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DETROIT - The 2003 Buick Centieme concept is a distinctive, luxurious vehicle that combines the best features of a sedan and sport utility vehicle. Commemorating Buick's 100th anniversary, the progressive design suggests a rolling piece of sculpture, embodying the romance of travel for which Buick is renowned.
The four-door Centieme seats six passengers in a three-row, dual seat configuration.
"We started with an inside-out design focus," said Anne Asensio, GM's executive director of design for interiors, quality and brand character. "Centieme is modeled for the Buick customer that seeks a premium American family vehicle without giving up style.
"We have the room and scale to make a very dramatic visual statement. We've taken what we do well and enhanced it in a different form of a vehicle, in a sleek, two-box format."
Style, grace and function
The low, wide-stance vehicle sports Buick's graceful flowing signature lines and classic grille. Combined with a relatively long wheelbase and tight overhangs, Centieme's form also projects a nimble and energetic appearance.
"Centieme conveys the essence of Buick beauty with an appeal to younger customers," said Gary Mack, the vehicle's exterior designer.
Centieme's sophisticated canyon mist metallic blue-red exterior tri-coat utilizes the texture of metallic flakes to drape this upscale, rugged vehicle in elegance.
A 3.6-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 engine - good for 400 horsepower and 400 lbs.-ft. of torque - complements the spirited design. It is mated to a Hydra-Matic 4T65-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transaxle.
Centieme also features General Motors' Versatrak all-wheel-drive system, advanced traction control that transfers torque from front wheels to rear, and from side to side, to maintain control on various road surfaces. The front end uses a strut configuration, while the rear employs an SLA independent suspension with coils for car-like performance and handling.
"Centieme is a vehicle that permits you to immerse yourself in its bold, luxurious car-like qualities," said Mack.
Built by famed Italian design house Bertone, the Centieme rides on 22-inch front and rear aluminum wheels with Michelin tires. The front brakes are six-piston calipers with 15-inch rotors backed up by four-piston calipers with 14.75-inch rotors in the rear.
Interior luxury and technology
Inside, "captain's chair" seating in the front and middle rows give the spacious cabin a look of comfort and security. Armrests are located on the adjacent doors and integrated in the seats for perfect symmetry and enhanced comfort. The front and middle-row seats power-adjust in six ways for individualized coziness. The middle seats also slide forward for easy access to the power-folding, flat-load third row. Ease of entry and egress for rear passengers is aided by wide-opening rear doors.
"A porcelain-colored leather covers the seats and the lower doors. The 'dusk' colored leather on the third-row seating and upper doors contrasts nicely against the lighter hue of the first and second rows, giving the cabin a premium passenger-car ambience," said Yan Huang, interior designer. Porcelain soft-touch suede covers the headliner.
The woven-leather floor is custom made, and suggests contemporary upscale home décor.
The center consoles for the front and middle seats are service areas that also slide forward on tracks submerged in the flat floor for extra utility. This exemplifies the heart of the vehicle, allowing more social interaction. The movable consoles provide more cabin space, linking front and rear occupants.
The steering wheel, consoles and interior trim feature olive ash burl accents. The cluster gauges have aluminum accents that feature a dazzling engine-turned pattern.
Advanced lighting in the headliner provides the passenger compartment with soft, ambient illumination and gives occupants a protected feeling. The luminescence harmonizes with the spaciousness for a luxurious atmosphere.
Technology is advanced but understated, such as with the steering-wheel-mounted electronic shift controls. The back panels of the front seats also incorporate DVD entertainment centers for rear occupants.
The Buick Centieme is family transportation with American style, drama and security.
"This vehicle rewards both sides of the brain - the side that demands practicality and functionality, and the side that demands style," said Asensio. "It's a family vehicle and an image vehicle.
"A crossover in style, Centieme is a fitting vehicle to celebrate a century of Buick heritage while fulfilling contemporary values. Sleek, romantic lines accentuate full sculptural forms, and shroud necessary practicality to create a preview of future Buick designs."
2003 BUICK CENTIEME CONCEPT VEHICLE SPECS
Body/chassis structure: body - frame - integral (BFI) Body material: steel (production) Chassis: steel Suspension
Front:
strut
Rear:
SLA independent w/coils Wheels: aluminum 22" x 9.50" Tire size
Front:
P275/40R22
Rear:
P275/40R22 Tire brand: Michelin Brakes
Front:
Baer brakes - 6 piston caliper, 15" rotors
Rear:
Baer brakes, 4 piston caliper, 14.75" rotors Powertrain Engine: 3.6L twin turbo V-6 Engine displacement (cu. in/cc): 3.6L (60 degree engine) Horsepower maximum (hp / kw): 400 / 298 Torque maximum (lbs-ft / Nm): 400 / 542t Transmission: 4T65-E Versatrak (on demand, AWD system) Dimensions Height (in / mm): 64.3 / 1634 Length (in / mm): 188.4 / 4786 Width (in / mm): 77.6 / 1971 Wheelbase (in / mm): 119.1 / 3026 Track
Front (in / mm):
66.8 / 1697
Rear (in / mm):
67.3 / 1709 Weight (lbs / kg): 3950 / 1792
Posted 07/2003 |
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BUICK ADDS RAINIER SUV TO PRODUCT LINE; DIVISION EXTENDS ITS REACH INTO THE TRUCK MARKET
DETROIT - Buick Motor Division will introduce a midsize sport utility vehicle (SUV) named Rainier for the 2004 model year, extending its truck portfolio following the successful launch of Rendezvous, a crossover vehicle.
Rainier, a five-passenger, full-frame SUV based on General Motors' award-winning midsize SUV architecture, will be powered by a sophisticated inline six-cylinder engine. It will feature an optional Vortec 5300 V8 engine that will be available at a later date. The availability of this V8 engine is exclusive to Rainier on GM's short-wheel-base midsize SUV architecture. Rainier will be introduced in dealers' showrooms in September 2003.
The 2002 Rendezvous, featuring the advantages of an SUV, luxury sedan and minivan, was Buick's first truck-based vehicle in nearly 80 years when it reached the market in the spring of 2001.
"With Rainier and Rendezvous, Buick showrooms will be must-stop shopping for owners who desire vehicles that deliver power and versatility in a stylish package," said Roger Adams, Buick general manager.
"Rainier adds a new dimension to the Buick family of vehicles with a fully functional, all-wheel-drive light truck with off-road capability," he added. "With all these attributes, Rainier will be equally at home at the country club, towing the ski boat or at the theater."
In addition to outstanding power and performance, the 2004 four-door Buick Rainier provides sure-footed, refined handling; a cockpit that places the driver firmly in control; a spacious, versatile interior; and superior safety characteristics, including dual-stage front airbags and available side airbags for the driver and front-seat passenger.
Rainier's touring car ride qualities blended with the agile handling of a sports sedan are the product of its sophisticated chassis control systems. The world-class independent front suspension and electronically controlled rear air suspension are standard to meet the most demanding conditions. Rainier offers more all-wheel-drive capability to the Buick lineup with an on-demand system that provides owners with a feeling of security in a variety of driving conditions.
Design Cues
The exterior and interior design cues are distinctly Buick. Its vertical bar pattern grille has a chrome crown, chrome surround and tri-shield center insignia. Rainier features exclusive eight-spoke 17-inch wheels, the understated elegance of a monochromatic interior with chrome accents and rich, dark walnut woodgrain in the instrument panel, door trim and center console.
The exterior is stylish and contemporary with bold, expressive lines set off by the precisely executed, clear, jewel-like headlamps with offset high/low beam fixtures; standard fog lamps; sculpted wheel flares and shoulders; crisply defined ruby red taillights that also have a jewel-like appearance; and two-tone front and rear fascias. The front and rear fascias are body color over gray, with the gray carried through the rocker panel appliqués.
The interior is spacious, comfortable and among the roomiest in the segment in terms of head, shoulder and hip room and can seat five adults easily. With the split 60/40 rear seats in the down position, the rear compartment has more than 80 cubic feet of storage space.
The focus of the interior design is on Buick's signature upscale luxury, refinement and sophistication. The interior features a cockpit-oriented driver's command center with readily accessible controls, handsome instrument cluster with highly readable gauges reminiscent of Rendezvous, and a user-friendly Driver Information Center.
The Buick signature is immediately recognizable upon entering the cabin with bright Buick embossed chrome sill plates, a silver foundation on the instruments accented with green needles, and the rich tones of the dark walnut woodgrain instrument panel. The dark walnut woodgrain also is used on the surrounds for the chrome interior door handles.
Front bucket seats and rear seating areas are rich perforated leather, and all door panels are trimmed in soft-touch materials. Front seats are available with both memory and heat functions. The heated seats have separate controls for the back and seat bottom.
Other interior features include:
* Standard dual-zone automatic heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system - so efficient there can be a 25-degree difference between the driver and front seat passenger side - and rear seat fan controls.
* Rear seat passengers also have rear seat audio controls and, for increased safety of the center rear-seat passenger, a three-point safety belt.
* Standard OnStar®, which includes remote unlocking and diagnostics and emergency assistance. Destination guidance and concierge services are available.
* Available comprehensive personalization and memory features including auto power door locks, remote keyless entry, outside rearview mirrors, power driver seat positions, dual-zone climate control and select stereo settings.
* Standard Driver Information Center provides vital vehicle functions and trip computer operation at the touch of a button. The center can easily be personalized for two primary drivers of the vehicle.
* Available Bose Stereo System features digital technology, six speakers and CD system. In-dash, six-disc front-loading changer also is available.
* Standard steering-wheel mounted controls for stereo system, heating/AC and trip information.
Sophisticated Power and Performance
The 2004 Buick Rainier will be powered by the award winning Vortec 4200 inline six-cylinder engine. For more power and outstanding torque, Rainier will offer the Vortec 5300 V8 SFI (sequential fuel injection) as optional at a later date. With either engine, Rainier delivers smooth acceleration and the refined power traditionally found in Buicks.
The 275-horsepower Vortec inline six-cylinder engine, with the 4.10 axle and four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission give Rainier a maximum towing capacity of 6,300 lbs. for two-wheel-drive models and 6,200 lbs. for all-wheel-drive models - the highest towing capacity in the segment.
The available Vortec 5300 V8 delivers 285 horsepower at 5200 RPM and 325 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4000 RPM, providing peak torque throughout the operating range to meet or exceed the most demanding load conditions. Both 3.42 and 3.73 axle ratios are available.
Ride and Handling
The refined, sedan-like ride and handling characteristics of the 2004 Rainier are made possible by a number of important advances in the chassis and frame.
* Rainier's body is best-in-class in terms of stiffness with a Hertz rating comparable to world-class car structures, providing optimal isolation from road vibrations and noise.
* The technologically advanced suspension system makes the ride smooth and comfortable on practically any road surface with any cargo load. The standard system consists of a world-class independent front suspension, five-link, solid-axle rear suspension and standard electronically controlled rear air springs.
* Steering is precise and responsive from the hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion system.
* Four-wheel vented disc brakes provide outstanding performance and world-class levels of brake "feel," wear resistance and noise reduction. Four-wheel anti-lock braking (ABS) is standard.
* Traction control is standard on two-wheel drive models.
* The longer wheelbase, wider track, Bilstein shocks, 17-inch wheels and premium Michelin tires are other important contributors to the superior stability and road command characteristics.
"The 2004 Rainier is an outstanding addition to the Buick brand, further demonstrating the flexibility and capability of GM's world-class midsize SUV architecture," said Tom Wallace, GM vehicle line executive of midsize trucks. "And with its standard inline six-cylinder engine and optional V8 engine, available all-wheel drive and comfortable ride, Rainier will resonate among people looking for an SUV that combines elegance, luxury and performance."
Buick Press Release - June 2002
Posted 07/2003 |
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Pictures from the National Rally by Phil Green
Posted 07/2003 |
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Story by Virginia Russell
We left Sydney on Wednesday 27th March in our 1979 Electra and headed straight for Melbourne arriving 10 hours later after an uneventful journey (mechanically) down the Hume (an indication of a trouble free trip to come). We spent a couple of nights with our son and daughter-in-law in Kew who took us to some nice restaurants in the area.
On Good Friday and with a mass of other cars, lots of them Buicks, we boarded the Spirit of Tasmania for a different type of cruising for the night. The trip over was somewhat rough, to say the ship was surfing down the face of the waves across the Straight is only a minor exaggeration of the night's surf, oh I mean cruise! We noticed numerous people walking around the ship in blue shirts and jackets with Buick printed or embroidered on them. Some people were wearing name tags making introductions a bit easier on us since we hadn't been on a multi state rally before and had not met any interstate Buick members. We met Adrian and Jenni from WA (one of a number who drove all the way over) who told us of a mishap near Port Augusta involving the left hand side of their car and a sleeping driver in another vehicle travelling in the same direction!
Upon docking in Devonport and once the cars were finally unloaded we were assembled in an adjacent parking area. We were held up by none other than a Buick owner who had lost his vehicle on the ship (he was paged as owner of vehicle registration "Buick1", how ironic)! We were greeted by Victoria's President, Bryan Flynn and Graham Barwick of Tasmania who really was the tour organiser. What a sight to see all those Buicks assembled ranging from the 1920's to our '79.
After a brief "get to know you" the cars filed off following Graham's 1940 Buick touring through some very scenic country to check into our hotels in Launceston for the next few days and where we were welcomed by the VCCA Tasmania at their club rooms for a BBQ dinner. Sorry for Rod and Sue Dean (of Orange) that their '51 sedan broke an axle 500 yards from the hotel. Sorry also for Brian and Yvonne Edward who's '39 Series 40, which was registered the day before departing Melbourne, had a squeaking noise coming from the motor. Blockage found and rectified in oil gallery in the head (nice to know for future reference for our '39).
On Easter Sunday after we had done some more sight seeing around the Launceston area, Bob and Gail (Jim‚s brother and sister-in-law) joined us in Launceston for the next two weeks of the tour. This necessitated a fair bit of boot cramming with their luggage, and our luggage, their purchases and our purchases! Repairs to Rod and Sue's car were carried out in the hotel car park; also a manifold gasket was replaced on Ken and June Knight's '40, with the generous help of the VCCA members.
Easter Monday was the "Show and Shine" day, held at beautiful, historic Woolmers Homestead where 65 shimmering, shining Buicks of all ages (and a couple of ring ins) strutted their stuff! What a sight! While the cars were being judged we were able to take a guided tour of the historic homestead and the National Rose Gardens of Tasmania (approximately 2000 rose plants from 270 classified names). Before leaving Woolmers, a gathering of available club committee members from all states was held where Western Australia requested that the next Nationals be held in their state and this was accepted by those in attendance who agreed to report this at their next state meeting.
Then that night we all attended the meet dinner which was a very pleasant and well organised affair. Fun too! Let's just say that NSW came out the winner in lots of ways (especially our table with raffle prizes!). Congratulations to all those who's great effort and appreciation of their vehicle was rewarded with a trophy, especially our very own Phil and Mary Green taking out the overall trophy for their 1949! (A comprehensive list of prizewinners is to come.)
On Tuesday we left Launceston for more touring and then headed north to Devonport and farewelled those who unfortunately had to make their way back home. We hope they can spend longer at the next Nationals. At this point the touring really started and we proceeded on to Burnie and Wynyard on the North West Coast. Here we met a sea lion at the dock next to our motel. Lucky fella was being fed by the local fisho restaurant (thankfully said the local fishermen!).
At Wynyard we met Francis Ransley; a man with one of the best collection of Veteran cars in Australia with early Fords being a speciality and several that predate the Model T. These included an A, an F, a K and an N Model. The A Model dates from 1903 (Centenary next year).
We then travelled out to Stanley where Rob Breheny, one of the Victorian members, had previously discovered a pioneering ancestor's name on a plaque on "The Nut". Also at The Nut we found out how expensive the abundant seafood was when we ordered a Lobster salad for lunch! Some of us got very sore hands from gripping too tightly the chairlift to the top of The Nut, some others, smarter people, took the long walk up there!
Next stop Queenstown where we saw snow falling on the mountain just above the township, a first for some to see! What a strangely bleak landscape where a little regrowth is starting to appear on the mountains after the riggers of tree felling and tin mining. We had a cruise through Macquarie Harbour and up the mighty Gordon River. Unfortunately, Col Hinxman and Rod Davidson's mate Bob from Queensland had a nasty turn and was spirited off to Burnie Hospital and eventually shipped home to Brisbane. Hope all is well for Bob now. After our river cruise we had an historic train ride on the restored ABT railway into the spectacular rain forest. Rowly and Trish Morgan from Tamworth in their '51 Riv. were unlucky leaving Queenstown when the rear seal on their auto transmission failed, emptying out all the fluid. Thankfully they joined us later.
Hobart had us for four nights and the Russells hurried there early in the morning to visit the renowned Salamanca Markets at Constitution Dock. We had a great day buying souv's for the family and feasted on the freshest prawns that night bought right from the water's edge! On Sunday 7th we headed south to Geeveston and on to the Tahune Forest Air Walk where most took the walk (some with white knuckles again) out through the forest canopy, approx. 50' above ground. That night we met the Southern Region members of the VCCA at a dinner at their club house (about 20 miles out of Hobart). The next day the Russell's toured around wineries and of course went to our family waterfall, Russell Falls at Mt Field National Park! We toured up Mt Wellington by coach leaving most of the cars at home (the coach had overheating problems, obviously our members had been eating too many sausages on the tour!) and could see all the way to Port Arthur. Of course, we also had to visit the Cadbury Chocolate Factory, a chocoholics delight!
Wednesday saw us packing (cramming?) the boot again and we headed for Port Arthur over the once fallen Tasman Bridge (quite safe now!) and through beautiful and historic Richmond, fantastic pastry shop there! So much to see at Port Arthur and surrounds so some of the Russells (Jim and Virginia) took to the air in a "float plane" and some of the Russells (Gail and Bob) stayed behind to photograph the event! What a spectacular flight and worth every bit of next month's mortgage!
All too quickly we packed again and headed further north along the Tassie east coast via Sorrel where the local Retirement Home fed us while its residents reminisced over the cars of their youth. Our club donated some key rings for the resident's electric "Buick" Gophers. That night was spent in Swansea which was absolutely beautiful (we could have stayed and stayed there) and the next at St Helen's which wasn't quite as appealing but wonderful hospitality from the local Uniting Church who fed us far, far too well. Unfortunately, Peter Pinner's 1970 Skylark was side swiped while parked in a small town causing some minor paint damage (car was completed just prior to the tour).
Back to Launceston where we met with some competition at the hotel for parking as the Targa Tasmania participants had arrived in time for their rally starting the following Tuesday. A fair amount of pit work was being carried out in the car park again, this time by the Targa participants. While on our way to Launceston we visited more wineries and who could go to Tassie without visiting the Lavender Farm, well Jim could but I just had to go there!
Before taking off for Ulverstone we farewelled Bob and Gail as they had to fly back to Sydney for work the next day, commiserations, but someone has to work! En route to Ulverstone we passed through Sheffield, the town of murals, and for another meal of way too much fantastic, home cooked food provided by the local Bowls Club ladies of the town!
We toured the hills surrounding Ulverstone, travelled on another interesting steam train at Don and finally headed off to board the Spirit of Tasmania for our journey home. Thankfully it was a smooth trip home and no reports of seasickness! The drinks, dinner and breakfast on board were a final chance to chat and farewell our newfound friends for our trips home. It's amazing how the extra two weeks of travelling together allows great friendships to develop. We look forward to meeting all and more in Western Australia sometime in 2004!
Our car didn't let us down at all on the trip, and in fact exceeded all expectations using only 2 litres of oil (won't mention the petrol tanker we towed around)! We hope everyone managed to get home safely and without mishap. Also, Rod Dean, could you come to one of our meetings and give us a demo on car polishing, you're such an expert!
Our thanks to the Victorian club for opting for a tour of the little island and for all the hard work by the Vic club and Graham Barwick. It was a wonderful tour, wonderful food and absolutely wonderful hospitality! Thank you very much.
Posted 07/2003 |
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MAY 19th, 2003
100 YEARS of Automobile Manufacture
In 1903, Buick Motor Co. was hardly one of the more promising of the hundreds of tiny automobile companies struggling to emerge across the country. Its founder had produced only two cars in three years of trying. David Dunbar Buick, though an inventor of merit, was sometimes scorned as a dreamer. His company was in debt, its engineer had just left, and its financial backer wanted to bail out.
David Buick, born in Arbroath, Scotland, Sept. 17, 1854, had been a successful plumbing inventor and manufacturer in Detroit when his head was turned by gasoline engines in the late 1890s. He started a succession of companies: Buick Auto-Vim and Power Co. (1899 or 1900), Buick Manufacturing Co. (1901 or 1902) and Buick Motor Co. (incorporated May 19, 1903), all in Detroit.
These companies produced engines for power boats and farm use. By early 1901 a horseless carriage, referred to in letters as “the Buick Automobile,” existed. But Buick traditionally dates its beginnings to 1903 because that was the year Buick Motor Co. was incorporated, refinanced and moved to Flint.
On Sept. 11, 1903, James H. Whiting, manager of the Flint Wagon Works, announced that the wagon works directors had bought the Buick company and would move it “bag, baggage and David Buick” from Detroit. By December, a new one-story brick factory on W. Kearsley Street in Flint was up and running and engines were being built. On Jan. 22, 1904, Buick Motor Co., Detroit, was dissolved and on Jan. 30, 1904, Buick Motor Co., Flint, was incorporated.
Buick claims one of the most important and dramatic chapters in the history of the American automobile. Important? Buick was the financial pillar on which General Motors “today the world’s largest automaker “ was created.
Also, the roster of Buick’s early leaders is an all-star lineup of auto pioneers “William C. Durant, GM’s founder, Charles W. Nash, a founder of what became American Motors, Walter P. Chrysler, founder of Chrysler Corp and Harlow H. Curtice, a GM chief executive in the postwar era and Time magazine’s 1955 “Man of the Year.” As legendary GM President Alfred P. Sloan Jr. once wrote, “Buick had the management of stars.”
Then there’s Louis Chevrolet, who helped Durant found the Chevrolet Motor Co. His earlier stint at Buick was not as an executive but as a star of the Buick racing team.
By the 1920’s, Buick was becoming the car of choice for kings, sultans and political leaders and winning competitions from South America to Australia to the Soviet Union.
To commemorate Buick’s 100 years, Buick Communications have released a special “Buick Centennial media kit” Our website thanks Buick Communications for this material and has included three additional new menu items developed from it’s content.
“100 Years” The Buick Story - events, people and cars, with pictures.
“Emblems” Buick logos and emblems used through the 100 years, with pictures.
“Dream Cars” A compilation of Buick concept vehicles, with pictures
Posted 07/2003 |
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by John Neale
Club member Ron Neale participating in a Regularity Trial at Eastern Creek Race way.
Ron normally competes in a High performance Nissan, when he decided that he wanted a bit more of a challenge so he purchased a 1938 Century for the job.
The only jobs he had to do on the Buick were convert it to 12 volt, tune the engine, fit a new set of radial tires, fit a bonnet strap and fit a catch tank on the engine breather, then of to the track for a couple of hot laps
Ron said the car handled extremely well for what it is, and after a couple of laps he found that there was no need to change down to second gear for the corner as the enormous torque of the Century engine he got as good results leaving it in top gear and just point it at the corner and hang on.
Ron is also a member of the Historic Sporting Car Club, and the popular choice of cars are things like MG’s, Jaguar’s and Austin Healey’s, so you can imagine the interest when a 1938 Buick rolled up and as Ron told the other Drivers at drivers briefing, “I have two ton of car with heaps of power and at this stage I don’t know it will stop so give me room”.
So if you are interested in seeing a 1938 Buick on the limit the next meeting at Wakefield Park is sometime in November, I am sure Ron can let you know the Date.
Posted 10/2003 |
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Each year the CMC (Council of Motor Clubs) hosts a spectactular gathering at Eastern Creek Raceway (Sydney) of the cars belonging to members of the many local car clubs that make up the CMC. This year was no exception and again despite the cold windy weather on sunday August 24. nearly 2000 cars were on display. This year the Buick Club was the feature club in recognition of Buick’s 100th anniversary and a great roll-up of Buicks were presented.
Club member, Alistair Turnbull was there with his camera so enjoy how he saw the day through the lens with this wonderful pictorial record of the event.
Posted 03/2004 |
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The NSW Presidents Run - 2004
story - Jim and Virginia Russell
pictures - Col & Dawn Castle, Lynda Mitchell
(To see all the pictures - scroll to bottom)
Didn't you know it was on? We missed you!!!! Oh well we missed some of you, the rest of you were there having as much fun and laughter as we had!!!
Our weekend was to start off with a drive to Berry on Friday 21st May, after work. Well, we gave that up as a bad idea since we arrived home from work pretty late, and so decided to head off early on Saturday morning arriving in time for breaky and catch up with the other folk who did make it to Berry on Friday for dinner! That was a good idea and we made the cruise in little more than an hour, arriving in time for a great array of cereals, fruit, juices, eggs, baked beans, etc. Yummo!
The accommodation was a former orphanage now owned by the Department of Sport and Recreation and situated on the outskirts of Berry, south of Wollongong. Of course we, the latecomers, were welcomed as though we had forgotten yet another Buick Club event! Would
we?
After breakfast, we had the obligatory photo shoot, cars. In chronological order of course! Go the Prez getting everyone to start up their cold engines and patiently manoeuvre their cars just the way Colin directed! Around that time we had a few drop ins like the Casey’s from Kings Point who didn’t stay with us for long, but it sure was good to meet them.
Photo shoot over, we hit the road for the wineries and discovered why there are two places on the Eastern Seaboard called Coolangatta! You'll have to go there to find out for yourselves if you don't already know!
The wine was quite different at the two wineries we stopped at; not as pleasant as Hunter wines, not that we are experts, but the taste was quite different. Anyhow, some bought a bottle or three and we all had lots of chats and hopped back in our cars and returned to our accommodation for lunch. More lovely food, more chatting and then some of us headed back into Berry for a browse! Lots of crafty boutiques, and various shops willing to part us from our money. The pick of the crop however, and a real fave with most ladies was "Sew and Tell'! More cross stitch and embroidery kits than you could poke a knitting needle at! Some of us went back again and again! Thank goodness for big trunk Buicks!
No visit to Berry is complete without a visit to the Treat Factory. They make just about everything they sell which included dainty chocolates, jams, chutneys, and fruit sauces, and very reasonably priced too! They are proud to advise to advise they now export overseas which is great to hear of an Aussie business.
Back “home” for dinner which was fantastic. Simone and the Chef looked after our waist lines only too well! Didn't matter though that we may have overindulged because Colin and Dawn made sure we worked off any excess with our own Buick Olympic Games!
With games such as “Race the ball down the table with the aid of oodles of air blown through drinking straws”! and beach volley ball played indoors, in the sitting position and with various other hindrances to make the game more fun, A couple of other ball games really had us all “on the ball”, the teams were even but then, Dawn was scoring and both she and Colin were open to graft and corruption well and truly!
To say we all slept pretty well as a result is a bit of an understatement - well most did with the exception of those poor people who had to listen to snoring all night! After yet another fabulous breakfast we gathered near our cars ready for any hint of a drive, in any direction.
Well, Henry and Ruth Booth very kindly invited us all back to their lovely home at Sanctuary Point for morning tea. Very well worth the drive for such a lovely vista and wonderful hospitality. We know we speak for all who attended, and say thank you to the Booths for a
lovely morning.
So then we high tailed it back to "home' for another beaut lunch, more chats and then farewells with promises to catch up again very soon. Oh and one last look in Berry,... well actually, one last look. at “Sew and Tell”!!! And then home through the Sunday afternoon traffic. Wasn't too bad really, well bit hard to see since I was asleep most of the way!
It was great to catch up with so many people, some we hadn't met before and others who are old friends. Everyone had to travel a bit to get there, some a whole lot further than others, but all agreed well worth the trip. Even Dave Roberts' twin brother Phil flew in from Perth to help celebrate their birthday with us!
So, if you have never been on a President's Run, you don’t know what you are missing. But let us tell you, it is the most laughs you can have in a fairly short space or time and really, next time there’s a President’s Run, put your name down to go. You won’t be sorry.
Thank you to Dawn and Colin and their trusty team of helpers who made our weekend very special, loads of fun and very memorable. We hope we can join you on the next one.
Posted 06/2004 |
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Story and pictures contributed by Alistair Turnbull
I had always read that since Fidel Castro took power and the US had enforced trade embargos in 1960, time has stood still for the Cubans.
Upon arrival at Havana airport I was greeted by the usual mob of taxi touts. Straight away I knew something was different. It's not often that cabbies yell out the make and model of their vehicle to potential passengers: '”48 Booi.very nice mister.”
I'd found my ride!
The official policy is that tourists are meant to only ride in the 'modern' 70's Fiat taxis, and only locals can go in the old cars, which are deemed to be too rough for the tender backsides of the western tourist. Not this western tourist though. If you speak enough Spanish to tell the police that you live locally, the cabbies will quite happily accept your tourist dollars.
Wandering around the streets of Havana really is like going back in time. I'd always seen the photos of old cars in Cuba and wondered how long the photographer had waited for them to cruise by. It isn't like that at all. Everywhere you look there is a pre 1960 car going by [all in varying states of decay]
Of the half million cars in Cuba, 20% are said to be pre-1960. That’s around 100,000 classic American cruisers. I certainly wasn't going to disagree with that statistic. There was old Detroit iron around every corner. Paradise for an old car enthusiast, and bliss for a photographer. I thought I’d died and gone to heaven!
According to the locals, the most sought after models are the ‘55-57 Chevys (although the 58 Chev is considered to be a lemon). The ‘57 Buick Roadmaster is the next popular model.
Spare parts are impossible for Cubans to obtain, so they make do by “MacGyvering” bits and pieces together to keep their cars on the road. It can be very confusing when you see the distinctive grill of a 1950 Buick attached to the front of a Chev. Hood ornaments are no help when it comes to trying to recognize a particular model. Cubans seem to work on the theory that if it can be bolted onto the hood, it’ll do. It’s not uncommon to see a Desoto with a Chevrolet emblem on the hood, and a Buick logo on the trunk.
The eclectic mix of cars, the quaint cobblestoned streets, incredible music and the locals’ hospitality, mixed in with a fair degree of urban decay all combines to create an incredible travel experience that couldn’t be replicated anywhere in the world.
Posted 07/2004 |
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Pictures contributed by Alistair Turnbull
At the combined Council of Motor Clubs annual big day out on Sunday the 8th of August at Eastern Creek Raceway there were nearly 2000 collector cars on display.
Our member and pro photographer Alistair Turnbull did a great job snapping the Buicks on show.
The hero picture shows the very recently finished 1912 Buick owned and lovingly restored by club member Graham Weekes. Congratulations Graham on winning the Veteran Class, Most Origional and outright "Grand Champion" of all marques on the day.
Congratulations also to Owen Mansford for second in his class and the Judges Choice of the Day with his beautiful green 1948 Buick Roadmaster Sedanette (thumbnails 3 & 4 below).
Posted 08/2004 |
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History of Buick National Meets in Australia
The Buick Car Club of Australia was founded in Melbourne in 1967 and since then separate clubs have been established in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia with well over 600 members between the four clubs. In April 1977, the Victorian and New South Wales clubs got together to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the formation of the Buick Car Club of Australia. Further interstate trips occurred over the ensuing years, but it was not until 14 years later that a NATIONAL MEET was held where Buick owners from all over Australia were invited to gather together.
In 1991 the very first National Meet was held in Dubbo, NSW. The event was organised and hosted by the NSW club and with well over 100 cars attending, it was deemed a great success. Since that inaugural event, National Meets have been held in Bribie Island (Qld) in 1993, Ballarat (Vic) in 1995, Bathurst (NSW) in 1997, Toowoomba (Qld) in 1999, and Launceston (Tas - hosted by the Victorian Club) in 2002.
In 2004 it was Western Australia’s turn to host the National Meet. It was decided to incorporate a south west tour that would enable visiting members from states all around Australia to see as much of that area as possible. A pre National Meet tour of Kalgoorlie/Boulder (in the goldfields) was held to welcome members driving across Australia.
Enjoy the pictures (below) of the Buicks attending
Posted 12/2004 |
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Take a moment for a different look at the 2004 Buick National Rally in Perth, WA.
Posted 12/2004 |
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Buick makes a statement - a close-up look at the detail
Posted 12/2004 |
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By Eric & Margaret North
Our Buick was delivered to TNT Transport at Villawood on Mon 30th Aug and despatched in a container, by train to Perth, it arrived there on 3rd Sept. We flew to Perth on Thurs 9th and the Buick was waiting for us at the motel, a friend who had arrived a day earlier had collected the car for us. A welcome for the interstate visitors had been arranged at the motel on the Thursday night, but because we had to take a late flight that was almost over by the time we arrived at the Motel.
Friday was registration at Burswood Park near the Casino, but the Buick decided not to start, the battery was flat, apparently the accessory switch had been left on and because the battery was some years old, it was decided that a new battery was the order of the day. The car was jump started and we called into REPCO on the way to park and bought a new battery, fitted it in their car park and still arrived at registration on time. After a "cuppa" it was off to W.A. member Les Woodruff's "House of Buick" for lunch.
Les and June Woodruff own a magnificent property at Bedfordale south of Perth, it is called Mandalay and has a lovely garden, an ornamental pond, I believe stocked with trout, and of course the "shed" or "House of Buick". Les has collected many Buicks over the years and has some 24 Buicks displayed here. The latest acquisition is a 1959 Invicta convertible and it also contains a 1953 Skylark, a 1936 Convertible Sedan (phaeton), 1939 Convertible Coupe and many other desirable Buicks. He also has two Diamond Trucks and has just finished restoring a 1956 Ford F500 truck which he bought new to use on his farm.
After a delicious roast lunch around the pool (above) we were sent back to Perth via the 'scenic route' through Karragullen, Canning Mills and Kalamunda. It really was a scenic route too, through timbered and grazing country, it was a real treat to see everything so green after our drought conditions here on the East Coast. A cocktail party was arranged at the motel for the evening.
Saturday we again assembled at Burswood Park and then to King's Park for morning tea. Kings Park is a magnificent area just out of the Perth C.B.D. The gardens, fountains, treetop walk and the views of the Swan River are all really great, helped by good weather, which we had all weekend. Then we were sent on a tour of Perth's elite suburbs along the Swan River and across to the beach at Cottesloe and down the beach area to Fremantle where the cars were displayed at the waterfront park. I believe the club had to get special permission for this display as cars are not normally allowed on the area. The public seemed to thoroughly enjoy the cars, something like 70 cars were displayed. We had the opportunity of looking at the attractions of historic Fremantle and of course the car museum.
The evening entertainment was a dinner cruise on the Swan River from Perth to Fremantle which was very enjoyable. Buses were arranged to take us from the Motel so the cars would not be left unattended at the wharf.
Sunday was the main day of the event and we all assembled at Guildford for a drive through the picturesque Swan Valley with it's many wineries and places of interest to "crafty" types and on to Bullsbrook for morning tea. From there we did a loop into the foothills of the ranges, again with great scenery, some wildflowers were out and many of the orchards were in blossom. It really was a very pleasant drive for all of us except a member from Albany whose 1930 seized the fan and the fan belt caught fire. Fortunately there was little damage and he was able to get the car back to Perth. It was then on to Whiteman Park for the "Show & Shine" and the "People's Choice" judging.
Whiteman Park is a huge public area to the North East of Perth and is set aside for recreation. The area where the cars were displayed was part of an | | |
