Ex-Tom Lester

1910 Buick Model 16 Toy Tonneau

318ci Overhead Valve Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Single Stromberg Carburetor
48bhp at 1,200rpm (stock figures, see text)
3-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Leaf Spring Suspension
Rear Mechanical Brakes

*One of Tom Lester's renowned high performance touring cars
*Extremely attractive and sporty, toy tonneau
*A well presented older restoration
*A powerful, fast and well-balanced sports model

THE EARLY BUICKS

By 1910 the company founded by David Dunbar Buick, the Buick Manufacturing Company of Flint, Michigan, was an important player in the US auto industry both in sales numbers and success in competition. After going through numerous reorganizations and changes of management, Buick had really stepped up its game with the involvement of super-salesman William C. Durant in 1904. Durant used Buick as one of the cornerstones of his new General Motors Corporation, and it remains so today.

Buick produced 29,425 units in the calendar year 1910, making it one of the industry's major producers. The 1910 Buick line was wide-ranging: from a tiny 2-cylinder chain-drive roadster through 10 different series and models, all of those being larger automobiles with 4-cylinder engines. The Model 16 represented the mid-priced 4-cylinder offering. Its cast-iron engine block was of 318 cubic inch displacement (4½ x 5" bore and stroke) and developed 48bhp. The healthy sized engine in the relatively light chassis displayed very good power and performance for its size. It featured mechanical valve lifters and a single Stromberg 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. One particularly attractive aspect of the Model 16 was its extended hood, which as ever gives the car significant presence.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The current owner reports that the Buick presented here was purchased by him from his former neighbor and friend, the long-time collector Tom Lester in Southern Florida. Lester's pension for rebuilding cars for long distance touring is well known. These developments and discrete performance upgrades to period machines netted him numerous successful 'trans-continental' and even Great Race successes. The Buick was one of the later cars that he had commissioned to be rebuilt to high performance standards and it took the core ingredients of the Buick to potent extremes and renowned reliability. As for a number of his cars, the work was carried out by the late Dale Adams, a respected and hugely talented engineer from Ohio, and all told, the project took nearly 4 years to complete. The build included recasting the crankcase to include a modern oiling system and filter.

The result of the restoration can be seen clearly here, and it is reported by the owner that the car is good for at least 65mph! In the words of one of Lester's friends, the car is 'the ultimate sleeper' and could outperform many of its peers.

In the current ownership since the early 2000s, this immaculate Buick continues to make an incredible impression and would certainly make an excellent tour car for HCCA events.