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BUICK BUGLE ● June 2021
EDITOR Pete Phillips pphillips922@gmail.com PO Box 1247 Leonard, Texas 75452 903-436-2851 Office Hours: M-F 9-5 (Central)
ART DIRECTOR Shannon Olson olsonrsa@gmail.com
DISPLAY ADVERTISING Dave Leash bravemarcon@gmail.com
PRINTING COMPANY
BCA OFFICE MANAGERS
To join the club, renew membership, update contact information or report a lost Bugle please contact: Cornerstone Registration, Ltd. bca@cornerstonereg.com Tel: 763-420-7829 Fax: 763-420-7849 PO Box 1715 Maple Grove, MN 55311 Office Hours: M-F 9-5 (Central)
ARTICLES: Typed copy should be sent to editor in MS Word format. If in doubt of facts, check with technical advisors listed in the Bugle. PHOTOS: Set digital cameras on the highest setting. Good quality prints are also accepted, but will not be returned unless requested and return postage is provided. Vertical views are necessary for our cover with a resolution of 240-300 dpi. A brief story and at least five images must be sent to support a cover photo. DEADLINES: Unless otherwise stated, Bugle deadlines are the 24th of each month, six weeks prior to issue date (example: June 24 for August issue), in order to accommodate editorial, design, publishing and postal demands. Please send all ads, articles, photos and artwork to Editor Pete Phillips.
coming up…
AUGUST Dealer Photos from Texas
SEPTEMBER 1971 LeSabre, Centurion & Electra
Please contact Pete Phillips as soon as possible if you have an article for the Bugle, or if you can help with any of the above upcoming issues.
VOLUME 56, NUMBER 4 JULY 2021
The new 2021 Buick Envision. Read more about this car on page 38 of this issue.
Pate Swap Meet …………………. 13
By Pete Phillips
Springtime in Central Indiana …... 14
By Don Wilson
Long Island Chapter ………...…... 15
By Marc Alssid
Buicks at the AACA Spring Nationals ………...…………….... 18
By Ashby Armistead
My Love of Buicks ………....…... 20
By Doug Wight
MY BUICK
1969 Opel …..……...…................. 22
By Andy Fuhrman
FEATURE ARTICLE
Buicks of 1931 ……………......… 24
By Pete Phillips
Envisioning the Future: The Second Generation Buick Envision ……... 38
By James Dingell
DEPARTMENTS
Coming Events…………………………….. Message from BCA President……………... Obituaries………...…..…..………………... 4
7
8
Letters to the Editor…..…..………………... 34
Tech Advisors…………………….. Mail Wrap
BCA Regions…….………………...Mail Wrap
BCA Chapters……………………... 2022 National Meet Registration….. Mail Wrap Mail Wrap
CLASSIFIED ADS
Advertising Rates & Information…... Cars for Sale………………………... Cars Wanted………………………... Parts for Sale……………………….. Parts Wanted……………………….. Print Media for Sale………………... Memorabilia Wanted.………………. Services Offered……………………. Advertising Index…………………...
COVER PHOTO: 1927 Buick Master Six Country Club Convertible (possibly a Model 54-C) at the Pate Swap Meet. Photo by Pete Phillips.
HOW TO PLACE YOUR CHAPTER EVENT
All listings are FREE to BCA chapters hosting an event. Chapters may list more than one event at a time. Send one copy of your event listing and it will be published through the month of the event. Keep your listings brief. Maximum length is 100 words. Send all coming event notices to the Buick Bugle, PO Box 1247, Leonard, TX 75452 or email to pphillips922@gmail.com. Organizations other than BCA chapters wishing to have an event listed may do so, on a space available basis. Chapters in need of a certificate of insurance for their event can request a form from the Buick Club of America, c/o Cornerstone Registration, Ltd., PO Box 1715, Maple Grove, MN 55311-6715, Tel: 763-420-7829, Fax: 763-420-7849, Email: bca@cornerstonereg.com. The completed forms must be returned to the Cornerstone office. DO NOT SEND THEM TO, OR CONTACT THE INSURANCE COMPANY DIRECTLY, OR YOUR REQUEST WILL BE DELAYED. Allow six weeks for processing. Last minute requests cannot be guaranteed a certificate.
JULY 2021
July 1-3, 2021 - Auburn, Indiana.
AACA invites Buick owners to participate in its national in Auburn, IN. This unique event to promote the hobby will be great fun. There will be a Buick show field and a Buick flea market, both will be adjacent but separate from the AACA. We will have class judging and special awards. Awards are sponsored by the Buick Heritage Alliance. AACA members can be judged in both shows, or join the AACA with a special half-year membership rate to be judged in both. Buick owners are also invited to take part in any and all AACA activities including a Friday night cruise-in and Saturday night BBQ. There are many area hotels in Auburn and Ft. Wayne. For meet info and registration: aaca.org/buickshow or contact Brian DePouli, BCA #8927, brian.depouli@att.net or 704-905-4989 (ok to text).
July 2, 2021 – Auburn, Indiana. All BCA members attending the AACA meet and/or the Buick Show at the AACA Central Spring Nationals are invited to join fellow BCA members and friends for dinner and an informal get-together at the Paradise Buffett, 1411 Shook Dr., Auburn, IN at 5:30 pm. Please RSVP by June 20, 2021 to Sid or Belva Meyer at (260) 927-4309 or gsman@mediacombb.net.
July 10, 2021 – Wall, New Jersey.
Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (rain date Sunday, July 11), hosted by the New Jersey Chapter, BCA. Show open to all makes & models, all years up to 2021. Location: Wall Township Municipal Complex, 2700 Allaire Rd., Wall, N.J. 07719. First, second, and third place awards in 10 classes up to 1996 (19972021 will be peer judging). Live DJ, food vendor, and restrooms on site. Registration $20 day of show (no preregistration); spectators are free. Automotive-related flea market, vendor spots $25. Contact Kevin (908) 461-8301. New Jersey Buick Club members' cars will not be judged.
July 17, 2021 – Paris, Maine. The private car collection of BCA members Bob and Sandra Bahre will be open for a one-day public viewing as a charity benefit for the Hamlin Memorial Library & Museum in Paris, Maine. Included are the 1940 Brewster-Buick Limited town car, plus Packards, Duesenbergs, Stutz Bearcats, a Tucker, several Brass-era cars, and others. Cost to view is $10/ adults; $2/children under 12, rain or shine, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information: www.hamlin.lib.me.us.
July 25, 2021 - Reisterstown,
Maryland. 17th Annual All-Vehicle Show hosted by the Free State Region, VCCA. All makes/models/eras welcome. 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM; to be judged arrive by noon. Theme: Friendly & Fun. Awards: Top 35, Best of Decade, Best 6 Modified/Custom, Best Motorcycle, Longest Distance Driven, and Reisterstown Park Choice. Preregistration $15 by July 13; $15 day of show. Food available at concession stand. 50/50. Rain or shine event. Reisterstown Regional Park, 401 Mitchell Dr., Reisterstown, MD. To register or for other information contact Mike Natale at 410-5839171, mrnatale@verizon.net, or visit www.freestateregionvcca.org.
August 7, 2021- Broomfield, Colorado.
The Mile High Chapter, BCA will be participating in the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport Car Show and Swap Meet on August 7 2021. There will be a special “All Buick” section representing “Over 100 years of Buick”. A $10 per vehicle registration will get you into the complete show including some war bird fly-bys and “Peoples' Choice” awards. All current Covid-19 restrictions will be enforced at time of show including social distancing and face masks if required. To reserve your spot by August 1 contact Glenn Manes, BCA #40198, gmanes@comcast.net.
August 14, 2021 - Milwaukee area,
Wisconsin. 34th Annual All-Buick Show hosted by the Cream City Chapter at Matty's Bar and Grille, 14460 W. College Ave., New Berlin, WI. Special show celebrating Buicks, our chapter, and our patrons. NO ENTRY FEE will be charged this year. Sign-up starts at 9:00 AM and show opens at 10:00 AM. Awards about 2:30 PM. For more information: Bill Hitchcock 414-719-5656 or Jerry Whelan 414-321-8377.
BCA NATIONAL MEET COMMITTEE (NMC)
Pat Wojahn, BCA #14729 (NMC Chairman) 720-635-6278 (CO) Pwojahn105@gmail.com
Heather Banhidy, BCA #14382 (2020 Meet Chair) 440-235-2453 (OH) cowamoo2@aol.com Marck Barker, BCA #45231 919-233-1973 (NC) 89reatta@gmail.com Jerry Courson, BCA #37598 210-601-1780 (TX) jerrylcourson@gmail.com Brian DePouli, BCA #8927 704-905-4989 (NC) Brian.depouli@att.net Roy Faries, BCA #25603 (NMC Secretary) 214-354-1348 (TX) rfaries@verizon.net Kevin Kinney, BCA #20339 651-578-6802 (MN) gmebody@comcast.net Greg Lewis, BCA #5071 509-465-9595 (WA) grestele@gmail.com Melanie Mauser, BCA #8185 630-640-8563 (IL) melsbuick455@gmail.com Alan Oldfield, BCA # 15140 319-849-3815 (IA) adoldfield@aol.com Pete Phillips, BCA #7338 903-436-2851 (TX) pphillips922@gmail.com John Steed, BCA #8071 317-888-0876 (IN) ja.steed@yahoo.com
Jack Welch, BCA #5387 781-662-4423 (MA) antiquecaddy@gmail.com
AUGUST 2021
August 14, 2021 - Plainfield, Indiana. Central Indiana Chapter, BCA and Stoops
AUGUST 2021
Buick/GMC present the 16th Annual Buick Car Show, 1251 Quaker Boulevard, Plainfield, IN, 46158 on Saturday, August 14th. Ten classes including modified and unrestored 1994 and older. 1st, 2nd, 3rd place awards, Best of Show, and Dealer’s Choice. Complimentary lunch for all Buick car show entrants. Registration is $15 advance entry to August 7th, $20 thereafter and day of show. Registration: 9:30-11:30am, judging 12:00-1:30pm, awards at 2:30pm. Contact Peter Jolly 317-873-8128 or ifdpete@hotmail.com. Directions: I-70 and SR 267 (Plainfield exit), go north approximately one mile; Stoops is on the right.
August 15, 2021 - Wallingford,
Connecticut. The Yankee Chapter will host a show at Wallingford Buick-GMC, 1122 Old North Colony Road, Wallingford, CT 06492. Hours are 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, rain or shine. This will be a peer-judged show along with a Dealer’s Choice Award. Cut-off year is 2006 and first 60 entries receive a goodie bag with dash plaque. Registration is day of the show only at $10 per vehicle and all paid show entrants are eligible for door prize drawings. Spectators are admitted free. For further details contact Rich Dayton at 203-509-6136 or Jim Comeau at 860-569-2344. or gary@avptc.com for registration form and details.
August 18–22, 2021 - Latrobe,
Pennsylvania. The 41st Annual '53/'54 Buick Skylark Club Meet will be held in the beautiful Laurel Highlands of Latrobe, PA, August 18th to 22nd, 2021. Host hotel is the Springhill Suites in Latrobe, PA. Four day event with driving tours to the Allegheny Portage Railroad Historic Site, Altoona and the Railroaders Memorial Museum, the Lincoln Highway Experience, Ligonier Compass Museum, Fort Ligonier & Braddock’s Battlefield History Center, plus more. All Buick owners or enthusiasts are welcome with or without cars. There will be a tech session to discuss maintaining and preserving '50s Buicks. Contact Bill Stitt: drbuick@ windstream.net
*NEW DATE* August 20-21, 2021 -
Dublin, Ohio. The 38th Annual Arthritis Foundation Classic Auto Show & Cruise-in, Metro Place Business Park, Franz Road and Highway Rte. 161, Dublin, Ohio 43017 - The largest collector car auto Show concours type event in the Midwest with over 1,000 vehicles, special displays, VIP component, food vendors. Buick Show with a Show. Cars, trucks and motorcycles will compete for 250+ trophies. Friday night concert. For more
details and event information see www.arthritis.org/autoshow.
SEPTEMBER 2021
September 8-11, 2021- Chesterfield,
Missouri. The St. Louis Gateway Chapter will host the 2021 Heartland Regional Meet at The Doubletree by Hilton Hotel – Chesterfield, Missouri. Thanks to the St. Louis Buick Dealer’s Association this is the “$20.00 Heartland Special” with $20.00 registration fees and $20.00 banquet fees. Event features tours to Fast Lane Classic Cars, Historic St. Charles, and the Daniel Boone Home, along with a driving tour through Missouri’s Wine Country. This is a peerjudged car show with special awards for convertibles and modified. For a list of classes and registration information please check our website https:// stlouisbuickclub.net/ or email: Chet Palumbo at cpalumbo@centurytel.net.
September 18, 2021- Stillwater,
Minnesota. The Fir eball Chapter BCA will host an All-Buick Show at Stillwater Motors, Stillwater, Minnesota. Show hours are from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Participant voting by class, additional trophies for long distance, dealer's choice and best of show. Awards presented at 2 p.m. Tee shirts to the first 40 cars. Door prizes awarded every hour. Registration information can be found on our web site: fireballchapterbca.com Show contacts: James H. Jaeger: 763-226-1193, jaegerjh@aol.com or Bill Darrow: 651271-7213, williamddarrow@msn.com.
September 26, 2021 - Abingdon,
Maryland. Buick Owner s of Mar yland 34th Annual All-GM Show at Boyle Buick-GMC, 3015 Emmorton Rd., Abingdon, MD.; registration 9:30-11:30 a.m.; peer judging Noon-2:00 p.m.; awards at 2:30 p.m. Advance registration $12 before September 1; registration at the gate: $15, judged or not judged. General admission is free. All cars on show field by Noon, Sunday, Sept. 26; show held rain or shine. All judged vehicles must have a fire extinguisher. Portion of proceeds to the Buick Heritage Alliance. For more information contact Raymond Price: 410-812-8477, rsprice2@netzero.net; or Craig Bober: 443-904-4200.
OCTOBER 2021
October 18-24, 2021 – Huntsville,
Alabama. The BDE is finally going back on the road. We have a Fall Tour scheduled...fingers crossed. The dates are Oct. 18-24 in Huntsville AL. As more details firm up we will let you know.
October 31, 2021 - Lehighton,
Pennsylvania. " Fr ee Spir it" Chapter will host the 45th Annual Old Car Show w/ Outdoor Flea Market, Phifer's Ice Dams, 880 Main Road, Lehighton, PA. 8 am - 3 pm. All makes/models of cars, trucks and motorcycles up to 1998 will be accepted. 9 classes, 3 awards in each class. Held rain or shine. www.buickfreespirit.org, Sally Getz, csgetz@ptd.net.
November 11-14, 2021 – Fort Myers,
Florida. The 2021 BCA SE Regional Tour, sponsored by the Gulf Coast Chapter BCA, is Thursday, November 11 through Sunday, November 14, in Fort Myers, Florida. After checking into the Best Western Waterfront, in North Fort Myers, on Thursday, meet and greet in the Hospitality Room and/or eat at one of the many restaurants in the area. We will tour the famous Revs (Collier) Car Museum, in Naples, enjoy a Murder Mystery Dinner Train ride, have a selfguided tour of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates and end with a dinner at a Fort Myers restaurant. You can also explore interesting places in Fort Myers and inspect our cars, which will be parked in a designated area on the hotel grounds. After breakfast on Sunday, we will say our goodbyes for another year. For more information and registration form, call Ben Berman: 941-355-2469, or bib1946@aol.com.
NOVEMBER 2021 JUNE 2022
June 8-11, 2022 - Branson, Missouri. The International Meet for the Riviera Owners Association was rescheduled for a fun-filled week in Branson, Wednesday through Saturday. Everyone is invited to attend the car show on Saturday June 11. Details on www.rivowners.org.
2022 BCA NATIONAL MEET
June 22-25, 2022 - Lisle, Illinois. The Chicagoland Chapter will be hosting the 2022 BCA National Meet in Lisle, IL.
JULY 2023
Washington. The Inland Nor thwest Chapter, Spokane will host the 2023 BCA National Meet at the MirabeauPark Hotel and Convention Center.
The Buick Club of America
The Buick Club of America (BCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the automobiles built by Buick Motor Division of General Motors Corporation in Detroit, Michigan, USA.
BCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mike Book (2022), BCA #9202 614-471-8219 (OH) aulmike@aol.com
Ricky Pirch (2024), BCA #25369 816-565-3193 (MO) rgpirch77@gmail.com
Our last meeting Second we have our Bugle Art Director, was on May Shannon Olson. I am very pleased with 19th. Items on Shannon’s can-do attitude. She puts our agenda together the pictures and layout of the included normal Bugle. Shannon does a wonderful job reports. The creating a truly great magazine. main item was working with Finally, we have our Bugle Editor, Pete some insurance Phillips. Most members join and stay in issues. We our club for one reason, to receive the appointed an Bugle. Pete has been our editor for 15 JOHN STEED insurance years. During his time as editor, he has
BCA PRESIDENT committee to kept our members entertained with various work on these interesting Buick stories and facts. I have problems. Mike Book is the chair, and Sid really appreciated how Pete keeps finding Meyer and Jack Welch are the members of interesting information for us to read. I am this new committee. also grateful that Pete is a self-starter who does his job, requiring minimal input from Serving as President has allowed me to the board. learn a lot about our club. We rely on several volunteers for many of our club’s Without our contractors we would not have functions that most of us, or at least I, the outstanding club we have. Please show didn’t realize. Recently we had an issue your appreciation to them the next time you with the Bugle. We have a couple of meet them. volunteers that usually catch these errors. They proof the Bugle each month, and Roy As I finish my time as President, I’ve been Faries and Barney Eaton are so good that reflecting on the role of leadership. Before this problem seldom happens. I want to my father died, he spent several thousand thank them for a job well done. We often dollars installing field tile on the farm. I forget the good work members do for us asked him why he was doing this as he until there is a concern. They have been wouldn’t probably recoup the cost during great servants to our club. There are so his lifetime. Dad explained that he wanted many other volunteers that I could list. to leave the farm better than he found it. I hope that I leave the BCA better than I We also need to thank our contractors that found it as I finish my term as President. I make this club work. Without them we know that all our board members have the wouldn’t have a great club like we have same goal. Thank you for trusting us to now. We have three contractor roles. Our lead your club. first contractors are Jen (the voice on the phone) and her husband Mark Wheeler (the man behind the curtain) of Cornerstone. We are very fortunate to have them handle the business side of the club.
John Steed
NATIONAL BCA OFFICE MANAGERS
To join the club, renew membership, update contact information or report a lost Bugle, please contact:
Cornerstone Registration, Ltd. bca@cornerstonereg.com Tel: 763-420-7829 Fax: 763-420-7849 PO Box 1715 Maple Grove, MN 55311 Office Hours: M-F 9:00am to 5:00pm (Central)
www.buickclub.org
BCA DEPARTMENTS
Judges Training Chairman (2023) Paul Syrdal, BCA #16919 763-413-3366 ● wildcat465@excite.com
National Chief Judge (2024) Kevin Kinney, BCA #20339 651-578-6802 ● gmebody@comcast.net
National Tour Advisor Rich Gibbs, BCA #13352 785-230-6794 ● tripleturbine@cox.net
Chapter/Region/Division Coordinator (2024) Roberta Vasilow, BCA #16798 810-655-8277 ● buickracer@comcast.net
E m e r y T u r n e r , B C A # 4 5 8 5 7 , M i d d l e t o w n , C T J u n e 1 2 , 1 9 6 8 - M a r c h 4 , 2 0 2 1
By Sharon E. Poupart, BCA #34965, Southington, CT
THE “CLEAN CAR” GUY
Emery Wade Turner was born ready to pilot a Buick automobile. He owned and appreciated 14 classics over the years, four of which were Buick Regals. Emery was most comfortable in his two- and four- door 225 chariots.
He married Yolanda Fountain Turner in 1997 and together they brought sons Payton and Camron into the world of wheels and church-based faith. Emery served as a trustee of the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Middletown, CT. This commitment was the driving force behind everything he did.
As an involved member of the BCA, Connecticut Yankee Chapter since 2007, he had a “seat at the table” making plans for all chapter affairs. Emery left us on March 4, 2021. A giant and gentle man has left the table. His passing is a monumental loss to all who knew and loved him.
At right; Our beloved Buick brother, Emery Turner (right) presents first in class award to Rich Dayton.
A r t h u r w r i g h t , B C A # 1 5 9 7 , C h a n d l e r , A Z M a y 1 9 , 2 0 2 1
D i c k S w e e n e y , B C A # 1 5 7 8 6 , A l p i n e , C A 1 9 3 9 - M a y 2 2 , 2 0 2 1
We have been informed that Art Wright of Chandler, Arizona passed away on May 19th at the age of 73.
He was the Buick Club's Technical Advisor for 1957 Buicks and owned a restoration shop in Tempe, Arizona where he restored many Buicks of the 1950s.
Our condolences go out to his family and friends.
Former BCA Board member and Vice President Dick Sweeney of Alpine, California, passed away on May 22
nd
He was the BCA's Technical Advisor on 1963-1965 Rivieras, and also a member of the Riviera Owners Association. He served four terms on the BCA Board of Directors from 2003 to 2017.
Our sympathy goes out to his wife Debby, and the rest of his family and friends.
P AT E S W A P M E E T E N J O Y S R E C O R D C R O W D S
Article and photos by Pete Phillips, BCA #7338, B u gle Editor
The Pate Swap Meet, which has been running for more than 50 years in northern Texas, was started in approximately 1970 by A.M. Pate, Jr. and Jim Peel. Pate was the President of the Texas Refinery Corporation in Fort Worth. He started the Pate Transportation Museum at the company’s recreation ranch southwest of Fort Worth in the late 1960s. Jim Peel was the Curator at the museum (and he sold me the second antique Buick that I ever bought—a ‘61 LeSabre). In its first years, the swap meet was held in late April at the museum’s spacious grounds. After Mr. Pate died in the 1990s, the museum was closed
This 1927 Buick is the Master Six series. The sign on it said “Country Club convertible Master Six”, so perhaps it is a Model 54-C. The Buick’s price was $17,000. It had an older repaint and new, correctly done upholstery and Wilton wool carpet.
1927 Buick radiator ornament. This 1965 Wildcat was for sale for $15,000. It had a vinyl bench seat and an advertised 68,000 miles.
Nice, mostly original Wildcat, but it lacks air conditioning, which may make it harder to sell in Texas. 1955 Special four-door hardtop. Sign said “engine turns over but sitting for 35 years”. It needed a lot of work and the asking price was $3,750.
1948 Roadmaster with Dynaflow and after-market two-toning of the paint. The car was in a small show connected with the swap meet, and was not for sale. Restored 1968 Wildcat two-door hardtop with aftermarket air cleaner. Asking price was in the upper ‘teens or low twenties’.
and the company’s recreation area was sold and developed into a subdivision.
The swap meet continued, being relocated to the Texas Motor Speedway north of Fort Worth in the late 1990s. Although it is not as big as the annual Hershey, Pennsylvania swap meet, it is the largest one in the southwestern United States, and attracts people from all over the central U.S. and elsewhere.
It is large enough that you cannot cover it all in one day, but you can in two days.
These porcelain-enamel letters are about three feet tall. After asking what the price was ($6,000), I quietly walked away!
Incomplete 1932 Buick dashboard in the middle, priced at $150. This well-worn 1967 SportWagon was priced at $5,500. The attachment on the rear quarter appears to be the base for an old two-way radio antenna.
Front of the 1967 SportWagon. Late 1950s Opel Rekord. Good luck finding those missing headlight bezels!
Last year’s meet was first rescheduled to the fall and then canceled completely due to the virus epidemic. This year, the organizers stuck with it and were rewarded with one of the largest, best attended meets that they have ever held.
I did not see anyone doing anything foolish—except for those vendors who cannot leave their political signs and banners at home. Most folks were being cautious. A few had masks on, but when everyone is outdoors and there’s a good breeze to clear the air, some outdoor buying and selling doesn’t hurt anyone.
The Buicks and Buick parts were few and far between, this being Ford and Chevrolet country. Porcelain-enamel oil company and automobile dealership signs seemed to be the biggest thing this year, with every 5th or 6th space having some for sale at continually higher and higher prices. ♦
