The 1936 Buick Century was the first production Buick to top 100mph. Images: GM News

When you think of modern Buicks, what do you think? Well, if you answered boring grocery-getters, or anything along those lines, then you’re probably not alone. But while Buick has not produced a hot rod, musclecar or performance machine, by most standards anyway, for many years now, it’s hard to forget the iconic cars that literally defined Buick as one of the more competitive brands in their heyday. After all, without Buick to stir things up in the hot rod and classic car days, where would we be today?

Buick is celebrating its 110th anniversary this year and to commemorate the occasion, GM News recently put out a list of 11 highlights of the company for its last 11 decades as an automotive manufacturer. Although Buick actually originated in 1899, it was 110 years ago that the company was incorporated as the Buick Motor Company, producing such hallmark cars as the Model B, Buick Bug race car, Roadmaster, Electra and Riviera. It is the introduction of such cars and other performance feats that make up our look at some of the defining moments of the Buick brand.

It may not look like much, but this was the first official Buick model ever produced.

The Beginning

While Buick actually originated in 1899 as the Buick Auto-Vim and Power Company, an independent motor car and internal combustion engine manufacturer, the Buick we know today got its start on May 19th of 1903, when David Dunbar Buick incorporated the company as the Buick Motor Company in Detroit, Michigan. Without this move, Buicks could have long-ago been a thing of the past.

First Car

In 1904, the Buick Motor Company produced its first car, the Model B. Only 37 of these cars were produced and none of them are believed to be in existence today, but it was this car that truly put the company on the map, and was also the shortest car Buick ever built.

Two replicas of the original Model Bs exist today, each supporting one of the remaining two 1904 Buick engines in existence. Known as “the moving couch of America,” Buicks were produced with luxury and comfort in mind right from the beginning.

The Make-Up of General Motors

Under the management of William C. Durant (brought in by James H. Whiting, owner of Buick as of late 1903), Buick became the largest car manufacturer in America. With this success, Durant looked to acquire more automotive companies and moved to create General Motors. Although the companies within GM started out as competitors, Durant moved to have each company target a set market and Buick became second in prestige only to Cadillac.

Buick’s racing history consists of the notorious 60 Special (Buick Bug), two NASCAR titles and six official pace cars for the Indy 500, including the one seen here.

Racing

Although Buick has been less than present in the motorsports world for many years now, the company’s eye for racing was prevalent in the early 1900s. Driven by the likes of Louis Chevrolet and Bob Burman, the Buick 60 Specials, of which only two were produced, became one of the most notable racing creations of the early racing days.

More Power and Movement

In 1931, Buick released two of their biggest offerings to date – the OHV Buick Straight-8 engine (offered in 220, 272, and 344ci displacements) and the Synchromesh transmission.

These two innovations paved the way for Buick’s future performance engine and transmission offerings. The largest engine Buick has ever offered was the 455ci V-8 introduced in 1970.

Topping 100 mph

At just over three decades of engineering, Buick hit another milestone. Aptly named the 1936 Buick Century, this model was the first production Buick to top over 100 mph.

Regarded as the first concept car, the Buick Y-Job became designer Harley Earl’s personal daily driver.

In 1938, Buick came out with the Y-Job concept car designed by the famed Harley Earl. This car is regarded as the first concept car built by a manufacturer and continues to inspire Buick car designs – just check out that familiar waterfall grille that still graces the front of modern Buicks today.

Post WWII

The 1963 Riviera may not be a hot rod, but it sure is one beautiful car!

After World War II, Buick saw even more growth and advancement, from the debut of the Dynaflow automatic transmission and the Buick V-8 engine, to the introduction of nameplates like Roadmaster, LeSabre, and Riviera. The 1963 Riviera, introduced as its own model that year with an optional 425ci V-8 is still regarded as one of the most beautiful cars ever made. Ironically, Buick celebrates both its 110th anniversary and the Riviera’s 50th anniversary this year.

As one of the defining companies of the early era of the automobile, Buick has brought us many innovations, hallmark cars and industry advancements along the way. And while the company’s years of performance and flair may be a thing of the past, it’s hard to imagine the classic car, hot rod and musclecar years without the many iconic Buick models.