1929 Buick Series 116

Throughout the 1920s, Buick continued to refine its model range, offering an all-new six-cylinder model alongside the existing four in 1924. All Buick models came equipped with four-wheel brakes as standard from 1924, along with mechanical refinements like a detachable cylinder head. The six-cylinder engine became the only choice from 1925 onwards. Styling was revised for and the driveshaft, rear axle, and chassis became stronger, and the frame featured Zerk lubrication.

1929 models were affectionately known as the 'Silver Anniversary' cars, celebrating 25 years of Buick automotive production. This was the year that Buick vehicles wore all-new styling by Harley Earl and his Art and Colour department. Earl's talent had originally been applied to the new Lasalle line in 1927, positioned between Cadillac and Buick.

The 1929 Buick model lineup included the 116, 121, and 129 (representing wheelbase measurements.). All three came equipped with six-cylinder engines, the Series 116 had a 239.1 cubic-inch displacement while the Series 121 and 129 used a 309.6 cubic-inch version. Both versions used steel-backed main bearings for the first time, overhead valves, mechanical valve lifters, and four main bearings. The engines were backed by a three-speed sliding gear transmission and braking was by mechanical external contracting brakes on four wheels. Wooden spokes with detachable rims were standard, with wide spoke artillery, wire wheels, and disc wheels being optional.

Prices on the Series 116 ranged from $1,200 to $1,320. Body styles included a two-door sedan, four-door tourer, sedan, rumble seat sports coupe, and a business coupe. The sedan proved to be the most popular with 44,345 examples built. 17,783 examples of the two-door sedan were built and 10,308 of the Sport Coupe. The tourer was the most exclusive in the lineup with 2,938 built.

Among the list of options were forty-three exterior colors, bumpers, clock, step plates, spare tire, welled fenders, and spare tire covers. The chassis was built using thicker steel with deeper cross-sections and strengthened suspension components. The prior vacuum tank was replaced by a mechanical fuel pump. There was a solid front axle, live rear axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs, and Lovejoy shock absorbers.

Over 84,000 examples of the Series 116 were built for 1929 accounting for nearly forty-three percent of Buicks total 1929 production.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2020