45 bhp, 225 cu. in. OHV inline six-cylinder engine, three-speed sliding gear manual transmission, solid front axle, semi-elliptic leaf-spring suspension, shaft drive and full-floating rear axle, and two-wheel mechanical drum brakes. Wheelbase: 115"

- A well-preserved, former AACA award-winning example

- Sophisticated OHV six-cylinder engine

- Well-equipped with electric starting and lights, optional front bumper, and more

The significance of Buick to America’s automobile industry cannot be overstated. While David Dunbar Buick started the enterprise, the marque plays an important role in the biographies of a number of the most influential names in America’s automotive industry during the early 20th century. Among them were Jonathan Maxwell, “Billy” Durant, Walter L. Marr, Charles Nash, Walter P. Chrysler, Alfred P. Sloan, Charles Chayne, and Harlow Curtice.

David Dunbar Buick’s biggest contribution was likely the adoption of the advanced valve-in-head engine design of Walter L. Marr and Eugene Richard. The production genius of Nash and Chrysler made Buick a champion of superior performance at an affordable price and helped keep General Motors afloat throughout its turbulent period under Durant, Wall Street bankers and Sloan’s duPont-backed leadership.

The 1917 Buick D-45 Touring Car offered here was built in one of the lowest production years in Buick’s history, constrained by WWI supply allocations. Powered by the six-cylinder version of Buick’s famous valve-in-head engine, its 45-hp output made it a dynamic performer for the era. Its $1,070 price made it a value leader.

Finished in green and black with black leather upholstery, this well-preserved example received a body-off restoration during the late 1960s that was rewarded with an AACA National First Prize Award in 1970. Despite the four decades that have passed since then, the D-45 has clearly benefited from careful, climate-controlled storage and remains very presentable today. It is equipped with electric starting, ignition and lights, and it has one of the few Buick options offered for 1917, a front bumper. A spare tire and a stop light are mounted at the rear of the car.

Ideally suited for touring, this 1917 Buick D-45 Touring is emblematic of the quality design and construction so important to Buick throughout its history.