1920 Buick K-45 Tourer

• Single family ownership 1920-1981
• Extensively restored in the USA
• 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine
• Ideal for VSCC events and seats 5/6 people
• From a private collection

Scottish-born inventor David Dunbar Buick built his first automobile in Detroit, Michigan in 1903. More designer than businessman, Buick lacked talent in the latter role, shortcoming that led to a number of changes of ownership in the firm's early years before its founder was eventually eased out in 1908, his departure from the Buick Motor Company coinciding with its establishment as the cornerstone of new owner William C Durant's General Motors. Under Durant's stewardship production rose dramatically from 750 cars in 1905 to 8,802 in 1908 when Buick's most popular model was the four-cylinder Model 10, priced at $900 and a direct competitor for Ford's Model T.

The first six-cylinder models appeared as part of the 1916 line-up and their refined and flexible overhead-valve engines would help establish Buick's image as a quality automobile for the prosperous owner/driver. The OHV six had settled on a capacity of 242ci (3,967cc) in 1918, producing 60bhp, and for the 1919 model year was available in two wheelbase lengths and six different body styles, the H-45 tourer being by far the most popular. Brakes were fitted to the rear wheels only. The K-series of 1920 was essentially unchanged from the previous year's H-series, which in turn was only slightly different cosmetically from the 1918 E-series. A spotlight and front bumper were available as options. In the 1920 calendar year Buick built 115,176 cars.

Prior to 1981, this Buick Six had been in the same family's possession since 1920. Sold in 1981, the car was restored from the chassis upwards over the next four years at a cost of $120,000 and comes with an album of before, during and post-restoration photographs. Its second and third owners were serious collectors who took the car to shows on a covered trailer.

Our vendor has owned the Buick for the last six years, using it on sunny days including trips to Goodwood and the occasional show, and reports that it is very comfortable to drive and been totally reliable. As well as the aforementioned restoration photographic record, the car also comes with numerous concours-winner plaques; spares manuals; operating instructions; and a history display board.