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1911 Buick Model 38

David Dunbar Buick was the founder of the Buick Manufacturing Company of Flint, Michigan. By 1911, the company produced a wide range of models, from a 2-cylinder chain-driven roadster through later four-cylinder models, with body styles that included roadsters and tourers, and wheelbases that stretched from 79 to 116 inches. Prices began at $550 and rodes to $2,750.

The 1911 Buick Model 38 was powered by a 318 cubic-inch Side-Valve inline four-cylinder unit with a single Marvel carburetor and developed nearly 50 horsepower at 1,200 RPM. It used a three-speed manual transmission, had rear mechanical brakes, a wheelbase that measured 116 inches, and rode on 36x4 tires. The Model 38 was offered as a two-passenger roadster and was priced at $1,850. A 27-gallon fuel tank was mounted in the rear and the body was finished in a dark blue body with gray wheels. Of the 13,389 Buicks produced during the 1911 calendar year, a total of 153 were Model 38 roadsters.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster
Chassis number: 460
Engine number: 10093

In 1911, Buick produced 13,389 vehicles, earning it the distinction of being one of the industry's major producers. Part of their success was having a wide-ranging line, from a 2-cylinder chain-drive roadster, through 10 different series and models, all of those larger vehicles with 4-cylinder engines.

By this point in history, the Buick Company of Flint, Michigan, founded by David Dunbar Buick, had become a success in both sales and competition. They had endured numerous reorganizations and changes of management, really stepping up their game in 1904 when William C. Durant got involved. Durant used Buicks as one of the cornerstones of his new General Motors Corporation, and it remains so today.

The 1911 Model 38 Roadster was a larger version of the Models 26 and 27. It was built on a 116-inch wheelbase with a 56-inch front and rear track. Power was from a cast-iron engine block displacing 318 cubic inches and offering nearly 50 horsepower. Just 19 horsepower actually made it to the rear wheels, though it still had good performance. The engine had mechanical valve lifters and a single Marvel carburetor. There was shaft drive from the 3-speed transmission and a multi-disc clutch to the rear axle. Steering was by worm and nut. A top and windshield were optional. It had a rear-mounted 27-gallon gas tank, a blue body, and gray wooden-spoke artillery wheels. Priced at $1,850, just 153 examples were built.

The history of this particular example begins in the late 1990s when it was acquired by Robert Ullrich. It had previously been in the care of Harry Johnson of Reno, Nevada.

The roadster has wood-spoked, artillery-style wheels, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, a Splitdorf-controlled ignition system for the high-tension magneto, and a large Warner Auto-Meter speedometer and odometer that records both trip and overall mileage. The car is finished in blue paint with black tufted leather upholstery.

This is believed to be the last Model 38 Roadster surviving.

by Dan Vaughan