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GRANDFATHER CROPPER THE INVENTOR
Story by John Gerdtz
Over a cold one, the topic got round to the inevitable - cars - and my mate Daryl said, “My Grandfather had a Buick. I’ve got a photo of it.”
Well, it seems Daryl was right. Grandfather Cropper did have a Buick and, as the photo shows, it was a 1908 Model 10.
Now in normal trim Flint made 4002 model 10’s in 1908 and these were fitted with a 4 cylinder engine, 3.75 ins. X 3.75 ins., equalling 165 cu. ins. developing 22.5 h.p., propelled through a 2 speed planetary transmission and stood on an 88” wheel base, wearing 30” X 3” tyres. All of this is impressive but Grandfather Cropper and his mate were into the inventing bit and believed they could do wonders for the ride, hence the modified suspension which was believed to have been patented by them.
Reports have it that it really worked well, but it is hard to describe their invention and a close look at the photo will illustrate this point.
Daryl put me in touch with Auntie Edna who confirmed all the above. She also told me that Grandfather Cropper and his mate developed many things together, including another ride improvement consisting of “S” shaped spring steel spokes in the wheel.
Grandfather Cropper came to Australia in 1898 and made his mark as an engineer, specialising in leather tanning machinery.
Auntie Edna recalls that Grandfather Cropper also owned an early Darraq and a Moline car. Story has it that one day in George Street, Sydney, whilst driving the Darraq, a policeman ran up alongside Grandfather Cropper, pulled him over and booked him for speeding - yes, ran up and pulled him over!!! Story also says that after the policeman completed the formalities of the dangerous infringement, a well dressed gentleman stepped from the footpath and handed George Cropper his card, stating he would speak for George if he needed him to, the card nominating that the gentleman was an official of the Transport Department. Makes one wonder does the quota system go back that far.
The photo is believed to have been taken in 1911 outside the family house in Stanmore.
Pictured in the car is Grandfather Cropper, Daryl’s mother and his uncle.
Appreciation is expressed to Daryl Badman and Edna Cropper for providing the picture and allowing the story to be told.
Posted 05/2002 |
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1924 - Robinson’s, NSW Mototists Road Guide and Buick
Article and images by Marc McInnes
In the vintage years Robinson’s map books were the benchmark for motorists travelling information and guide maps. Their second edition (1924) used a Buick, owned by the author Mr Pearson, in the cover photograph and Sydney Buick dealer, McIntosh & Sons Limited, 20-26 Elizabeth Street, Sydney (and at Lismore) advertised in the publication.
The images are;
1. The cover of Robinson’s, NSW Motorists Road Guide (second edition)
The caption under the photograph reads, “Mr Pearson with his Buick car shod with Dunlop tyres”
Note the book sold for 10/-
2. The fly sheet showing H E C Robinson Limited were located at 221-3 George Street, Sydney.
3. McIntosh’s advertisement in the book
Posted 05/2001 |
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Buick's Remarkable Performance - 1500 Miles Through Western Australia
Article reprinted from “The Buick Bulletin of Australasia” May 1921
Researched by Marc McInnes from original magazine courtesy of Eddie Ford
Motor cars are often put to severe tests in the country districts of Australia, but it would be hard to imagine a more severe task than that which was recently asked of a Buick. The car shown in the pictures, covered a journey of 1,500 miles from Roebourne, (W.A.), to Perth. The country traversed is for a great part rough, and in places, treacherous, but the Buick -a 1919 model - came Through with flying colors.
The illustration above gives some idea of the boggy nature of the soil. The car has sunk well down to the rear axle, and the mud on the front wheel is several inches thick, yet the owner, Mr. Keith Mackay, assures us that the car got out of this bog UNDER IT'S OWN POWER. The Buick treated the creek shown in the second illustration as something of a joke. She carried three passengers with their luggage, and on the whole trip not one mechanical trouble occurred. There were nine punctures, but as a. gentleman who knows the country remarked, "It is a wonder there were not 90 punctures and a few funerals." With the exception of one night when the car ran until 10 p.m. all the travelling was done in daylight, the journey occupying four and a half days. Roeburne is a township on the north-west coast. It would serve as a fine location for a moving picture, dealing with an incident in the back blocks.
Posted 01/2003 |
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An Eight Year Old Driver of a Buick
Article reprinted from “The Buick Bulletin of Australasia” April 1921
Researched by Marc McInnes from the original magazine courtesy of Eddie Ford
Some time ago Mr. Harry Mullett, pastoralist (who owns Monduran Station, outside Bundaberg), purchased a Buick car from the Howard Motor Co., Brisbane. This car has already done 9000 miles and, as Mr. Mullet says, is going great guns, and he is so enthusiastic about it that had things gone decently in the stock line he intended placing an order for a 1921 model, as he concludes from our description that it must be a very fine car.
The subject of our photograph is Mr. Mullet's son, Irvine, who can handle the Buick Six with confidence. He learnt to drive at the age of seven, and is now a little over eight. He drives from Monduran Station to Bundaberg, a distance of over 40 miles, over some very difficult roads and hills, which include the Bullyard Range. He is quite an expert driver over country roads, and understands how to handle the car on any steep grade. This speaks volumes for the simplicity of the Buick and the easy gear changes, He recently drove to Gin Gin by himself, struck a big sand patch, put on the chain, and got through with flying colors. Although he is not very big, he. is quite strong for h:s age, and is an expert swimmer, a good gun and rifle shot, and a fine rider.
This goes to illustrate the great simplicity and ease with which the Buick can be handled, and this fact alone should appeal to the lady driver, and also inspire with confidence those who have daughters who are diffident about handling a car.
Posted 01/2003 |
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Article reprinted from “The Buick Bulletin of Australasia” June 1920
Researched by Marc McInnes from the original magazine courtesy of Eddie Ford
OVER THE WEST COAST SAND HILLS
Mr. Denning's Buick Amongst - the Sand Hills
(The Editor, "Buick Bulletin.")
Dear Sir,-
The 1917 Model 6 Buick 1 purchased from Messrs. Eyes & Crowle, Ltd., now over two years, after constant running, has indeed been a very satisfactory car. The West Coast of South Australia is by no means a motorist's paradise. The Good Roads Association have left this vast undeveloped portion of South Australia in its virgin state, which consists of principally mallee and saltbush, and lime stones and sand. The roads in many places are not fit to put a car on. What with mallee stumps, washout, sandhills, and cut up dusty roads, also bog holes when it rains, nothing but a sound car will last, and be frugal to the owner.
The easy running of the six cylinder Buick is due to its three power impulses per revolution of the crank shaft. This continuous flow of overlapping power pulsations results in a flexi- bility which practically does away with any changing of gears, quick "get-away," hills in top, from a creep to a racing speed without altering the gears, freedom from vibration, silence, economy in fuel, oil and tyres, which no four cylinder car can perform in the same easy manner. During my itinerary, I have not seen the car that I could write about as I can regarding the Buick. I have proved the Buick for reliability. Its working parts are almost impervious to wear.
It is a pleasure to ride and drive in a Buick. I have not had any engine or ignition trouble. The Buick is a well-designed motor car, and engine accessibility and any adjustments are easily and quickly made. I run my car all over Eyre's Peninsula, Port Lincoln, Fowler's Bay, Minippa Hill, Kimba, Port Augusta, and from Franklin Harbour to Adelaide. I am enclosing some photos taken of my car, one at Elliston (Peace Day), and two small snaps of the car going over some of our West Coast sand hills. I have had all sorts of trips over this part, and make my living with the Buick car.-
Yours truly,
A. L. DENNING,
Posted 01/2003 |
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Article reprinted from “The Buick Bulletin of Australasia” June 1920
Researched by Marc McInnes from the original magazine courtesy of Eddie Ford
Where Humans are There are Buicks
Buick Greets Visitors to Mudgee
The great popularity of the BUICK Car in the Burra District (South Australia) is evidence from this photograph. The South Australian Distributors for the BUICK (Eyes & Crowle, Ltd,) have a Branch Garage at the Burra, and the number of sales made in that district spell out the success of this Car for station and back country work.
Posted 01/2003 |
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Article reprinted from “The Buick Bulletin of Australasia” June 1920
Researched by Marc McInnes from the original magazine courtesy of Eddie Ford
Buicks and Golden Grain
Attached Photo Caption: Mr. L M Gilbert, Maitland SA, Buick Agent
Mr. L. M. Gilbert, of Maitland, Yorke's Peninsula, only pushes quality goods, and fixed on the Buick Agency last October, and, despite abnormal conditions of trade, twenty-four of these cars have been placed in commission in his territory, and are giving entire satisfaction.
Reports to hand so far indicate good results in petrol consumption, 24 miles and upwards being got in many cases, and bearing in mind the newness of all the cars placed in his district, the future for Buicks looks rosy. For speed, endurance and riding comfort the Buick holds first place in Mr. Gilbert's opinion, backed up by 15 years of practical engineering experience, and the absence of tail swinging in the Buick accounts for the economical running of the car.
On his numerous visits to Adelaide, the notorious Wakeficid swamps have to be crossed, and whether in fairweather or foul, no detour is ever made by the Buick, as the great power so evenly delivered by the valve-in-head motor, coupled with the even balance, and the absence of unsprung weight of the whole outfit, enables the Buick to travel this muddy stretch most times on high gear. On the return journey, the Hummocks have many times been climbed on high gear with six adult passengers, and anyone knowing the grade and class of road encountered on this hill will appreciate what a good performance this is.
Several long distance high speed drives have been undertaken by Mr. Gilbert, the best performance on the Buick chassis, in company with Mr. A. B. Moody, being Maitiand to Adelaide, 105 miles, in 2 hours 31 minutes, including crossing the Hummocks; and Adelaide to Aldgate via Mount Lofty, 12 and 1/2 miles, in 25 minutes. Mr. Gilbert believes in specialising in one car, and the Buick reputation will build him a permanent asset.
Attached Photo Caption: L. M. Gilbert's Garage at Maltland, S.A.
BUICK Agent for Yorkes Peninsula-one of the most, if not the most, prosperous wheat growing districts In S.A.
The Buick has a great hold on the Peninsula, and is immensely popular. 24 of the new "Sixes" have been placed just recently by this enthusiastic Buick Agent. 1
Here are some letters Mr. Gilbert has received from Buick owners in Yorke Peninsula.-
"The Buick purchased by me in 1917 from Eyes & Crowle, Ltd., is still running well, having completed 1500 miles without any mechanical attention. My total repairs bill is 9/- covering this period, and I have three of the original tyres still on the old bus. Petrol consumption shows 25 miles.per gallon, and for sweetness of running I think the Buick takes some beating. As an appreciation of Buick quality, my brother has just purchased a latest model, and I know he will have a good time with same.
Yours for continued success,
(Signed) E. W. DAVIES.
Urania, S.A., March 22, 1920.
I purchased my third Buick last November, having had two previous models, and think the latest production quite up to Buick standard. I have received every satisfaction from my cars, averaging quite 25 miles per gallon of fuel and about 1600 miles on oil. The mechanical attention is practically nil, and the tyre mileage very high, but the fact that impresses me most is the unusual secondhand value of Buick sixes.
Yours truly,
(Signed) E. CROSBY.
Arthurton. SA, March 20th, 1920.
I have only used the Buick to date as a chassis, awaiting , a single-seater body, but results so far indicate a high quality job.
I have owned and driven for some time various makes of cars, but Buick for mine. The 'Scooter,' as she is called, did ,a fast trip to Adelaide in 2 hours 31 minutes, with your local representative and myself on board, some weeks ago, and the time will take some beating. Petrol consumption, I can vouch, has reached as high as 28 miles per gallon, and oil consumption is extremely light, and I almost forget the water in the radiator.
A. B. MOODY,
Gortmore, SA
Posted 01/2003 |
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Article reprinted from “The Buick Bulletin of Australasia” June 1920
Researched by Marc McInnes from the original magazine courtesy of Eddie Ford
Nothing Whatever Wrong with the Whole Works
Attached Photo Caption: Mr. M. H. F. Noll, Port Pirie.
Mr. M. H. F. Noll of Port Pirie, S.A., recently wrote to Messrs. Eyes & Crowle:-
Dear Sir,-
Please find enclosed a. snap of our 'bus after a desperate race from Port Pirie to a fruit garden 10 miles out on the River Broughton. It's needless, to say which one won the race. Our 'bus" is still going strong, more so since I've had her down for a cleaning out of carbon. I was very much taken up to find out that there is not the slightest sign of wear on the crank, rods, pistons, or any other bearing; everything was well oiled, the piston rings were free, nothing whatever wrong with the whole works. The fine bearings take my eye. There is plenty of surface, hence the wear is cut down to a minimum.
I'm thoroughly satisfied, after four years of running, with practically no trouble, speaks well for a Buick. I like them, and they'll always do me.
You may use this as you think fit. Wishing you every success in the future.
Posted 01/2003 |
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Article reprinted from “The Buick Bulletin of Australasia” June 1920
Researched by Marc McInnes from the original magazine courtesy of Eddie Ford
Leiut.-Colonel Sir Henry Galway the late govenor of South Australia, a motoring enthusiast, is pictured here with his 1916 Buick Six.
Posted 01/2003 |
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Article reprinted from “The Buick Bulletin of Australasia” June 1920
Researched by Marc McInnes from the original magazine courtesy of Eddie Ford
The Man Who Claims to Own the Best Motor Car in the World
Attached Photo Caption: Inspector Kemp and his Buick Car.
Manager, Co-op. Garage.
Sir,-
Since my arrival in Mt. Gambier I have to thank you for the kindness and attention shown me and my car. Of course, me being a Buick owner, and you being a Buick agent, may account for the brotherly treatment. I may tell you that I own the best car in the world, and I feel sure you consider you are rightly representing the best car in the world. I travelled overland from Corryong, Victoria, doing a total of 543 miles. I had my oil registering full when I left home, and I never put any more in, and when I arrived in Mt. Gambier I still registered a quarter full. My petrol consumption tallied out at 22 miles to the gallon right through. I never once raised the bonnet, only to oil the parts, and only had one puncture on the trip. My car comes from mountainous country, and has done trips in places where no other cars ever go. In thanking you again, Mr. Marks, I wish you success with your Buick agency, but feel sure you have not much talking to do. "All Buicks talk for themselves."
Faithfully yours,
INSPECTOR KEMP.
Posted 01/2003 |
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Article reprinted from “The Buick Bulletin of Australasia” June 1920
Researched by Marc McInnes from the original magazine courtesy of Eddie Ford
In 1920 Eyes and Crowle Ltd., were the state distributors for Buick in South Australia
Posted 01/2003 |
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Article reprinted from “The Buick Bulletin of Australasia” June 1920
Researched by Marc McInnes from the original magazine courtesy of Eddie Ford
In 1920 the Co-operative Garage Society Limited, Watson Terrace, Mount Gambier S.A. were the Buick Service Station for the South-East of South Australia.
A strong link in the World's chain of Buick Service Stations
Posted 01/2003 |
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Article reprinted from “The Buick Bulletin of Australasia” January 1921
Researched by Marc McInnes from the original magazine courtesy of Eddie Ford
''Over the Top" in a Buick
We are in receipt of three very interesting photographs from Mr. P. A. Mclntosh, which we think are worthy of mention, in as much as the Buick illustrated, driven by Mr. Mclntosh, undertook the journey under adverse conditions.
The trip was taken after one of our recent heavy rains, and, as can be imagined, the state of the roads was none too good. The journey was from Sydney to Mount Victoria, via Kurrajong and Bell, and, owing to the soakage, in several places trees had fallen across the path. In the first photograph, two trees have fallen across the road and completely blocked traffic.
The heighth of the obstruction can be estimated from the position of the car before crossing, and the passenger standing in front.
The next picture shows the Buick going "OVER THE TOP!"
It would be quite natural to ask: Why not make a detour? But, when one considers that Mr. Mclntosh had made about 60 miles along this road with no branch road leading from the main road, and that he was within about ten miles of his destination, it can readily be understood that every attempt should be made to get beyond the barrier.
Fortunately, Mr. Mclntosh was driving a Buick car, and, due to the wonderful pulling power of the Buick Valve-in-Head motor, and capacity to stand up, in this instance, the car did a little bit more than originally designed for.
We might add that the only damage done was a bent tie-rod which did not in any way hold up the car for the balance of the journey. The road covered is a very dangerous one, as there is a drop of several hundred feet on one side, and a slight skid or poor judgment-would mean serious damage to the car, and possibly death to the occupants.
The last picture shows the car just after having surmounted the obstacle, and ready for a continuation of the journey.
Posted 01/2003 |
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Article reprinted from “The Buick Bulletin of Australasia” May 1921
Researched by Marc McInnes from the original magazine courtesy of Eddie Ford
Successful Function Marks Opening of Parramatta Road
Ministers Promise New Scheme
Parramatta Road witnessed a sight on April 16, which was unique in the history of the roadway. It was that of nearly 1,000 motor cars laden with passengers whose faces were wreathed with smiles of satisfaction. For was not the renovated road being officially opened. Those who had occasion to use the wretched apology for a modern road in recent years were astounded when gliding over the smoothly tarred surface of the re-modelled thoroughfare. The ruts and the puddles, the holes and the spring breaking. projections were gone. Instead there was a long ribbon of asphalted track, stretching for nine miles and ten chains free from bumps and wrinkles literally beseeching the motorist to "come along and try me." What was once the bug- bear of the tourist has been transformed into one of those glazed top stretches which make motoring, whether it be for pleasure or for commerce, a thing of joy.
The opening ceremony was performed in Parramatta Park, by the State Governor, Sir Walter Davidson. Around him were parked the 1,000 cars which after assembling in the Sydney Domain had traversed the fourteen miles to the historic town. The Governor's speech was one of those gems with which he frequently adorns official, and semi-official functions. Behind the barrage of humor which Sir Waiter dropped from his elevated stand, were some seriously worded injunctions on the subject of the need for good roads.
"That needless sinners should be damned unless they mend their ways." Said the Governor quoting from the immortal Scottish bard, Burns. Then he congratulated the district on "having mended its ways."
"This time I have come to Parramatta in comfort," began Sir Walter, amidst reminiscent laughter. “There was no fear that whilst crossing the 'Dardanelles' water would come over the carburettor. And now I hope that being bogged is a thing of the past” The road has been admirably made and is a very fine specimen of Australian handiwork.
"With proper care this road should last a long time," he went on, "but of all the great cities in the world the roads in Sydney and around Sydney are the worst that I have ever known. And now the time has come when we can put the railways in their proper places, and realise that motor traffic on the, roads is the most important of all the traffic."
Whatever the Government did, it did well, but sometimes it look rather a long time about it. Hence he strongly commended the Parramatta Road Improvement League, and the societies which were agitating for good, trunk roads, and trying to induce the Government to push on with the improvement of the main roads.
"Of course," commented the Governor, "It is everybody's fault but the Government's. I agree with that. The first serious charge that could he made against the Government was in 1854, when there was a. very strong protest in Parliament about the shameful state of the Parramatta Road. But I have been reading over what has been happening in Parliament during the ten years they have taken over the Parramatta Road, (whilst we had to go round by Ryde), and I know the number of cooks who have been making a broth of the road. There are 15 municipalities along the route, and one never answers letters. (Not this).
"I would suggest," he said later, "that now a commencement has been made, and now that we have really got engineers and road-making plant, that we might set to work on some more of the hundred thousand miles of road in New South Wales. There are a hundred thousand miles altogether; 36,000 have never been made at all -people have trusted in nature- 30,000 have roots dug out; and another 16,000 are in the process of being made roads; so it comes down to only 18,000 miles of road in first- class condition, a very small proportion in an important State."
Sir Walter Davidson then officially opened the road, saying, "I declare the Parramatta Road open, and I declare it also the best road in New South Wales, and I hope it will not be solitary very long."
The Governor was welcomed by the Mayor of Parramatta (Alderman Simpson). Other speakers included Messrs. Morphett (president of the local Chamber of Commerce), Strudwick (vice- president of the, Parramatta Road Improvement League), D. M. Cooper (chairman of the Roads and Tourists Committee of Royal Automobile Club), F. Cridland (president of the Master Carriers' Union), and S. L. Tyler (president of the Motor-Traders' Union).
"I want to assure Messrs. Mutch and Lang," said Mr. Cooper, "on behalf of the Automobile Club, that we have no politics where roads are concerned. There should not be motor taxation, where motorist are taxed as a class. Not only motorists, but all users of the roads should he made to pay something for them. We want taxation which is equitable and fair. And, provided that it is just taxation, we will not complain."
The. speech of Mr. J. T. Lang, (State Treasurer), contained some news of interest to motorists. It was, in brief, a scheme to put in order the main roads of the County of Cumberland. This will he the beginning of a proposal to re-condition the whole of the roads of the State. In announcing the scheme the Treasurer said that the £500,000 necessary to repair the main roads of the County of Cumberland would be raised by local loan. It would carry interest at the rate of five and a half per cent, free of State and Federal-income tax, and would have a currency of ten years. The extended scheme to cover the whole State would be embodied in legislation to, be submitted to Parliament early next session.
Reverting to the County of Cumberland proposition, the Treasurer said, that in conformity with the Government's decision to raise the half million of money it had been resolved to enlarge the scope of the Main Roads Bill introduced last session -extending the area it covered. In last session's bill the scheme stopped practically at Parramatta. It was now proposed, with the consent of the Minister for Local Government, to extend its scope right throughout the County of Cumberland. .
The proposal would embody the re-conditioning of the South Coast, the Great Southern, the Great Western , and the Great Northern roads. That would mean, that the roads from Sydney to Bulli, from Sydney to Campbelltown and Camden, the Parramatta-road from Parramatta along the Woodville road to the Great Southern road, and the one from Sydney to Wiseman's Ferry -the four main arteries leading from the city into the interior- would be put in the same excellent condition as the stretch of re-made thoroughfare from Sydney to Parramatta. The Government, he pointed out, had well carried out the re- construction of the Parramatta-road, and he could urge with confidence the people -the motor traders, the automobile people, the master carriers, everybody- to get behind the Ministry in this new proposal. That £500,000 was essential. The local government authorities had worked out the plans and the method of construction, and he had arranged with the Minister for Public Works that the work should not be stuck up because of the lack of, blue metal, so that everything was ready waiting for the necessary money.
The arrangement with the Minister for Works was that the State quarry at Port Kembla should temporarily put more men on and set its crushing plant to full capacity, thus supplying 170,000 tons of blue metal a year. That would enable the work to be pushed ahead expeditiously, and at the same time would be the means of stopping the complaints of municipal councils about the lack of supplies of blue metal for all ordinary purposes.
"We say," declared Mr. Lang, "that we will put these main roads into exactly the same condition as the Parramatta-road is in to-day, and we will do it just as expeditiously as we have done Parramatta-road. Inside of two years the half million will be spent, and we will have good roads right throughout the County of Cumberland."
The expenditure for the first year, he explained, would total about £180,000, but after that, as more extensive plant was secured, the rate of expenditure would be increased." It was explained by the Treasurer that the loan would really be part.of the recent £3,000,000 flotation. This loan was not fully subscribed, and would now be re-opened, but the £500,000 would be specially earmarked for the County of Cumberland roads.
The Minister for Local Government (Mr. T. D. Mutch) then vigorously replied to a suggestion by Mr. Cooper (of the Automobile Club) that the whole of the revenue gathered from the motor tax should be put in a main roads fund and spent on the upkeep of the State's thoroughfares.
"The motor people," declared Mr. Mutch, "will persist in misconstruing the situation.' As a matter of fact, we actually give the municipal councils of New South Wales much more for road re- pairing than we receive from the motor tax."
"Oh, no!" came a chorus.
"I tell you it is correct," said the Minister. "Last year the got about £125,000 from the tax, and the grants to the municipal councils totalled £160,000. If the tax money was specially earmarked, the councils would probably get less for their roads."
Mr. Mitch proceeded to surprise the crowd by the announcement that in re-conditioning the Parramatta-road the Government committed an illegal act.
"Yes, an illegal act," he declared.
The measure amending the Main Roads Bill passed last session so that it would cover the roads of the whole State, he added would be introduced into Parliament in a month or two--as soon as the House met. The only trouble was that some people were misrepresenting the position to the. councils. He asked them not to rush in urging opposition to a measure before they knew what was. in it. That was the sort of thing calculated to harass the Government.
Neither of the Ministers stated what amount of money would be necessary for the latter project or by what means it was to be raised.
Posted 01/2003 |
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EDGERTONS GARAGE - STAWELL VICTORIA
Article reprinted from "Motor Progress" July 1927, Volume 1, No 10
Researched and contributed by Marc McInnes from the original magazine
On the right is a picture of Edgerton's Garage and Service Station, Stawell. This well set-out service station is in the main street, at the main entrance to the town and presents a very pleasing appearance in such a commanding position.
(Ed's note: Although the magazine article is July 1927 the car pictured appears to be a Buick model 25-45)
Posted 02/2004 |
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1920 Buick's Sold in Naracoote
Article reprinted from “The Buick Bulletin of Australasia” June 1920
Researched by Marc McInnes from the original magazine courtesy of Eddie Ford
The photo was captioned:
"Away West-Buicks for Naracoote."
Sold by the Co-operative Garage Society of Mount Gambler, to Mr. A.C. McMahon and Mrs. J. G. Humphreys.
Posted 01/2003 |
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Article reprinted from “The Buick Bulletin of Australasia” June 1920
Researched by Marc McInnes from the original magazine courtesy of Eddie Ford
The photo is captioned:
H R. Laycock's garage at Riverton, S.A. Buick Agent for Riverton and District.
Another link in the chain of Buick Service Stations.
Posted 01/2003 |
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WINTER & TAYLOR, GEELONG
Article reprinted from “The Buick Bulletin of Australasia” April 1921
Researched by Marc McInnes from the original magazine courtesy of Eddie Ford
An Up-to-Date Buick Service Station
The Buick Service Station operated by Messrs. Winter, and Taylor, at Geelong, Victoria, is a credit to the Buick organization, and the large number, of Buick cars they are selling is evidence of the satisfactory service Buick owners are receiving.
Posted 01/2003 |
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Article reprinted from “The General Motors Dealer" March 1930
Researched and contributed by Marc McInnes
Another Marquette Victory
Buick's Companion Car gives Phenomenal TOP Gear Demonstration over the Big Hill, N.S.W.
The Buick built car, Marquette, which was only recently released to the Australian public, has lost no time in making its presence felt in the motoring world and substantiating the remarkable performance claims made by its builders for acceleration and general flexibility. The claims were so forceful that many experienced motorists were somewhat sceptical and their curiosity aroused. Consequently a search was immediately set for the unsurmountable difficulties of steep grades and hill climb tests.
Marquette negotiates "'Big Hill" in top
In New England, the Big Hill, on the Glen Innes-Grafton Road, which is well known to most motorists, was selected to either substantiate or disprove the remarkable flexibility of the Marquette.
Mr. Stewart Galletly, Managing Director of Glen Innes Motors Ltd.. accompanied by Guide Gordon of the N.R.M.A., and Mr. B. Condon, of the ,"Examiner" staff, tried a standard tourer out with windscreen and hood up. The gruelling tests of five steep winding miles was faced under the strict observance of the officials named. The first series of hills was negotiated with remarkable case, the bends and grades being taken at any pace the driver wished. Owing to the depth of water in Diehard Creek the car had to be brought to a very low speed, but despite this handicap the immediate grade was ascended and the machine freely paced the long succession of hills.
Two steep grades were encountered and the bends on top of each taken at 15 and 10 miles per hour. The car never faltered but climbed on. The hairpin bend was taken with ease and the negotiation of Macquarie Turn was faced. The car successfully mounted the grade and its running pace dropped to 10 miles an hour, and won through, this being the steepest and most difficult section of the climb.
Proceeding, the well was passed at 25 miles an hour and the speed in- creased to 35 miles an hour when Horse Shoe Bend was taken, which offered little resistance to the speed of the machine. Once over this the Hill was conquered and the Marquette gained a victory.
The Big Hill has been recognised throughout Australia as being an impossible climb for a standard model car in top gear. It is not only the grade which makes the hill climb difficult but also the many 'S' and hairpin bends which have to be negotiated and present themselves every few chains, while an error of judgment would precipitate the machine a few hundred feet over the side. As a rule the Hill is ascended in second and low gear, with heated engines, but the Marquette finished normally, no signs of boiling or over-heating. The same drivers ascended the Hill twice, just to prove that it was not a stunt and to substantiate the claims made by the makers for this unique car.
Pictured (above): Guide Gordon, of the N.R.M.A., Mr. Stewart Galletly, Managing Director of Glen Innes Motors Ltd , and Mr. B. Condon, of the "Examiner" newspaper were the occupants of the car which ascended the Hill twice to prove it was not a stunt and to substantiate the claims of Marquette.
Thumbnail (below): The Marquette negotiated the famous Horse Shoe Bend at thirty-five miles per hour.
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Production Line Methods have changed at Woodville!
Article reprinted from “GMH employee magazine “People” Sept 1953
Researched & contributed by Marc McInnes
STRIKING contrast in early methods of motor car body manufacture compared with the smooth production line technique of to-day is shown in the photographs, made available to People by Acting Chief Inspector at GMH Woodville, BILL AMES. They show three stages in the manufacture of Buick Sedan bodies at the old Holden's Motor Body Builders' works at Adelaide in 1927.Washing down & sanding processAssembling and
panelling line
Two other photographs of early GMH operations at Woodville show the rigid tests carried out on the first all-steel Chevrolet sedan built at Woodville in 1936. The photographs, loaned by W. J. HEWITT, of Woodville, show the great weight of hardwood timber balanced on the hood of the Chevrolet to test its structural strength. Finished bodies ready
for packing
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Article reprinted from “The Buick Bulletin of Australasia” June 1920
Researched by Marc McInnes from the original magazine courtesy of Eddie Ford
RACV Hill Climb 1920
In the Victory Hill Climb, organized by the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria, Buicks again demonstrated their capabilities over hills. The accompanying photograph shows Mrs. D. E. Rowlands in the "Buick" she has driven for some considerable time. In the ladies' competition she put up an excellent performance, and in the owner drivers' event she was again a competitor, and proved that a "Buick," when driven by a woman, can hold its own against all other makes of cars driven by male drivers. In the chassis competition a "Buick" tied for fastest time, ascending the hill in 1.15, tying with a 30 h.p. car-proving that the "Buick" 25 has more ginger under the bonnet than the motorist is likely to require.
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THE BUICK BULLETIN OF AUSTRALASIA
Webmasters Note:
The Buick Bulletin in the early 1920’s was the“Press Organ of Buick Car Owners and Dealers” in Australia and New Zealand. The editor invited correspondence which was to be addressed to him at Room 7, 5th Floor, Ocean House, Moore Street, Sydney. There is no listing for Moore Street, Sydney in the current street directory.
A notice to Buick Owners states, “The editor would be glad to receive photographs from Buick Owners illustrating tours, little-known beauty spots or other items of interest to other Buick Car Owners.” Many of the articles appearing in this section of the website are taken from these publications.
Five of these rare magazines in very original condition were used by Marc McInnes to produce these stories. The magazines were graciously loaned for this purpose to Marc by Eddie Ford. BCCA-NSW is indebited to these two enthuasists for permitting this history to be shared by all Buick enthuasists.
The covers of these five magazines are reproduced. It is interesting to note the excellent use of colour in print so long ago.
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Researched and contributed by Marc McInnes from the original magazine
Motor Progress, was at the time the GMA (General Motors Australia) in house dealer magazine.
Vol 2, No 5, May 1929 featured a 29' Buick sedan on the cover and a Buick dealer advertisment on the back.
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Article reprinted from “The Buick Bulletin of Australasia” June 1920
Researched by Marc McInnes from the original magazine courtesy of Eddie Ford
Over the Dorrigo Mail Trail
The Buick, because of its Power, Economy, and Reliability is a Popular Car for Strenuous Mail Services
Two photographs of the Dorrigo Mail Service, North Coast, remarkable for bad roads, which are said to be the worst in New South Wales. Our readers will notice that all of the cars are Buicks, two 1918 and two 1919. The photographs show the usual run of things, and how they are usually loaded. The stop on the wayside is one of the mountain streams, from which water is taken to put in the radiator. The Dorrigo Motor Co. run a daily service between Macksviile, Dorrigo and Coff's harbour.
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Article reprinted from "Motor Progress" Nov 1927
Researched by Marc McInnes from the original magazine
BUICK COMPLETES RECORD TRIP ROUND AUSTRALIA
A tour of unusual interest which has just been completed was that recently undertaken by Messrs, Woodward and Mayor in a standard Buick car. These motorists, who set out with the intention of breaking the record for the run right round Australia, left Melbourne on August 18th, arriving back on October 3rd, six weeks later, only 19 days of which constituted actual driving time.
This trip has never before been completed in less than three months, so that the 19 days is regarded as a great achievement, particularly with respect to the conditions under which the trip was run. An unfortunate occurance near Cue, West Australia, where a “spoon” drain was struck, when the car was travelling at high speed, resulted in the drivers having to spend ten days in hospital, their car having turned over.
From Cue to Melbourne, a distance of 2750 miles, Mr Mayor had to do the driving alone, as Mr Woodward’s dislocated shoulder, which he had sustained in the accident at Cue, would not permit of his taking the wheel. Driving for a speed record is a trying ordeal at any time, but where one man has to do all the driving for many hundreds of miles the nerve strain is very great.
Both Mr Woodward and Mr Mayor expressed themselves as keenly disappointed that, due to these circumstances, they were unable to break the record for Perth to Adelaide run, although they covered the distance in almost record time.
The whole trip was one of adventure. The route followed was via Sydney, Brisbane, Rockhampton, Katherine River, Darwin, back to Katherine river and thence to Derby, Broome, Port Headland, Marble Bar, Meekatharra, Cue, Perth and Adelaide. A large portion of this route was over unmade roads and the travelling was at times very rough. Between Katherine River and Darwin, a distance of 220 miles, there were 92 creeks to be crossed. In another stretch of 50 miles, there were 80 gates to be opened and shut again.
Dense prickly pear country, with no sign of a track through it, had to be traversed; long stretches of sand had to be crossed, where ordinary travellers use the camel. Here the motorists deflated their baloon tyres and so were able to negotiate the sand in top gear - in one place the sand stretched for sixteen miles without a break, but no difficulity was experienced
In another district there is a steady hill-climb of 36 miles, but even here the Buick engine lived up to its reputation. In only one place on the whole trip did the Buick have to get help-this was at the Fitzroy River, in West Australia-a crossing which no car has ever been known to negotiate unaided. a team of donkeys is usually employed to haul motorists across the river, the bed of which is a mass of quicksands. However when Messrs, Woodward and Mayor arrived the donkeys were not available, so the Buick was hauled across by aborigines-surely a unique spectacle.
Mr Woodward cannot give sufficient praise to the Buick. He has driven a Buick for many years and knows its merit; that is why he decided to do this trip with a Buick. But even with his knowledge of the car, he was amazed at the performance of the Buick on the trip. No engine trouble whatever was experienced, and not one item of the stock of spare parts which was carried was required. It was an outstanding tribute to a car that it could travel nearly 10,000 miles under the most indifferent road conditions, over sandy stretches and through innuberable creeks, the whole trip at a high rate of speed and required no attention whatever from its driver.
This Buick was a standard model taken from stock and carried a load equal in weight to a Buick sedan, so the achievement ranks as one of exceptional interest in the long list already to Buick’s credit.
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Article reprinted from “The Buick Bulletin of Australasia” Feb 1921
Researched by Marc McInnes from the original magazine courtesy of Eddie Ford
The Buick exhibit of Messrs. Mclntosh and Sons Ltd. was probably one of the most tastefully arranged in the recent motor show, held in Sydney. And as for service, one had but to step in to the Buick exhibit to have a suave, courteous attendant explain the many good points of the remarkable Buick Valve-in- Head motor car. We understand that there were quite a number of orders booked at the show, and we cannot help but feel that the courteous reception of visitors, the desire to please and to impart information, had quite a bit to do with the booking of these orders.
NSW Buick Distributor - McIntosh and Sons Ltd.
Mr. Peter McIntosh, Governing Director of the firm of McIntosh and Sons Ltd., Sydney, is probably one of the most successful business men in Australia to-day. He is a man with over thirty years' standing in the business world, and has the happy faculty of making a success of every line of endeavour into which he has entered.
Commencing business in a small way, he soon sprang into prominence. He is the founder of the Hamilton Flour Mills, at Hamilton, Newcastle, and also of P. McIntosh and Co., Quirindi, Universal Providers, and founders of the Quirindi Flour Mills. He is one of the principal organisers of the firm of Gillespie and McIntosh, flour miners, Inverell. He is the director in a large number of city warehouses, which are all successful concerns to-day.
Mr. McIntosh's first entry into the motor business was 1909, when he started a small shop in Market Street, and, since that time, it has grown, until to-day, when the firm of McIntosh and Sons Ltd. is probably one of the largest motor businesses in Australia.
Of course, no small measure of Mr. McIntosh's success in the motor business is due to the wonderful Buick Valve-in-Head Motor Car, but this does not detract from the fact that he was far-sighted enough to see the remarkable possibilities of this car in Australia. He has made several visits to the Buick factory in America, and knows just what this reliable car is doing in other portions of the world. As a matter of fact, there is scarcely a season goes by but what Mr. McIntosh, or a representative of his organisation, visits America, so that, at all tirnes, the firm of Mclntosh and Sons Ltd. is thoroughly abreast of the times in the motor world.
Mr. S. L. Tyler, managing director of the firm of Mclntosh and Sons Ltd., was born in Adelaide some forty years ago. He became interested in motors, in about 1902, went abroad in 1903, and finally settled in Sydney in 1907 in the motor trade. He became identified with the General Motor Co, of Sydney. now defunct, then with Davies and Fehon, importers of Ford and European cars.
In 1913 Mr. Tyler took over the management of Mclntosh and Sons Ltd., later becoming a Director. He is ever active in the interests of his company, rarely missing a point to make of the firm of Mclntosh and Sons Ltd., one of the leaders in the automotive industry in Australia.
He is also an energetic member of the Motor Traders' Association - having, in 1914, become a member of the Committee. When, in 1915-16, embargoes were talked of by the Governmeit, Mr. Tyler took great activity in protesting. His work, in this respect, was greatly appreciated by the motor traders, and he became a delegate to the Federal Convention, and was elected Vice-President of the Motor Traders' Association. After two years, he became President of the Association, which position be now holds. Mr. Tyler was chairman of the recent motor show held in Sydney, and it speaks very well for his organising ability that the show was such a tremendous success.
We feel that Mclntosh and Sons Ltd. are to be congratulated upon having on their executive staff a man of such sterling worth as Mr. S. L. Tyler has proven himself to be.
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Article reprinted from “The Buick Bulletin of Australasia” January 1921
Researched by Marc McInnes from the origional magazine courtesy of Eddie Ford
Selwyn to Baulia Road - Queensland
Selwyn to Baulia, 1918 -Model Buick, Nine passenger, two baskets of travellers' samples, and all the passenger luggage. You can only see seven passengers in the picture, there is one in the car and one with the camera.
We are indebted to Mr. H. Lonergan, of Messrs. Stretton and Lonergan, Selwyn, North Queensland, for the "above illustration of a "1918 Model Buick." In writing, Mr. Lonergan says:
"When this photograph was taken there were nine passengers comprising the load. Only seven, however, can be seen in the picture'one is operating the camera, and one in the car not visible. You will note the baskets of travellers' samples besides all the other passengers' luggage. This Buick has been an the road for two and a half years working continually, and has done considerably over 100,000 miles. The gear-box has never been off, nor has the clutch been inspected so far. This will furnish some idea how the Buick will stand up to rough work." As Mr. James Howard, of Howard Motor Company, says: "Perhaps, in this instance, the Reverend Gentleman may have had something to do with the safe passage of so many passengers over and above the recognised load."
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Article reprinted from “The Buick Bulletin of Australasia” February 1921
Researched by Marc McInnes from the original magazine courtesy of Eddie Ford
Another Reason for the Development of Good Roads
This Buick car is constantly in use, carrying passengers and mail between Longreach and Winton, Queensland, a distance of 126 miles.
In spite of the dreadful state of the roads, the Buick got through safely without any mechanical trouble On this trip, it carried seven passengers and luggage besides the mail.
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Article reprinted from “The Buick Bulletin of Australasia” December 1921
Researched and contributed by Marc McInnes
Buick wins Victoria's Alpine Reliability Test
Important Achievement in 1,000 Miles Run
Once again Buicks have proved their worth. In the recently concluded Alpine Contest in Victoria a Buick received first place for reliability in the Owners' Event, Class C., and a Buick was also on top for reliability in the Open Event, Class C.
In the latter event only three Buick Cars were entered, and they finished in the Petrol Contest first, second and fourth, the mileage per gallon respectively being 24.24, 21.47, and 20.57.
In the Private Owners' Event, Class C., only one Buick Car was entered in the Petrol Contest, and this car finished first, petrol consumption being 20.40 miles per gallon.
Though the shouting and the tumult has died away, the results of the great Victorian 1,000 miles reliability contest, and their influence on the motor trade generally, are being calmly weighed by experts. No matter from what standpoint the test is viewed, the opinion is unanimous that it was the most successful of its kind ever held in Australia-. Some people who have knowledge of trials conducted in other parts of the world, unhesitatingly declared the Alpine run lost nothing when compared with the big events of the older countries. Certain it is that the Victorian test, if conducted annually, will rank as one of the most important events in the world. Praise is being showered on the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria for the excellent manner in which it conducted the contest. The Club's efforts were keenly appreciated by the contestants, the motor trade, and the country shires along the route. The last-named were fully seized of the fine advertisement their districts gained as touring resorts.
ALL PREVIOUS TESTS IN THE SHADE.
For 31 cars to start off on a 1000 miles run, under the strictest of conditions, over a route that called for expert driving, high efficiency, and dependability in cars and tyres, and for 29 to finish, tells a story of all-round excellence in driving and wonderful reliability of the modern car. Any previous reliability competitions held in Australia were child's play as compared to the test just concluded. Not only have the contestants given a wonderful display of driving, but in many instances they have shown stamina and ingenuity out of the ordinary; in fact, some of the repairs executed by contestants who struck trouble were carried out in amazingly quick time. All told, the run was brimful of incidents from start to finish, and will furnish motorists with something to talk of for months to come. Two cars were overturned -one in the Mount St. Bernard hill climb -but without serious results; in fact both cars were in the running right to the finish. The route selected is an ideal one, calling for first-class driving; very mountainous in places, climbs and descents along narrow mountain cuttings sometimes extending 13 miles in length. Hair pin turns could he counted in thousands, whilst countless "V's" awaited the careless driver, and brought about broken spring leaves and bent axles to the unwary. It was just the course to find out weakness in the car and carelessness in the driver; but, despite this, the results were surprisingly good.
The test was practically divided into three sections: -Reliability, 800 points; fuel consumption, 100; and two hill climbs 50 points each the total attainable being 1000. In the reliability section points were deducted even for lifting the bonnet during running time, an observer being aboard each car to see that all conditions were faithfully carried out. Points were deducted for arriving at control too early or too late, and in many instances the former carried more loss of points than the too late penalty. The petrol consumption test, held the first day over a 200 miles course, was conducted on lines that called for genuine touring speed, thereby eliminating freak performances, that are no good to anyone, and are certainly mis-leading to potential motorists. In this test some very fine results were attained, particularly when one realises that the time schedules called for an average.speed of 19 m.p h. for the small-powered cars, 221/2 m.p.h. for the medium-powered, and 25 1-5 m.p.h. for the big-powered cars; furthermore, the later section of the run was negotiated in a heavy downpour and over muddy roads.
From a reliability point of view the conditions of the contest were particularly strict, but 29 cars finished the course.
"THE FINEST EVER HELD."
An Interstate contestant was enthusiastic in his remarks concerning the trial. In expressing his views be said: "This Alpine reliability contest was the finest and best organised trial ever held in the Commonwealth. The route is through some of the finest country one could wish to travel.Although very mountainous in places, the roads over the whole route are excellent and well graded. Any average motorist could do this Alpine tour without fear in the dry season. It was carried out in a very thorough manner. The supervision was strict, and everybody on the run had a great time, especially on the two sight-seeing days, when the cars had a rest, at Lakes Entrance and Mt. Buffalo. Breaks like this in a contest are certainly a great help to the owner-driver, and relieves one of strain, on such a long drive.
"The officials had a strenuous time. They worked practically night and day, and too much cannot be given to them, Harry James and Mr Grice in particular. It was a treat to see how well the whole organization 'worked.
"I was pleased to see that the term 'reliability' did not enter into this contest in the proper sense of the word. It certainly was a reliability trial. I doubt if any cars will succeed in obtaining full reliability points, owing to the strenuous yet fair, conditions, together width the thorough final examination of each car by three independent experts.
"It is intended to make the trial the premier motoring event of the Commonwealth and it will be run annually. It will be more popular than ever in future years, while Harry James and the present officials have the organising of it in their hands. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip, and was treated in a most sportsman and hospitable table way."
Photo (above)
Caption "Mr. Lane's Buick which won the Petrol Contest (open Event, Class C) in the Victorian Alpine Reliability Contest. This car's figures worked out at 24.24 miles to the gallon."
Photo 1 (below) Caption "A successful Buick In the Private Owners' Class"
Photo 2 (below) Caption " During a break in the Reliability run motorists were enthusiastic over a donkey race at Mt. Buffalo. This photograph ,shows two of the thoroughbreds. The jockey on the right is Mr. Lane, the well known Buick owner of Melbourne."
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Article reprinted from “Pointers” GMH’s house magazine of the day
Researched and contributed by Marc McInnes.
1938 Buick launch in Melbourne
The Buick Announcement Display in the Melbourne Town Hall by Preston Motors Pty. Ltd. An added attraction was a Link Training Machine loaned for the occasion by Australian National airways. The latest in road and aerial transport engineering were on view to the public
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Article reprinted from “Pointers” GMH’s house magazine of the day
Researched and contributed by Marc McInnes.
1938 Buicks off the assembly line - Brisbane
The first of the 1938 Buicks coming off the Assembly Line at the Brisbane Plant.
D’Arcy Amos, Sales Manager for Eager’s, second from right, is telling Vic Page, Production Manager at the Brisbane Plant, how pleased he is with the new job. Art Carrol, second from left in the same group, and Mr Withy, of Eager’s Retail Pty Ltd seem to be in accord with D’Arcy.
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Article reprinted from “Pointers” GMH’s house magazine of the day
Researched and contributed by Marc McInnes.
1936 Buick 8/40 - Perth & Rowston’s Garage, Cowra
Top: Mr D T Bantock of Subiaco, Perth, with his 1936 Buick 8/40 sedan, the most recent of a long line of Buicks owned by Mr Bantock for the last 20 years.
Bottom: The attractive set-up of Rowston’s garage, at Cowra, NSW. The clock display is a splendid piece of publicity, and there is no doubt about the franchise being handled by this firm.
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Article reprinted from “Pointers” GMH’s house magazine of the day
Researched and contributed by Marc McInnes.
1939 - New Buick 8/40 in Bunbury, WA
The Bunbury (WA) owner of the new 1939 Buick shown above was so attached to his ancient vintage Buick that after he traded it in on the new job, he purchased it back again. This picture was sent by Sydney Atkinson Motors Ltd, Perth Distributors for Buick and Chevrolet.
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Article reprinted from “Pointers” GMH’s house magazine of the day
Researched and contributed by Marc McInnes.
1937 Buick at the Melbourne Motor Show
The splendid display of Preston Motors, Melbourne Distributors for Chevrolet and Buick, at the recent International motor Show, attracted considerable attention. Note the display’s modernist touch for the 1937 Buicks.
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Article reprinted from “Pointers” GMH’s house magazine of the day
Researched and contributed by Marc McInnes.
1937 Buick, special bodied ute to Government order
This Buick buck-board was recently delivered by Messrs. City Motors Pty Ltd, to the Department of the Interior, for use in Centralia
Posted 12/2002 |
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Article reprinted from “Pointers” GMH’s house magazine of the day
Researched and contributed by Marc McInnes.
1936 Buick 8/90’s sold to the NSW Government by Boyded Ltd.
Four 8/90 Buicks sold to the NSW Government Tourist Bureau by Messers. Boyded Ltd., Sydney Distributors. These cars will attractively cater for the overseas tourist traffic.
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Article reprinted from “Pointers” GMH’s house magazine of the day
Researched and contributed by Marc McInnes.
1935 Buick 8/90 Ambulance for the Illawarra.
A Buick 90, with special ambulance body, operated by the Illawarra District, south of Sydney, over a 100 mile coastal stretch
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Article reprinted from “Motor Progress” May 1927 Researched and contributed by Marc McInnes from the original magazine.
Buick Taxi does sterling service in Perth.
An old Chev and an old Buick car on the taxi rank, Cottesloe Beach, nearest railway station to General Motors Plant. Both these vehicles have long mileages to their credit and neither of their owners would dream of buying any other product but one of the two. Both machines’ speedometers are broken and the mileage in both cases are well in excess of 50,000.
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Article reprinted from “The GM Dealer” V3-No3 March 1930
Researched and contributed by Marc McInnes from the original magazine
Prominent Distributor’s Death
Mr Boyd Edkins, Holder of Many Motoring Records
By the death of Mr. Boyd Edkins, General Motors (Aust.) Proprietary Limited loses one of its most prominent distibutors. Mr. Edkins was one of the best known motorists in Australia. He died at a private hospital in Darlinghurst after five weeks’ illness at the age of 46.
Mr. Edkins took an interest in the merchandising of Motor Cars about 22 years ago. He established the Motor House in Milford Street and later the firm of Body Edkins Limited was formed.
At a later date the company controlled the distribution of Oldsmobile cars for New South Wales, until the advent of General Motors (Australia) Pty. Ltd. in 1926. The company then absorbed the firm of McIntosh & Sons Ltd., agents for Buick, and the offices and operations were then transferred to the present site, Phillip House, Phillip Street. The company acted as distributor until October last for Oldsmobile and Vauxhall cars, which were replaced by Buick and later the Marquette franchise was added.
Notable among Mr. Edkins motoring achievements was the breaking of the Melbourne to Sydney record on two occasions in 1914. On his 40th birthday, in 1923, Mr. Boyd Edkins arrived in Sydney having established a new motoring record from Brisbane. He was the winner of numerous competitions promoted by the Royal Automobile Club of Australia, and held records for a number of hill-climbing tests, including Kurrajong, Artillery Hill (National Park), Toll Bar and One Tree Hill, Brisbane.
General Motors (Australia) Pty. Ltd. expresses its deepest sympathy to Mrs. Edkins and her two daughters.
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Article reprinted from “The GM Dealer” V3-No3 March 1930
Researched and contributed by Marc McInnes from the original magazine
Musical Star, Gladys Moncrief with Buick at Broken Hill
Miss Gladys Moncrief and “Rio Rita” Company recently visited Broken Hill and are seen here outside the premises of Silver City motors, General Motors Dealers at Broken Hill in a 1929 Buick
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Article reprinted from “Motor Progress” May 1927 Researched and contributed by Marc McInnes from the original magazine.
1928 Buick in race winning form
Throughout Australia General Motors cars have given some remarkable demonstrations in various motor racing events. The stamina which is built into all General Motors cars equips them to withstand all tests to which they may be subjected. On the Proving Ground, in the Research Laboratories, tests are conducted which ensure that the best of material and the best of workmanship is built into each General Motors car. All over the world there are scores of instances of exceptional and arduous tests to which General Motors cars have been subjected, and from which they have invariably emerged with credit to themselves and their drivers.
Many of our dealers in Australia have driven General Motors cars to victory in tests and races in their own districts. At the annual sports meeting of automobile clubs there is usually a race or some test in which cars compete, and General Motors dealers like to take part, for, in addition to proving the worth of the car they handle, the contest gains for them a good measure of publicity in their territory.
One race which has figured recently among the motoring annals of Western Australia was that at the annual sports meeting of the Eastern Goldfields’ branch of the Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia. This was held on Lake Perkolilli, about 25 miles from Kalgoorlie, at the beginning of September. Lake Perkolilli is the finest natural racing track in the world. It is the dry bed of an old salt lake. Its area is large; it is as flat as a billiard table, and devoid of plant life of any sort. On this old salt lake a two miles circuit has been mapped out, on which some remarkable speeds are developed. At this particular sports meeting some of the cars lapped the course at about 96 miles per hour.
Mr. E.T. Armstrong, of the Armstrong Cycle and Motor Agency, General Motors dealers at Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, was the winner of two events. One of these was the open handicap of eight miles; the other the members’ handicap of six miles. Mr. Armstrong had a further achievement in coming third in the State championship event of 20 miles. For each of these races Mr. Armstrong used a standard Buick, the other cars being in nearly every case special racing models.
In the State championship the first and second cars were special racing jobs, whereas Mr. Armstrongs’ Buick was standard in all respects, except that is was stripped for racing. Mrs. Armstrong says that the Buick was absolutely faultless from start to finish.
The following are details of Mrs. Armstrongs’ performances:-
1st - Open handicap, 8 miles. Time, 6.21-75 m.p.h. standing start.
1st - Members’ handicap, 6 miles-73 m.p.h. standing start.
3rd - State championship, 20 miles-78 m.p.h. standing start.
These records constitute a very excellent performance on the part of Buick in the able hands of Mr. Armstrong.
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Article reprinted from “Motor Progress” May 1927 Researched and contributed by Marc McInnes from the original magazine.
Train Load of Vehicles to Broken Hill
(Webmasters Note: see the Buicks at the front of the load)
The shipping of cars to dealers frequently attracts a good deal of attention. Some dealers are near enough to the General Motors Plant to collect their cars and drive them out, but there are many dealers who are far away and cannot leave their businesses for long. To these dealers the cars must be sent by train or by boat, and their arrival, several at a time, can be utilised by the dealer to gain some publicity, both for himself and his organisation.
Messrs. Beck Bros., General Motors dealers for Streaky Bay, South Australia, are among those who are able to make a good display of cars which are shipped to them. Their premises form the nucleus for all transportation business on the West Coast of South Australia, where distances are vast. Streaky Bay is 186 miles west of Port Lincoln, and shipping facilities are not very convenient. Beck Bros., therefore, provide for the convenience of their clients by carrying a complete stock of cars and trucks, shipments by the factory frequently averaging between 10 and 14 vehicles. When a new shipment arrrives they line them up, together with their demonstrators and stock cars, and the whole display creates considerable interest in the district.
A firm which has had a big consignment of cars recently is that of Messrs. Cohen & Dittmar, of Broken Hill. The picture shows that nearly a whole train was required to take a recent consignment of cars to this firm. When these arrived, and during the unloading, a big crowd congregated, the news having spread through the town that the consignment was on its way.
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GMA Marrickville Assembly Plant - Circa 1928
The origional NSW Assembly Plant was located in Carrington Road, Marrickville. Some of the buildings still exist
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The Buick Car Club is indebted to Mrs Joan Smith who provided the material for this article via
country member Bill Denney and then compiled by John Gerdtz.
CAZNEAUX - HE LOVED HIS BUICK!
Editorial note: Cazneaux was not the only member of this family to become a well recognised
Australian icon. Joan Smith's son (Cazneaux's grandson) is also well recognised for his adventurous
feats and other achievments both in Australia and throughout the World. He is Dick Smith.
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Although Cazneaux had already owned two Buick
cars previous to the "Silver Anniversary" model,
it was this third one that appeared to be the symbol
of his achievments. It stood for the culmination of
all his hard work and earlier struggles in recovering
from a severe breakdown from overwork,
establishing his own photographic business and
supporting a large family.
As a freelance photographer, many of his appoint-
ments were at clients' homes, offices, factories etc.
To carry out this work, with all the heavy
equipment needed in those early days of photography (glass negatives, large cameras and the like) a
car was necessary. All this had been possible with the two previous, smaller Buicks but, with the
purchase of the "Silver Anniversary", with its greater size and power, he was able to confidently fulfil commissions and assignments much further afield. These included BHP at Newcastle, Frensham
School at Mittagong, country properties such as the Dangars' at "Gostwyck", Uralla, and the Whites'
at "Belltrees", Scone, as well as southern New South Wales and Victoria. Mrs Cazneaux mostly
accompanied him on these trips.
In addition, with a family of wife, six children and their friends, many appointments at Camden,
Bowral, Avoca, the Blue Mountains and so on, became family outings. The Buick sometimes carried
up to ten, and on one occasion twelve! Of course some of these were small children.
This beautiful tourer, with its rich dark blue enamel and salt and pepper-coloured hood, attracted
admirers wherever Cazneaux went.
The most outstanding performances of this wonderful car would have been when he drove to South
Australia. The first trip was to Iron Knob at Whyalla for BHP in 1935. It was on this journey that Cazneaux saw on the skyline the distant outline of the Flinders Range which so called to him that he
made up his mind at that moment to return and photograph those rugged peaks. He did return later
that year but, owing to dangerous weather conditions, was not able to get more than halfway into the
great ranges. However, two years later he was successful, this time accompanied not only by Mrs Cazneaux but also his only son, Harold, who was now 17 (and probably assisted with the driving).
His memories were later recalled in a letter written to Jack Cato saying,
"They sent me, in my Buick car, up to Iron Knob near Port Agusta, S.A. There I saw and felt the
impulse of the great inland Central Australia. The mysterious Flinders Range dominating the skyline.
This strange attraction 'once seen - never forgotten', brought me on several other overland motor
trips up through these ranges in the following years before the second world war. Our last trip
included myself, Mrs Caz and our boy Harold then about 17. One of my greatest memories was the
way this lad became fascinated by these wonderful arid Flinders - I can see him now sitting on a log outside our camp tent in the peculiar purplish glow of nightfall - with his portable wireless set,
which he built himself, (he was trained as a mechanic). 'Gee dad isn't it wonderful - its great'.
In four years this lad, at 21, was laid to rest in Tobruk Military Cemetery - and so he died on the
threshold of what may have been a brilliant life. He was gifted in many ways, and I know deep
down there was the traits of the artist in his make-up.
My Buick tourer, a big powerful 31 HP car, had 4 overland trips to S.A. up to 1938. This splendid
car, now over 20 years old, is still waiting for the other Flinders Range trips - but somehow we have never made them. Perhaps the memory of that clever lad driving my Buick through some of the
narrow passes in those arid hills has been too vivid. In any case the war prevented us from going."
In 1930's Australia, many of the country roads over which they travelled were hardly more than tracks.
Indeed in some areas of the Flinders Range and elsewhere even tracks were virtually non-existent.
However, in all the years that Cazneaux owned the Buick, it proved totally reliable, never breaking
down on any trip or boiling, as so many vehicles did in those days, on steep hills such as Victoria Pass.
Cazneaux always carried out any general maintenance the Buick needed - he was quite mechanically minded.
Possibly the happiest times in the Buick were the family outings. It was a very close knit family and, in
turn, the children were usually allowed to bring a friend.
When World War II began, life quietened down in the photographic business. No more long trips were taken and by 1942 Australia was on petrol rationing. The Buick's meagre allowance was used mainly
to take those daughters (whose husbands were away at the war) and their children on short trips to the beach or bushland. After the war ended and slowly things recovered, the car continued to be used for appointments and family outings. The grandchildren have fond memories of their happy outings in
the Buick. Cazneaux's beloved Buick was one of the most important things in his life after family and his artistic talent - the Buick served both.
Posted 05/2002 |
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Article reprinted from “The Motor World” August 25 - 1915.
Researched and contributed by BCCA Historian, Eric North
From Adelaide to the Darling Country
2000 Miles on 1915 Buick
On Saturday 10th July Mr W.E.Hartley traveller for Eyres & Crowle Ltd. left Adelaide for a trip covering both sides of the Darling River country, and he got back on Wednesday 11th August. It was the latest 1915 Buick model he and a friend travelled in, with plenty of dunnage.
Two thousand miles were covered between home and home. Mr Hartley went up the Broken Hill side of the Darling and came down the east side, in the latter course taking a wide sweep so as to cover as much ground as possible. "What was the country like?" he was asked.
"The recovery must be seen to be believed" said Mr. Hartley. "Six months ago I travelled over it, and it was as bare as - as bare as - well, the bonnet of my car. To day the change is absolutely wonderful. There is feed and water everywhere. I said to one pastoralist. "You are in for a good time" He replied. "We are not in for it, we have got it.‚. On my trip I saw plenty of kangaroos, ducks and emus, but very few rabbits. In fact during the whole journey we only saw half a dozen rabbits. I put it down to the credit of the drought that it killed them off." "Why didn't it kill the kangaroos and emus?" "They are Australian" replied Mr Hartley laughingly.
The car he used was fitted with overhead valves, such as the racing cars have. There cannot be any doubt as to the value of the overhead valve. With the whole momentum of the explosion acts on the piston head, and so it can readily be conceived where the efficiency comes in. The 1915 Buick is fitted with the Delco self starter and lighter, as an integral part, and during Mr Hartley's long trip, never once did the apparatus refuse to work. The 35 h.p. engine pulled with remarkable power over the roads so slippery with semi-soluble clay caused by incessant rains that in places chains had to be entwined around the wheels to give them grip.
Attached photo Mr. F Bracey of Dalgety & Co demonstartes the new 1915 Buick
Posted 06/2002 |
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Story and picture by Graham Lockie
In response to your request for information on Buicks racing at the Windsor Speedway. I have enclosed a photo of Stan Brazier driving his straight 8 Buick at Windsor . I think this would have been around 1958 as I attended the speedway a lot when I was a teenager. I can remember getting the train from Westmead to Windsor and return.
The car was reputed to weigh around 2-3 tons and he was an expe | | |
