985 were sport roadsters, and 3,272 were DeLuxe Sport Tourers.

Comparatively, the Master Six was priced from $1,395 to $1,995. The Standard Six had a 114.5-inch wheelbase and the Master Six continued to use either a 120- and 128-inch platform. Production was slipt nearly evenly between the two 1927 Buick models, with slightly more of the Master Six being built.

by Dan Vaughan

Sedan
Chassis number: 1867387/1940289

This 1927 Buick Standard Six Two-Door Sedan was discovered in Wisconsin and in remarkable condition. The caring owner had used it sparingly, storing it indoors in ideal conditions for continued preservation. The odometer shows just 23,599 miles. The exterior is painted in blue, has nickel finish on the radiator shell, and a dark blue interior.

In 2009, this Model 610 Sedan was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions where it was expected to sell for $15,000 - $25,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the lot had been sold for the sum of $38,500, including buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Sport Roadster
Chassis number: 1755086

1914 was the first year for the Buick six-cylinder model, but its four-cylinder model would still be offered until 1924. The six-cylinder engine was a good match for Buick's valve-in-head design and was capable of motivating the medium-sized Buick vehicles with ease. The elegant bodies, heavily borrowed from Packard, were clean and dignified with attractive lights and grille shells.

Only six-cylinder models were offered in 1925 - the Six and Master Six - with the larger Master Six often clothed with larger closed coachwork, while the smaller Six usually received special 'sporty' body styles.

This Model 24 Sport Roadster is powered by an overhead valve 207 cubic-inch engine delivering 63 horsepower and 140 lb-fts of torque. It has a three-speed transmission, four-wheel mechanically operated brakes, a solid front axle, and ¾-Floating rear axle with transverse leaf spring.

This Buick has been given a restoration with a two-tone exterior and the interior being done with buff leather with brown piping.

This Buick was part of the Don and Lynette Short Collection for many years.

by Dan Vaughan

In 1925 and 1926, Buick ceased production of the four-cylinder models and focused on its Standard and Master models featuring six-cylinder engines.

For 1926, Buick gave both the Standard and Master models smoother radiator shells, double belt moldings, aluminum hub and gas caps, and a straight tie-rod connecting both headlamps. Mechanically, the cars were given a stronger, redesigned clutch and one-piece brake linings, as well as a strengthened chassis and drive train. With improved air, fuel and oil filters, plus Zerk-type grease filters and new dual-beam headlamps, servicing was made much easier.

For 1927, refinements included the addition of crankcase ventilation and new engine mounts, as well as a new counterbalanced crankshaft and a torsion balancer.

by Dan Vaughan