The Buick Bugle - July 2026

JULY 2026

C O T H R U M M O TO R C O .

BUICK BOOKSHELF: POWER UNLEASHED FEATURE ARTICLE: 1976

RIVIERAS

ON THE COVER: 1949 BUICK SUPER

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE BUICK CLUB OF AMERICA

JULY 2026

VOLUME 61, NUMBER 2 EDITOR

Pete Phillips pphillips922@gmail.com PO Box 1247 Leonard, Texas 75452 903-436-2851 No texting Office Hours: M-F 9-5 (Central)

ART DIRECTOR Shannon Olson olsonrsa@gmail.com

PRINTING COMPANY

BCA OFFICE MANAGERS

For membership, or to replace a lost or damaged 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 2026

BUICK DEALERSHIP

20th Annual LaJolla Concours …... 16 Ernie & Elaine Nagamatsu

Cothrum Motor Co. .......................... 8 Pete Phillips

A Custom Built 1931 Phaeton …... 18 Francis Billado

BUICK BOOKSHELF

Power Unleased .............................. 10

1959 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car …. 22

Helen V Hutchings

Pete Phillips

ON THE COVER

1940 Buick Promotional Coins ….. 12 Mitch Carr

Perfectly Imperfect ……………..... 24 David Bothamly

2026 BCA National Meet Schedule of Events …………………….…… 15

FEATURE ARTICLE

1976 Buick Riviera ......................... 30 Pete Phillips

DEPARTMENTS

CLASSIFIED ADS

Coming Events…………………………….. 4

Advertising Rates & Information…. 39 Cars For Sale…………………….... 40 Cars Wanted……………..………... 42 Parts For Sale………….……….…. 42 Parts Wanted…………………..….. 43 Memorabilia For Sale……………… 44 Print Media For Sale………………. 44 Information Wanted………………. 45 Advertising Index…………………. 46

President’s Message……..………..……….. 6 Obituary………….………..……………….

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Full-Size 1966 Buicks

Letters to the Editor……………………….. 17

September 2026

BCA 2026 National Meet Forms….. Mail Wrap

October 2026

BCA Technical Advisors………….. Mail Wrap

1966 Rivieras

Buicks of 1986

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.

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1976 Riviera photo from the 1976 Buick full line sales catalogue. Read about the Rivieras of 1976 beginning on page 30 of this issue.

BCA Divisions & Regions………... Mail Wrap

COVER PHOTO: David Bothamly’s 1949 Super with accessory VanAuken bumper guards and running lights. Photo by John Welby. Read about this unrestored beauty beginning on page 24 of this issue.

BUICK BUGLE

Want extra copies of the Buick Bugle? (current and back issues) MAGAZINES ON YOUR YEAR OF BUICK Order from the North Texas Chapter, BCA, PO Box 1247, Leonard, TX 75452.

903-436-2851. No texting

$8.00 per copy, includes US postage. $12.00 per copy for foreign addresses. $14.00 for the November 2016 issue to US address.

January 2018 - 1968 Buicks February 2018 - 1924 Buicks July 2016 - 1956 Buicks August 2015 - 1940 Buicks July 2014 - 1922 Buicks

JUNE 2026

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coming events 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 2026

JULY 2026

AUGUST 2026

July 11, 2026 - Buffalo, New York. The Niagara Frontier Chapter will host the Annual Buick Show at the Lt .Col. Matt Urban VFW Post 7275 located at 3741 Walden Ave, Lancaster, N.Y. on July 11, 2026. Registration 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Peer judged, Top 10 awards plus Best Buick. Food, music, basket raffle, 50/50. No outside alcoholic beverages.

Contact Tom Walzak, 716-433-1024. $20.00 at gate. Paved lot and grass areas. Full use of facilities. Proceeds support Golisano Children’s Hospital.

benefit for Hamlin Memorial Library & Museum at the Founders' Day celebration on the green in Paris, Maine. You are invited to see the 1940 Brewster-Buick 90 Limited town car as part of an outstanding collection featuring Packards, Duesenbergs, Stutz Bearcats, a Tucker, Brass-Era cars, vintage race cars, antique dolls, horse-drawn carriages, antique toys, and much more. Cost to view the collection is $15/adults, $2/children under 12.

This is a rain or shine event, from 9AM – 5PM. 207-743-2980, hamlinstaff@ gmail.com, hamlin.lib.me.us founders_day. html.

August 8, 2026 – Plainfield, Indiana. The Central Indiana Chapter, BCA, presents the 21st Annual Stoops Buick/GMC Car Show, 1251 Quaker Boulevard, Plainfield, IN, 46158 on Saturday, August 8. Registration 9:00 – 11:30 a.m., judging 12:00 – 1:30; awards at 3 p.m. The dealership has requested that this year’s show will include all of GM’s premier divisions—Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Cadillac, and GMC trucks. If you own a Buick, Olds, Pontiac, Cadillac, or GMC, this is the opportunity to be on display with some of the finest automobiles ever manufactured by General Motors. We anticipate that this will be a highly attended show with some magnificent cars on display. Make checks payable to Central Indiana B.C.A. Send check and entry form to Jim Smith/CIBCA, 14072 Staghorn Drive, Carmel, IN 46032. $20 advance entry, $15 each additional car until August 1. $25 per car, day of show. 1st, 2nd, 3rd place awards in each class, Best of Show, plus: Best Buick or Marquette; Best Oldsmobile or Viking; Best Pontiac or Oakland; Best Cadillac or LaSalle, Contact: Jim Smith at 317-847-5565 or at jjsmith3739@gmail.com.

July 15-18, 2026 - Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

The Annual ROA Meet will be held at the Wyndham Hotel on Presidential Circle.

Registered members will be active each day from 9am - 10 pm with tours, social events, vendors and refreshments. The car show on Saturday from 9am - 2pm is open to all. Visit rivowners.org, or ray@rivowners.org.

July 17-18, 2026 - Dublin, Ohio. 43rd Annual Arthritis Foundation Chairty Auto Show, Metro Place North, Dublin, Ohio. Friday, July 17: Cruise-In; Saturday, July 18: Classic auto show.

Buick show within a show, 7 classes, 15 awards, Buick Best of Show. Arthritis.org/afcas for registration. For additional information: Jeffrey Brashares usa.jbrashares@cmacgm.com 614-361-7299.

July 18, 2026 - Paris, Maine. The car collection of BCA member Sandra Bahre will be open for a 1-day public viewing as a charity

July 26, 2026 - Reisterstown, Maryland. 22nd Annual All-Vehicle Show hosted by the Free State Region, VCCA. 401 Mitchell Dr. All years, makes, models, modified and original are welcome. Theme: Friendly and Fun. Presenting 33 awards: Top 30, Reisterstown Park Choice, Longest Distance Driven, Best of Show. Day of show registration $20. Portion of the proceeds benefit assisting homeless veterans. 9am – 1:30pm, awards at 1pm. Arrive by noon to be judged. Gates open at 8:30am. Food available at concessions: hot dogs, bratwurst, snacks, cold drinks. Families are welcome. Bring the kids! Park has covered pavilion, indoor restrooms and playground area. Rain or shine event. Contact Mike Natale at 443-465-7492, mrnatale@verizon.net or visit freestateregionvcca.org.

BCA NATIONAL MEET COMMITTEE (NMC) Marck Barker (NMC Chairman) BCA #45231, 919-233-1973 (NC) 89reata@gmail.com Ed Allmond, BCA #30155 518-456-8909 (NY) cruisemastered@gmail.com Heather Banhidy, BCA #14382 (2024 Meet Chair) 440-235-2453 (OH) cowamoo2@aol.com Jerry Courson, BCA #37598 210-601-1780 (TX) jerrylcourson@gmail.com

John DeFiore, BCA #3757 518-384-7807 (NY) defiorejohn@gmail.com Roy Faries, BCA #25603 (NMC Secretary) 214-354-1348 (TX) rfaries@verizon.net Adam Martin, BCA (Chief Judge) #39765 314-713-1262 (MO) adam@antiqueautomotive service.com Pete Phillips, BCA #7338 903-436-2851 (TX) pphillips922@gmail.com

Jeff Schindler, BCA #47629 (2023 Meet Co-Chair) 509-389-9400 (WA) inwbuickenthusiast@ gmail.com Jack Welch, BCA #5387 781-662-4423 (MA) antiquecaddy@gmail.com

August 15, 2026 - Flint, Michigan. Buicktown Chapter (BCA) will again host “Buicks on the Bricks”; in collaboration with “Back to the Bricks”. Original Buick Indianapolis 500 Pace Cars will be featured this year, with a 1:00 p.m. program including a special award, and a discussion forum of engineers who developed the pace cars. Buick festival, parade and replica pace cars will also be featured on site. All collectible Buicks welcome. 6:00am entry.

Hotel room block at Hilton Garden Inn, two blocks from show site: Group 90i Buicks on the Bricks, includes breakfast. Show information at BacktotheBricks.com/BuicksontheBricks, or call Dave 810-280-9504.

August 19-22, 2026 - Albany, New York.

The 53rd BCA National Meet. Albany History Tour, Wednesday Cruise-In, Thursday BBQ onsite, Friday Ice cream run, several selfdriving tours to local attractions, plus an organized Pre-war tour. Friday night BHA benefit, Saturday car show w/class judging and evening awards banquet. Hotel links and activity descriptions at: UNYBCA.com.

Come and discover the great Northeast!

August 30, 2026 - Gurnee, Illinois. Two car shows at one event! 5th Annual Buick Riviera ROA & GM Car Show, Sunday, August 30, 2026, hosted by the Riviera Owners

Publisher: The Buick Bugle (USPS #480-130) is published monthly by the Buick Club of America, Inc., c/o Cornerstone Registration, Ltd., PO Box 1715, Maple Grove, MN 55311-6715. Tel: 763-420-7829, Fax: 763-420-7849, bca@cornerstonereg.com. Periodical postage paid at Columbus, OH and additional mailing offices. The Buick Bugle (ISSN 0194-8415 is an official publication of the Buick Club of America, Inc. ©2024. POSTMASTER: Send address changes and all administrative questions to: Buick Club of America, Inc., c/o Cornerstone Registration, Ltd., PO Box 1715, Maple Grove, MN 55311-6715. Tel: 763-420-7829 Fax: 763-420-7849 bca@cornerstonereg.com.

coming events AUGUST 2026

OCTOBER 2026

OCTOBER 2026

Association and Woody Buick, 5589 Northridge Dr., Gurnee, IL. Open to all '63-'99 Buick Riviera owners and all GM models. $10 registration, 10am-2pm, DJ Rudy K car cruising music, great food vendors. For show info contact Kevin Kauppi, 224-623-1297, kevinkauppi13@aol.com or Len Woelfel, 630675-3640, len.woelfel@gmail.com.

Buick vendor site information. Great weather is always expected. A few more members are needed to staff the tent. Interested? Contact Brian DePouli; 704 905-4989, text or brian.depouli@att.net.

October 26-29, 2026 - Birmingham, Alabama. The Bama Chapter, BCA hosts the S.E. Regional Meet “Magic City Tour” (is a touring event). Come see and explore the New Birmingham area with tours of American Village, where you can learn about the founding of our nation; a 150-car collection; a museum featuring 100 fire trucks and fire apparatus; a wildlife rehabilitation center dedicated to returning birds to their natural habitat; Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park; and the Randle House. The tour also includes lunch at the Whistle Stop and a banquet at a restaurant that has been familyowned for more than 100 years. Optional visits to the Talladega museum and racetrack, as well as the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, can also be arranged. Each evening will feature a lively hospitality room, followed by a delicious closing banquet. For more information, contact John Cover, BCA 30504, at 205-837-0192 or jecengr@yahoo.com.

SEPTEMBER 2026 September 12, 2026 - Spokane, Washington.

The Inland Northwest Chapter will hold its second annual Buick Open Car Show at the Mirabeau Meadows Park, 13500 Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley, WA. 10:00am to 2:00pm. Show open to all makes, models and years. All cars will be judged. Awards at 1:30pm. Food available. Music to set the atmosphere. Registration fee $25.00.

Inlandnorthwestbuick.com, or Jim Barry 509220-7911 or jim@hilbyheights.biz.

September 19, 2026 – Portland, Oregon.

Portland’s inaugural Rose City Buick-OldsPontiac-Cadillac-GMC cruise-in and car show.

10:00 AM to 2:00pm. 18188 NE Wilkes Rd, Portland, Oregon. Trophies for all makes. $20 entry fee per car. No charge for spectators. No pre-registration. Easy freeway access. Take I84 east to the 181st Street exit near Gresham.

Drive one block south on 181st Avenue. Turn left and drive east on Wilkes Road to the Migration Brewing Company parking lot. Food and beverages available on site. Send any questions to Portlandbuick@Yahoo.com.

September 28-Oct 1, 2026 -- Oaks, Pennsylvania. The BDE (Buick Driving Enthusiasts) Fall Tour will be visiting many interesting and varied sites including two private collections, the Mercer Museum, American Treasure Tour Museum, Longwood Gardens, etc. For more info email to Dennis Snell, ddsnell@ptd.net. Registration deadline is August 28th.

September 30 - October 4, 2026 - Las Vegas, Nevada. 53-54 Buick Skylark Club Annual Meet. Host hotel is "The Orleans" at 4500 W. Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89103 For booking call 800-675-3267and reference code "BSC126C". Rate per day is $99.43 for Wednesday & Thursday, and $125.42 for Friday & Saturday. Last day to book for the special rate is July 31, 2026. Questions: Joe Flores, Joe53sl@aol.com.

OCTOBER 2026 October 6-9, 2026 - Hershey, Pennsylvania.

When at the AACA Fall. Meet in Hershey, stop at the BCA tent, spaces GBK 35-37, or look for the familiar BUICK CLUB OF AMERICA sign. Rest your tired feet and have some refreshments. Talk cars with fellow BCA members and Buick enthusiasts from around the world. We take membership applications, and your questions or comments. Donate your literature to the BHA. As always we’ll have

JULY 2026

October 10, 2026 - Delaware, Ohio. 32nd Annual Delaware Charity Car Show, 1 South Sandusky St., Delaware, OH. 7:00am.

Registration 11:00am to 2:00pm. 100 Best of awards.15 Best of Show. Contact Jeffrey Brashares usa.jbrashares@cma-cgm.com, 614-361-7299.

October 10, 2026 - Fullerton, California.

Western Regional All-Buick Car Show, 9 a.m.2:00pm at the Fullerton Airport, 4011 Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, CA., Saturday, Oct. 10. Hosted by Orange County Chapter, BCA. Pre-registration, before Sept. 26 is $45 for a judged entry, display-only, or car corral. $35 for additional car. Rain or shine event, no refunds. $55 registration after Sept. 26 or day of show. Vehicle check-in is 7 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.; car entry closes at 9 a.m. Vendor spaces available; no trailer parking available.

Questions? Contact oc.buickclub@gmail.com.

All vehicle owners must be current members of the BCA (insurance requirement). Send registrations & payment to: Orange County Chapter, Attn. Alan Clark, PO Box 11238, Newport Beach, CA. 92658.

October 10, 2026 - Yukon, Oklahoma.

Oklahoma BCA members' event. Where: Bridging Vines Winery, 11216 N. Cimarron Rd., Yukon, OK. Live music, food trucks, outdoor patio and indoor seating.

Special display area for cars. No registration, no fee, dash plaques. Hours: 9am to 3pm. For more information: Mark Garcia, Earlsboro, OK, 510-857-4424, vcca.4022@gmail.com.

October 17, 2026 - Collinsville, Illinois. All Buick Rendezvous at Laura Buick/GMC, Collinsville, IL. Joint event with the St. Louis Gateway Chapter, BCA Gateway Buick Performance Enthusiasts.11:00 am to 3:00 pm (Saturday). Bring your lawn chairs. Laura Buick/GMC, 903 North Bluff Rd., Collinsville, IL 62234. Lunch provided. Club members bring dessert for all. No entry fee. RSVP required. Chetpalumbo1947@ gmail.com, with names of guests; make, model and year of your car.

October 17, 2026 - Westfield, Massachusetts.

The Central New England Chapter, BCA, presents “Buicks in the Fall”, Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Shortstop Bar & Grill, 99 Springfield Road, Westfield, Massachusetts 01085. 10am-2pm with peer judging, awards, DJ, raffle prizes, gas cards, and 50/50 drawing. $10.00 day of show registration. For more information contact our Facebook page “Central New England Chapter/ BCA”, or Pat Hayes (Vice Director) 413-6264592.

October 31, 2026 - Lehighton, Pennsylvania.

50th Annual Old Car Show & Outdoor Flea Market. Phifer's Ice Dam, 880 Main Rd., Lehighton. Hosted by the Free Spirit Chapter.

Registration 9 am - Noon, Car/market space, $20.00. Dash plaques to first 50 car registrants.

Park as you enter, no classes! Top 10 awards and Honorary David Brady Award. Open to all make/model/year vehicles. No rain date. Sally 484-464-3418, or buickfreespirit.org.

FEBRUARY 2027 February 17-23, 2027 - Napier, New Zealand. Join us for five days in the Art Deco Capital of the World. Buick is the featured marque and will lead the parade. Buick vehicles between 1903 and 1949 are eligible. Event will commemorate 100 years since Buick vehicles were assembled in New Zealand. For those travelling from overseas limited spaces will be available in cars so you can be part of this unique experience. Accommodation suggestions and program details email buickrally27@gmail.com.

MARCH 2027 March 25-27, 2027 - Duncan, Oklahoma. The 21st Annual Auto Swap Meet, including PreWar, will be held at 2002 S. 13th St., Duncan, OK. 73533. A dedicated Pre-War section is included. Spaces are indoors and outdoors. Free parking & admission, R.V. hook-ups. Outdoor spaces $35; indoor spaces $45. More info at duncanokswapmeet.com or (580) 467-2472, call before 8 pm Central time.

JUNE 2027 June 9-12, 2027 - Spearfish, South Dakota.

The Buick Club's 2027 National Meet will be held in Spearfish, South Dakota. Watch for more details in future months.

BUICKCLUB.ORG 5

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.

PRESIDENT Jerry Courson (2026), BCA #37598 210-601-1780 (TX) jerryLcourson@gmail.com VICE PRESIDENT Tim Turvey (2027), BCA #52410 954-253-0994 (MI) Tim.Turvey@hotmail.com

president’s message Why Cancel the Columbus National Meet? – I recently received two emails from members regarding the canceled national meet in Columbus.

Both members indicated my President’s Message did not provide a reason for the cancellation. YOU ARE CORRECT, I APOLIGIZE. There were several reasons the BCA Board and the National Meet Committee chose to cancel the meet: •

SECRETARY Jack Welch (2027), BCA #5387 617-838-3525 (MA) antiquecaddy@gmail.com

TREASURER Michael Meyer (2027) BCA #51685 386-527-9975 (FL) mjmeyer@synergybilling.com BCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Melanie Mauser (2026), BCA #8185 630-640-8563 (IL) melsbuick455@gmail.com

•

The two hotels were half a mile apart, so a shuttle service would be necessary to avoid excessive walking for the members. This would have added expense and irritation to attendees who would likely always feel they were at the “wrong hotel”.

•

The event would have been held in conjunction with the annual Arthritis

Ajesh Parikh (2028), BCA #52259 224-578-3384 (IL) ajesh35@hotmail.com Bill Gorman (2028) BCA# 44900 515-290-6565 (IA) bbgorman35@gmail.com Sidney Meyer (2028), BCA #15922 727-415-7679 (IN) smeyer2@tampabay.rr.com Bob Starzyk (2026), BCA #39653 708-334-4848 (IL) 56buick@att.net

The proposed Columbus meet would have required two hotels: One for the show field; and the other to provide sufficient indoor space for our various activities. Both hotels were needed for an adequate supply of sleeping rooms.

Both hotels would require contracts.

This would have put the BCA at significant financial exposure if both contracts could not be completely fulfilled.

NATIONAL BCA OFFICE MANAGERS

The National Meet Committee could have eliminated some of the problems, but the extra costs involved made a national meet in Columbus not practical at this time.

This experience does not preclude a future meet in the area. A group interested in planning a meet should speak with Marck Barker, Director of National Meets.

Marck can be reached at 89reatta@gmail.com.

2025 Golden Quill Awards – The golden quill awards are presented by Old Cars Magazine to car club related publications. I am proud of the recognition to Pete Phillips for his hard work and dedication to producing a quality magazine. Thank you, Pete.

Tom Kromer sent a letter to the Editor published in the May Bugle thanking Pete and expressing appreciation for his efforts in making our magazine one of the best.

Other members should send their thanks.

Shannon Olson, Art Director for the Bugle, also received Golden Quill awards for her work with Journey with Olds, V-8 Times, and The Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Newsletter. Gary DiLillo, 1953-1954 Buick Skylark Division BCA, received recognition for his publication. Matthew Hinson, 1936-37-38 Buick Division BCA, received recognition for Torque Tube II. Ted Baker, Sr., St. Louis Chapter BCA, received recognition for Gateway Gazette.

CONGRATULATIONS ONE AND ALL.

buickclub.org BCA DEPARTMENTS

For membership, or to replace a lost or damaged Bugle:

Judges Training Chairman Bill Gorman, BCA #44900 515-290-6565 ● bbgorman35@gmail.com

Cornerstone Registration, Ltd. bca@cornerstonereg.com

National Chief Judge Adam Martin, BCA #39765 314-713-1262 adam@antiqueautomotiveservice.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) 6

Foundation show. The small and aging core group of volunteers felt that they were going to be stretched thin to run essentially two shows at once.

National Tour Advisor Bruce Kile, BCA # 3013 678-662-6072 ● sbkile58@aol.com Chapter/Region/Division Coordinator Anne Gibson, BCA #11511 336-599-9589 ● agibson36@gmail.com

BUICK BUGLE

president’s message, continued GS Nationals – I had the privilege of attending the GS Nationals in April/May. I enjoyed the drag races. I had not attended a drag race since I was a teenager. The equipment has changed, but the noise level is the same. Approximately 200 cars were displayed and judged in a large show field.

The BCA is one of the sponsors of the event. So, I was elected to pick one car to receive an award. Have you ever had the opportunity to select one car from a show field filled with beautiful Buicks? I assure you, this is not an easy task. After much consideration, I narrowed my list to just 10 cars only to be reminded that I was limited to one selection. I changed my criteria and picked the only car owner I was able to speak with. He told me a hard luck story and the terrible events he

DEADLINE REMINDER Our next deadline is July 24th for the September issue of the Buick Bugle.

Pete Phillips

pphillips922@gmail.com

PO Box 1247 , Leonard, Texas 75452 903-436-2851 Office Hours: M-F 9-5 (Central)

JULY 2026

incurred while preparing for and driving to the meet. The award could be considered a change of luck.

I also spent time at the Buick tent, talking with BCA members and trying to sign up new members. I have spent time talking with BCA members and was able to handle that without making mistakes. However, I need training in signing up new members.

We signed up five members but some were renewals. Also, in at least one case I provided a larger discount than allowed by policy. I also signed up the fewest new members than any previous year. I plan to return next year with a promise to try harder to sign up new members.

Jerry Courson BCA OFFICE MANAGERS

To replace a lost or damaged Bugle:

Cornerstone Registration, Ltd. Tel: 763-420-7829

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COTHRUM MOTOR CO., STAMFORD, TEXAS

By Pete Phillips, BCA #7338, Bugle Editor

Cothrum Motor Company was located in Stamford, Texas which is a town of about 2,500 people, some 50-60 miles north of Abilene. It was owned by Cecil Cothrum.

There was also a Cothrum Motor Company in Duncan, Oklahoma and in Roswell, New Mexico at the same time. These are believed to have been owned by the same person, even though they were several hundred miles apart. The photos are of the Stamford, Texas location and appear to have been taken in 1970.

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As you can see from the sign, Cothrum sold every G.M. make except Chevrolet. The first photo has an early 1960s International pickup truck and a 1965 Oldsmobile 88 parked in front. There's a 1969 or 1970 Buick Electra 225 parked at the side of the building, and what appears to be a 1970 full-size Pontiac in the showroom.

In the second photo below, there's a row of full-size 1970 Oldsmobiles, and at the far right, a mid-size Pontiac. ♦

BUICK BUGLE

Obituary A n n e t t e B i c h e , B C A # 5 6 8 L a n s d a l e , P e n n s y l v a n i a February 4, 1928 - September 6, 2025

By Ron DeGroff, BCA #6457

We just learned of the passing of Annette Biche on September 6 of last year. She was the wife of former BCA President Bill Biche, and a long-time, founding member of the Finger Lakes Chapter, BCA. She was 97 and had been living in a Lansdale, Pennsylvania retirement community since Bill's passing in 2013.

We have been notified that Jerry Richstein, age 74 of Marietta, Georgia passed away on May 14, 2026.

He was a long-time member of the Dixie Chapter and served there in several capacities, including Newsletter Editor, Membership Chairman, and past Treasurer.

He was the current Southeast Region Director for the BCA, and the current Treasurer for the Reatta Division and for the Buick Driving Enthusiasts (BDE).

He also served as registration chair of the 1994 BCA National Meet in Atlanta and Tour Director of the 2023 BDE National Tour.

J e r r y R i c h s t e i n , B C A # 1 9 8 9 2 M a r i e t t a , G e o r g i a

Jerry spent 30+ years as a Civil Engineer in the bridge department at Norfolk Southern Railway, and most of his life as a leader and volunteer in Scouting. No services nor memorials are planned, per his request.

By Pete Phillips, BCA #7338 and Bruce Kile, BCA #3013

C h u c k

R u s s e l l , B C A # 3 8 0 0 2 S u m n e r , Wa s h i n g t o n

As this issue was going to press, we learned that Chuck Russell, of Sumner, Washington, passed away in May. He was past Director of the North Cascade Chapter, very active in the BCA, and drove his 1953 Special two-door hardtop to many national meets. He was a very nice guy and will be greatly missed by those who knew him. We do not have any other details at this time.

BCA Membership Directory & Handbook, Volume No. 45

On Sale Now!

Volume No. 45 is now on sale through Cornerstone Registration.

USA - All States $10.00 Pricing includes shipping To Order send payment to: Cornerstone Registration, PO Box 1715, Maple Grove, MN 55311 LIMITED COPIES AVAILABLE JULY 2026

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buick bookshelf trucks assembled by its GMC Truck division. There are a halfdozen pages that incorporate activity in Europe including at GM-owned Vauxhall and mid-1920s research GM engineers conducted on a Porsche 15/70/100 engine they had acquired.

In the second volume, Ludvigsen describes Charles Kettering’s research during the 1950s and then specifically Buick engineers building two special blown engines. One powered the XP-300 with the other in the Le Sabre concept car. Then a jump in pages and time to the 1970s where ten or so pages describe Buick actively pursuing developing turbocharging encouraged by its then Chief Engineer Lloyd Reuss. It led to first producing a car capable of leading the field of Indianapolis racers starting the 500 followed by 1978 blown model year cars offered to the public.

POWER UNLEASHED

Trailblazers Who Energized Engines with Supercharging and Turbocharging

By Karl Ludvigsen Reviewed by Helen V Hutchings, BCA #9972, Topeka, Kansas

A number of you reading this will recognize the author’s name as he’s been a prolific and decades-long automotive writer of books and magazine articles. Now in his eighties, Karl Ludvigsen decided it was time to bring to fruition the history he’s been researching, compiling, and recording since the mid1950s. Although the word definitive isn’t part of Power Unleashed’s title or subtitle it truthfully could be for this is the most comprehensive history of turbocharging and supercharging written and published.

Admittedly this book—three volumes sold only as a boxed set— may not be for everyone due to its specificity of technical information and yes, both its heft and price. But those who do step up will not be disappointed. The rest of you reading this do need to be aware of the not insignificant role Buick plays in the history beginning back in the day when GM’s sister divisions Drawing shows specially built GMC triple-lobe Roots atop both were autonomous and often competitive with one another.

Ludvigsen’s history begins with those earliest years of theorizing and experimentation in the 1890s. GM doesn’t enter the story until the 1920s and then it is with blowers built by its Detroit Diesel Engine Division supplied for diesel-engined

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LeSabre and XP-300 V-8. They had hemispherical combustion chambers and pushrod-operated vee-inclined valves. Bottom shows cylindrical air cleaner. Its mate was on the other side as they flanked the engine. Bendix-Eclipse carburetors could draw from either petrol or methanol fuel tanks.

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buick bookshelf The third volume brings the history into more contemporary times so, of course, includes Buick’s racing activities with engines in cars that raced in the 500, others provided power to every Indy Lites cars, and still others ran in IMSA’s GT and GTP series. Not overlooked are the Grand Nationals and the GNXs. Also included are the supercharged 3.8-litre Type 3800 V-6s that powered the sleek and beautiful Park Avenue Ultras and Rivieras of the ‘90s.

Don’t overlook this monumental work especially if you’ve serious interest in the technologies and history behind the development of super- and turbo-charging.

RESOURCES Title: Power Unleashed Subtitle: Trailblazers Who Energized Engines with Supercharging and Turbocharging Volume 1 Rushing Toward the Racing Zenith; 1890s to 1950s Volume 2 Wartime Boost to Forced Induction, 1930s to 1970s Volume 3 Turbo Triumphs on Road and Track, 1970s to 2020s Author: Karl Ludvigsen Description: 1960 pages, 8.5” x 11” hardbound w/dust jacket in slipcase, each volume has its own 3 indices, people, companies, events and footnotes Vol 1: 688 pages, 790 b/w & 169 color images, 394 drawings, 32 charts/graphs Vol 2: 664 pages, 571 b/w & 175 color images, 413 drawings, 47 charts/graphs Vol 3: 608 pages, 287 b/w & 487 color images, 186 drawings, 30 charts/graphs, acknowledgements, bibliography ISBN: 978 1 910505 37 3 Publisher: Evro Publishing, 2025 EvroPublishing.com List Price: $500

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1940 BUICK PROMOTION COINS

If anyone has any information about the coins pictured here, please come forward.

They are apparently some sort of Buick promotional coins that came in at least two different U.S. variations. In essence, they are U.S.-minted Morgan silver dollars encased in a brass ring containing a Buick slogan on each side.

The two U.S. dollars here were minted in 1885 and in 1891. Each of the coins will be referenced by their mint year. Morgan silver dollars of this era were made of 90% silver and 10% copper. They were named after United States Mint Assistant Engraver George T. Morgan.

The following questions all have the same answer: ”I DON’T KNOW, HOW ABOUT YOU?” What program were these coins tied to? How many were created? How many variations are there?

Were these coins tied to a national or regional program? Were they intended for either customer capture or customer retention? Was distribution based inducing a test drive, or actually purchasing a Buick?

Encasement Inscriptions: Tail side for both: “WHEN BETTER AUTOMOBILES ARE BUILT BUICK WILL BUILD

THEM” Head side (minting year): 1885 – “YOU CAN BET A MILLION IT’S THE BEST BUICK YET” 1891 – “YOU CAN PUT YOUR BOTTOM DOLLAR ON 1940” with ““Red” Curtice” appearing along the base. Harlow “Red” Curtice was the General Manager of Buick in 1940.

What was so important about “1940” that it appears on one version of the coin? It wasn’t a unique anniversary year for Buick. Front end design only got a minor refresh. The engine oil filter became standard. The Brunn Company modified a Roadmaster into the “Townmaster” town car. Four 1940 Roadmaster pickups were created for Buick complex usage.

Construction of Flint plant Buildings 66A (axle and brake) and 94 (new vehicle storage) were started. Even combining all these items is not enough to support a program using these coins.

If the “1940” encryption does refer to model year, what did sales figures look like? During the great depression Buick sales saw a huge gain for 1940. Let’s look at Buick sales numbers from 1936 to 1940 (see chart). The national collapse of 1938 was due to leaders misreading the U.S. economic uptick of 1937 and removing many of the depression

BUICK SALES 1936 YEAR 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 TOTAL

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SPECIAL 120,716 131,063 147,829 175,568 117,355 692,531

SUPER

107,251 107,251

CENTURY 8,173 35,093 19,287 31,408 9,782 103,743

ROADMASTER 17,091 17,231 6,100 6,489 18,755 65,666

-1940

LIMITED 80

4,458 4,458

AL

By Mitch Carr, BCA #47405

Above, left; 1885 Buick silver dollar.

Above, right; 1891 Buick silver dollar.

economic supports. This caused Buick a 12,637 (-7.2%) unit drop in 1938 sales.

1939 sales saw a needed upward leap, with 215,084 total units sold. Through all of this Buick managed to always retain 4th place in domestic sales, with a 7-8% market share.

1940 Buick sales really took off with a total of 259,495 units being sold, which was 108,704 units better than in 1936.

New for 1940 was the Super which was positioned between the Special and the Century. The Super took sales away from both the Special and Century, to the point of being within 10,000 units of the Special. Better off buyers also took a large interest in the Roadmaster as sales would increase by 12,266 units over 1939. A one-year-only 1940 Limited 80 series only sold 4,458 units. It was positioned between the Roadmaster and the renamed Limited 90.

You are now the head of Buick sales in 1940. Within just a few years Buick sales have gone from dismal to looking like they are heading towards record numbers.

The Depression is still on, but something

LIMITED (90) 4,811 4,203 1,737 1,619 1,894 14,264

TOTAL 150,791 187,590 174,953 215,084 259,495 987,913

YEARLY CHANGE 36,799 -12,637 40,131 44,411

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1939-1940 Buick Canadian dollar.

is beginning to work. The start of preWWII military contracts may have customers feeling better about buying a new more upmarket car. Could these coins be used to bring attention to the new 1940 Super and/or the Roadmaster?

A good chunk of the Special clientele are moving up to the new more expensive Super. The much more profitable Roadmaster looks like its numbers might triple. Meanwhile, the big Limited (90) continues to lag. Are you going to spend this type of promotional money on an almost certain Special/Super buyer or go after the more profitable Roadmaster buyer?

Then there is the tie-in to the 1939-1940 New York World’s Fair theory floating around the internet today. This idea has Buick distributing these coins at the fair to induce test drives plus help increase fair attendance. The 1940 World’s Fair season saw a reduction of participating countries due to the start of WWII in 1939. Wanting to drum up attendance, fair promoters like Robert Moses may have asked participating companies with pavilions to come up with giveaways.

For the 1940 season, the fair ran from May 11th to October 27th, with over 11 million attendees. That’s a huge captive audience to try and convince you have the product for them. An online video (see below) only claims in printed word that the “Buick dollars given away/sold at the 1939-1940 New York World’s Fair.”

In this case, could 1940 on the coin mean the calendar year and not model year?

Could these coins have been used internally at Buick for various reasons?

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Something like an employee service award for high number of years. How about salesperson recognition for moving a large number of units?

Back in 1940 these coins would have been an expensive promotional piece to just hand out, like candy. First, you have the cost of the dollar coin which had more buying power back in 1940. Then you have the copper encasements, which would have needed different dies. These coins have some weight to them, so shipping and handling would be another factor. Even excluding 1940 fleet sales, giving each purchaser, let alone test drives, one of these coins would still have been a good chunk of change.

These Buick coins are easy to find for sale today on the internet. The first website I brought up had one asking for over $650. For ten seconds I went into complete Daffy Duck mode: “I’M RICH!!! I’M WEALTHY!!! I’M COMFORTABLY WELL OFF!!! I’M SOCIALLY SECURE!!!” Then I scrolled down further and found others for less than $100. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.

My wife Lynn and I discovered these Buick coins in a plastic sandwich bag in a drawer in our house. Neither of us can remember seeing them before, let alone know how they got there. Based on “1940” I’m guessing that possibly my grandfather, who was in Buick Purchasing, may have given them to my then high school age father. Somewhere in the next 80+ years they grew little legs,

dragged a clear plastic bag into that drawer and then jumped inside the bag.

Our Buick friends to the north also got on the “1940” bandwagon. A Canadian Buick dealer, J. T. Farr & Sons, offered copper encased 1940 Canadian dimes. It had “J.T. FARR & SONS. WESTEN” on the head side, and “BET YOUR LAST DIME ON BUICK IN 1940.” on the tail side. Once again, something was unique about 1940 for Buick. Today that coin’s asking price is $300 Canadian while another one on eBay is going for only $100 Canadian. Another dime version has the same tail inscription, but with “H.J. CARMICHEAL GENERAL MOTORS OF CANADA LIMITED” on the head side.

I did one more search and discovered our Canadian friends had upped their game with a 1940 Canadian dollar version.

This one has a nearly identical encasement around a Canadian one-dollar

1940 Buick Canadian Dime.

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Recent sale listings for Buick silver dollars.

coin which has an image of King George VI on it. The other difference is “Red” Curtice being replaced with “H.J. CARMICHEAL” along the base of the head side. So now there are at least three versions of these Buick coins.

After all this, we are back where we started. Does anyone have any factual knowledge about these Buick coins, and not some vague internet theory? Was the program tied to these coins successful, or did Buick waste a lot of money on it?

Anybody know if there are any possible

like coins with either “1939” or “1941” embossment? If you do know, please come forward.

References: https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/ encased-buick-1878-morgan-silver1826777038 https://www.cointalk.com/threads/encasedbuick-morgan-dollar-promotional.244389/ https://www.icollector.com/Farr-SonsBuick-Dealers-Encased-1940Dime_i52527900 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

Morgan_dollar https://automotivehistory.org/history-ofbuick-townmaster/ www.ebay.com/sch/i.html? _nkw=buick+token&_sop=12&msockid=0 b7e1065b175668031420745b0f967c5 https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/ relatedvideo? q=buick+promotional+1940+coins+for+sal e&&mid=5AF1A26A5B10240E049F5AF1 A26A5B10240E049F&mmscn=stvo&FOR M=VRDGAR avaluer.net/explore/99258931939_encased_canadian_dollar_buick_pro motional

763-420-7829

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BUICK BUGLE

2026 BCA National Meet Schedule of Events Albany, New York TUESDAY 8/18/2026

WEDNESAY 8/19/2026

THURSDAY 8/20/2026 FRIDAY 8/21/2026

SATURDAY 8/22/2026

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The 20th Annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance Sunday April 26, 2026

Photos by Ernie & Elaine Nagamatsu, BCA #40782, Monterey Park, California

Editor's note: It has been a few years since we published an article about this historic Buick-powered race car, owned by Ernie and Elaine Nagamatsu. The car is powered by a Buick 401 V-8 and dates from 1959. You can see in the second photo the list of famous race car drivers who have driven this car.

The prestigious 2026 La Jolla, California Concours d’ Elegance was held on the bluff of picturesque La Jolla Cove, California coastline. This event showcased an exquisite selection of over 150 classic cars. Featured were meticulously curated

Inside the car is this list of its past drivers.

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Above; Dr. Ernie Nagamatsu with Old Yeller II on display.

automobiles that highlighted both historical significance and “ground breaking” designs. Attendees enjoyed automotive displays and VIP receptions. This year the featured class-theme was “Icons of Speed.” For that highlighted class, the winners were: 1st- Charles Wegner, 1959 Ferrari 250 LWB Competition TDF; 2nd – Bill Ceno, 1990 Ferrari F40; 3rd- Ernest and Elaine Nagamatsu, 1959 Old Yeller II Buick Special.

The proud owners displaying the car's latest award.

BUICK BUGLE

letters to the editor CORRECTION FROM JUNE ISSUE Pete, I just checked out the June Bugle online. I noticed that Alan Thiese's name was misspelled in his obituary. It'd probably be a good thing to make a correction and place it in the July issue.

You do a fantastic job for the Bugle! It's always awesome, and your efforts are appreciated! The printer does an excellent job as well!

All the best to you, Lee Branum, BCA #2204 THE SAME EDWARD MUELLER? Dear Pete, I found the article on “Earl & Curtice's Special Roadmasters” in the latest Bugle very interesting. Several years ago my wife and I went to a local estate sale. We found three rolled-up artist's proofs, not of Buicks, but old Corvettes (another love of mine). They are 16” x 20” on archival paper.

One is of a '53 dated 1-8-90. Another is a '56 in race form, dated 1-10-90, and the third is the iconic '63 split window coupe dated 1-26-90. All are signed Edward G. Mueller and titled “The Glory Years” and dedicated to a now deceased, well known, local architect. I paid $9 for all three. I made frames for them and now display them on the wall of my “loft”, a 24’ x 24’ room I built as a family room.

My limited research finds Ed Mueller worked for Harley Earl and was primarily a Pontiac design engineer. I would love to know more! My first thought was to contact Terry Boyce, but decided to contact you first. Of course, if it's not the same Mueller, no need to go further. I can send photos.

Chuck Garber, BCA #6691, 1606 N. 85th St., Omaha, NE 68114 (402) 391-5270 Chuck, I never heard of Ed Mueller, but I'm not knowledgeable on Pontiac stylists or engineers. Maybe someone can respond.

Pete Phillips, Bugle Editor

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A Custom-Built 1931 Buick Phaeton

By Francis (Bill) Billado, BCA #27324, Shelburne, Vermont

This Buick project started 50 years ago when Vermont antique car legend Dale Lake made a tearful announcement that his recently acquired "down-country" neighbors were not impressed with his hobby interest and had ganged up on him, legally forcing him to liquidate his large collection. Dale showed up at a Vermont Automobile Enthusiasts (VAE) club meeting and made a tearful plea for the membership to "come and get 'em" before the crusher deadline arrived.

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Above; It takes several people to push this heavy beast!

Every weekend that summer, good weather and bad, members of the VAE showed up in Ripton, competing and negotiating for Dale's "old iron." I purchased a nice model 31-91, a not-so-nice model 31-96, a very nice model 29-47 and a nice '25 Hudson Super Six.

BUICK BUGLE

There was also a model 31-91 in deplorable condition that caught the attention of Tom McHugh, a fellow VAE member and "Buick nut." The body was so fragile that it was necessary to secure it to the chassis with rope before setting out for the back-roads trip to Burlington. We made it as far as Charlotte before the web of rope called it quits and the four doors and the rest of the body panels were scattered all over the pavement.

After tying everything precariously back together, we decided to terminate the trip at my place in Shelburne.

The chassis was dragged into the woods and the body pieces were transported to Tom's home. After several years with the body in Tom's garage and the chassis in my woods, Tom asked me if I had any interest in owning another Buick.

In violation of good judgement, the restoration began.

The inspiration came from a nearly identical project undertaken in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Body off of the frame.

In October 1929, General Motors S.A. received six 1930 series 60 chassis to be fitted with custom bodies by Boag & Sons. Three of the bodies were dual cowl phaetons emulating the Cadillac V-16 phaetons of that year. One of these cars was featured in the March 1999 issue of the Buick Bugle. It is owned by Prof. Alex Duffey of Pretoria, South Africa who kindly assisted me by sending detailed information and photographs of his car. The original owner who commissioned the car was the Managing Director of Zebediela Citrus Estates in northern Transvaal, and the car was chauffeur driven.

The most notable difference between a 1930 series 60 and a 1931 series 90 is the change from a six to an eight cylinder engine. This 1931 model 91 left the assembly line as a five passenger sedan. The original body has been reconfigured as a close-coupled dual-cowl phaeton.

It features a retractable rear windshield, rear instrument cluster, Beals & Selkirk trunk and Pilot-Ray driving lights. This period-authentic restoration rides on a 146" wheelbase and it is powered by the original, blue-printed and balanced 344.8 cubic inch straight eight engine.

Trial-fit of body and fenders on the frame, prior to painting.

The first step in the restoration was to render 1/8 scale drawings to determine the precise profile of the full-size car. The frame was cut and lengthened 14" just behind the rear shackles of the front springs and the body was shortened by 14 1/2" to create a close-coupled, long wheelbase phaeton. No functional components required alteration.

The most challenging aspect of the restoration were the top bows and top irons, followed by the hood and front fenders.

Taking measurements from a 1929 model 51, I was able to get a good start; however for the irons to fold properly they had to be exact. It took a lot of hours to get them right. To get the oak bows to fit properly, a first set was cut, spliced and glued until they were correct and then used as a pattern for a second set.

The hood, being lengthened by 14", required a wooden Backside of the front and rear dashboards.

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buck that accommodated a more gradual taper of the top from the cowl to the radiator shell. The hood sides were lengthened by slightly more than 14" in order to fit the tapered hood top.

Two hoods were used to accomplish these tasks.

The front fenders also required wooden bucks to ensure that they would precisely fit the frame. The front and rear portions of the fenders were first fastened to the bucks, followed by fabrication of the center sections and the 8" wide side-mount buckets.

The buckets were installed 5 1/2" forward of factory placement in order to provide the correct relationship to the longer hood and the 8" width that was needed for the car's 7.50 X 19 tires.

Front of the two dashboards (gauges only, and no controls for the rear compartment).

All of the wood in the body needed to be replaced, but although that initially seemed to be a daunting endeavor, it went smoothly and was an enjoyable task. My other model 91 provided the "patterns" and the only tools at my disposal were a tilt-blade band saw, an electric plane, a belt sander, West System marine epoxy and a variety of clamps.

As one might imagine, there were a myriad of projects that were involved in bringing this restoration to completion. Fortunately I had access to area craftsmen who have been recognized for sending prize-winning restorations to Pebble Beach, Amelia Island, SEMA and the Detroit Auto Show.

Rear view of the trial-fit of body on frame.

Gauges in place for the rear seat passengers.

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Gauges and controls for the driver.

BUICK BUGLE

Firewall insulation pad, floor mat, and kick panel.

The finished interior.

Passenger front interior door panel.

Front seat.

Body, engine, and radiator in place.

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The finished car is a thing of beauty.

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The car's lettering and decals certainly appear to be legitimate.

1959 INDIANAPOLIS 500 PACE CAR

By Pete Phillips, BCA #7338, Bugle Editor

The Buick is currently in an auto museum in Italy.

We have received an inquiry from a friend in Parma, Italy who suspects that he might have one of the two Pace Cars that were built by Buick for the 1959 22

The two sponsoring Buick dealers in Indianapolis in 1959.

Indianapolis 500 race. Only two were built. The second one was kept in reserve for publicity photos and in case any mechanical failure or accident kept the first car from BUICK BUGLE

Here is the car's vehicle I.D. number.

being used on race day. Unfortunately, no records were kept of the vehicle I.D. numbers of the two cars. No replicas were built, but several “Festival Cars” were also made and sold by the two nearby Buick dealers in Indianapolis—more about those shortly.

Buicks were chosen to pace the Indianapolis 500 race in 1939, 1959, and 1976. The two cars for 1959 were Electra 225 convertibles with Arctic white paint and a red bucket seat interior. Whereas most white convertibles in 1959 had black tops, the Buick pace cars were equipped with white convertible tops. Arctic white is paint code “C” in 1959 and “3” designates the white top (see photo of this car's data plate). Of course, on a car this age, the top has probably been replaced several times. New Buicks in Indiana dealerships in 1959 were supplied by the Flint assembly plant. The third digit on the vehicle I.D. number is a “1”. A “1” indicates that the car was assembled in Flint, Michigan, which this one

was. A final unique characteristic of the two pace cars is that they had 140 m.p.h. speedometers. This one has a 120 m.p.h. speedometer, but the owner maintains that the speedometer could have been changed out, if anything ever malfunctioned on the original one—who knows?

In addition to the two 1959 Buick pace cars, there were a few dozen “Festival cars”. A group of Indianapolis businessmen in 1959 decided to sponsor a Festival parade in order to draw more people downtown during race week. The two local Buick dealers—Ogle-Dellen and Monarch Buick—provided “Festival cars” for the parade. These were Electras and Invictas, convertibles and hardtops, and they were later sold to the public as special festival cars; but they were not pace cars. The likelihood that this one is a former “Festival car” is more believable, given the lack of a 140 m.p.h. speedometer.

The car's data plate shows that it originally came with white paint and a white top. The white top is somewhat unusual since most convertibles with white paint had black tops.

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ON THE COVER

Perfectly Imperfect Article by David Bothamly, BCA #32809 Photos by John Welby, BCA #36180, Abiquiu, New Mexico

A TIME WORN 1949 BUICK SUPER “I’m not buying another car. I don’t need another car. I’ve got plenty of cars. Where would I keep another car? There’s no more room in the garage. Besides, if I spend money on another car, it will take away funds that I can use to fix up the cars I already have. There are enough projects to keep me busy. I don’t need any more projects.”

Or so the inner monologue goes, until logic goes out the window. Sometimes, you see a car for sale that just speaks to

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you and captures your imagination. It beckons you in for a closer look. Such was the scenario for me at the 2023 BCA National Meet in Spokane, Washington.

John and I got to the hotel Tuesday afternoon and checked out the early arrivals. Several beautiful Buicks were already there.

We perused the swap meet area, where a few vendors were Above; External sun visors were a popular accessory in 1949.

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setting up. Adjacent to the swap meet was the designated area for the car corral. Nothing was up for sale there yet.

Then on Thursday, a new arrival was sitting in the parking lot— a 1949 Buick Super model 51 four-door sedan. In the window was a handwritten for sale sign on a piece of cardboard. The asking price didn’t seem to be out of line with the car’s condition, so we decided to investigate further.

The car was wearing faded, factory Cirrus green paint, with patches of red primer showing through. There was surface rust on the hood. Everywhere you look there were dents, dings, scratches and scrapes aplenty. All of the trim and emblems were present. All of the glass was intact and not cracked. On the windshield was a peeling BCA sticker. The chalky, crazed tail light and turn signal lenses testify to a lifetime of baking in the sun. The car has factory rear gravel guards, plus gravel guards behind the front wheel wells. The car has an accessory spotlight, an aftermarket windshield visor, and a “Van Auken” grille guard.

The interior has seen better days— that’s putting it mildly! A spinner knob is affixed to the cracked steering wheel. The front seat is covered with a filthy flannel sheet. The tattered, brittle remains of the original upholstery partially cover the back seat. The door panels are water-stained and shredded, and strands of the original headliner are hanging in the window frames like cobwebs.

But there is just something about this car. It is perfect in its imperfections!

The faded finish, shabby surfaces, and the various scars, are a testament to this Buick’s seven and a half decades of existence. This car just exudes a particular well worn charm. It has tales to tell, even if its history remains unknown.

This is a black plate California car. An inspection with a magnet revealed absolutely no body filler. The doors, rocker panels, floor and trunk pans are all rock solid. The only rust hole is a small spot at the bottom of the spare tire well.

I’ve never had a car from the 1940s, and I thought this could be a way to enjoy a Buick from that era on a budget. Rather than do a full-on restoration, the plan would be to make the car mechanically reliable, and just preserve the patina. Then throw some Mexican blankets over the seats and drive it!

After some negotiation, the purchase was made and the ’49 got trailered back home. The ’73 LeSabre that John and I trailered up to the show got driven home instead.

Up first, the dangerous fire hazard of the leaking gas tank had to be addressed. There was no way to patch the leak, which the previous owner attempted to do with JBWeld.

Luckily, there is an aftermarket gas tank available that fits a ’49 Buick.

That was installed, along with a new sending unit. I was surprised to discover there is an array of aftermarket parts available for 1949 Buicks. This car, model 51, was the best selling model of all the 1949 Buicks. A total of 131,514 were produced, plus an additional 4,909 for export.

BUT THERE IS JUST SOMETHING ABOUT THIS CAR. IT IS PERFECT IN ITS IMPERFECTIONS! THE FADED FINISH, SHABBY SURFACES, AND THE VARIOUS SCARS, ARE A TESTAMENT TO THIS BUICK’S SEVEN AND A HALF DECADES OF EXISTENCE. THIS CAR JUST EXUDES A PARTICULAR WELL WORN CHARM. IT HAS TALES TO TELL, EVEN IF ITS HISTORY REMAINS UNKNOWN.

A short test drive indicated that the 248 straight eight engine runs, with no internal noises that might indicate an impending rebuild. The transmission still shifts, although it is nearly imperceptible with a Dynaflow. The brakes are doing their job.

There is an obvious series of leaks needing to be addressed. The gas tank is leaking, as is the transmission, the radiator, and one of the freeze plugs. The muffler has a hole and the tail pipe is missing.

The first time I drove the car I thought, “My God, this thing is so primitive. It’s like driving a piece of farm equipment!” But it gave me an appreciation for the drivers of the 1940s, who had the courage to parallel park these behemoths! They would have

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to muscle through turns and use their strength to step on the brakes. Driving was a physically demanding endeavor years ago.

The carb was sent out for a rebuild, and a vintage, n.o.s. oil filter and housing was plumbed in. The leaking freeze plug was changed. An electric fuel pump has been added, to supplement the mechanical one. The spark plugs have been replaced with AC, n.o.s. originals.

The heater hoses were original and in terrible shape-save for a section of garden hose that someone had spliced in! All told, it took 25 feet of heater hose to replace all the various pieces under the car.

Transmission shops that are familiar with, or willing to work on Dynaflow transmissions are few and far between. I contacted Pete Phillips. He recommended Butch’s Transmissions in Sherman, Texas.

John trailered the ‘49 down to Texas. Butch, the original owner of the shop, got called in, and was involved in making sure the rebuild was done correctly. He said that he is the same “vintage” as the ’49! The shop got the transmission out of the car and discovered that the torque converter was very worn and would need to be replaced. Luckily, Pete Phillips had the correct ’49 torque converter at his shop. That got purchased, along with other ’49 transmission parts. Two transmissions were used to create one completely rebuilt transmission, which included replacing the mounts and seals. The seals were so dry rotted that the car had self-changing transmission fluid! After a 10 day stay in Texas, John trailered the ‘49 back to New Mexico.

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This Super appears to have its original paint. Notice the optional red wheels.

Next, a complete new exhaust system was put on. The radiator was sent out and recored. Finally, it was time to buy a new set of tires to make the Super roadworthy again.

I found a “do it yourself” wipe-on clear coat for preserving patina. After three coats, with less than desirable results, a few rattle cans of matte clear coat were needed to correct the streaks left behind by the wipe-on product.

I was able to find a donor spotlight to replace the spotlight’s broken outer lens. A vintage right side mirror has been added to the car. We installed a companion “Van Auken” rear bumper guard, purchased from Pete Phillips, who had salvaged it off of a ’49 Roadmaster.

The engine is a 248 cubic inch straight eight. A manual choke has been added to the carburetor, and a canister oil filter has been added.

I found an inexpensive pair of n.o.s. tail light lenses to replace the badly clouded originals. Now you can actually see when the brake lights are illuminated! Reproduction turn signal lenses have been added up front. The headlights, which appeared to be the originals, only worked on the high beam setting. Those were changed. Some sketchy wiring was replaced and the badly deteriorated cloth and wire duct hoses were changed.

1949 was the first year for the iconic Buick VentiPorts, which went on to become a definitive Buick trademark for decades.

VentiPorts were often referred to as “portholes” by the general

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public. The VentiPorts were initially designed to be both ornamental and functional, with tubing attached to the VentiPorts as a means of dissipating heat from the engine compartment. This ’49 had the ventilation tubing. One source on Buick history states that the functional aspect of the VentiPorts was dropped during the course of the ’49 model year.

John came up with a creative idea to add running lights. He wired up two 6-volt hand-held spotlights, affixed to the grille, which can be turned on separately. A third brake light has been wired in, and sits atop the package shelf in the rear window. It is important to make your vehicle as visible as possible to other

BUICK BUGLE

The car required a new set of tires for more dependable driving.

drivers, since so many of them on the road these days are distracted and not paying attention.

I purchased some colorful Mexican blankets and recovered the cushions. That cleans up and brightens up the interior, and now

Native blanket upholstery livens up the interior and is a less expensive alternative than n.o.s. cloth. Two-tone paint on the dashboard is original and correct.

JULY 2026

it is much more inviting to sit in. One of the previous owners had retrofit seatbelts into the car, which had fallen down under the cushions. Those were a nice surprise to find and a good added safety feature to have.

This was Buick’s first year for portholes or Ventiports. The inserts are after-market.

27

Another view of the dashboard.

I found some color-coordinated corduroy I liked. I used it on the door panels, front door handles and the rear armrests. For my first amateur attempt at automotive reupholstery, I think it looks fairly presentable.

It is still possible to enjoy the antique car hobby without spending a fortune.

Yes, fully restored cars are beautiful, but there is also value in preserving cars in “as found” condition. Cars that have been around the block, and then some, can be just as intriguing as the concours automobiles that have been meticulously restored, and transformed into rolling sculptures of mechanical art.

At right; Notice how the lower end of the rear quarter panel repeats the curved design of the tail light.

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BUICK BUGLE

Can classified ads and photos be submitted by email? Absolutely!

Send classified ads and photos to: pphillips922@gmail.com

BCA OFFICE MANAGERS To replace a lost or damaged Bugle:

Cornerstone Registration, Ltd. Tel: 763-420-7829 Rusty Small 816-654-3400 smallhurst@gmail.com Follow “Rusted Tires” on Facebook for show schedules and updates

Your one-stop reproduction tire and rim specialist!

Goodyear, BF Goodrich & Firestone are just a call away.

Professional Help - Personal Service

JULY 2026

29

1976 BUICK RIVIERA

By Pete Phillips, BCA #7338, Bugle Editor

1976 Riviera photo from the 1976 Buick full line sales catalogue.

1976 WAS THE FINAL YEAR FOR THE BIG, HEAVY VERSION OF THE RIVIERA, AND 1976 WAS AS BIG AND HEAVY AS THEY EVER GOT. The 1974 through 1976 Riveras were based on the big LeSabres and Electras of those years. This was the era of G.M.’s “side-guard door beams” and so-called 5 mile-per-hour or 2-1/2 mile-per-hour bumpers. The former was supposed to protect the occupants of the car in the event of a “t-bone” collision at an intersection, while the latter was to protect the car’s body from major damage in a low-speed front or rear collision.

These things added length and weight to

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the cars, but also made them relatively indestructible, and probably saved several lives in bad collisions. They also made the cars smooth, quiet, and with a ride that can’t be beat. They are comfortable, luxurious, long-distance highway cruisers.

All 1976 Rivieras came with the 455 V-8.

They sat on a 122-inch wheelbase, which was actually two inches less than the LeSabre and five inches less than the Electra. Overall length was 223 inches, which again was 3.8 inches less than the LeSabre and 10 inches less than the massive Electra. In G.M. parlance, the Riviera was an E-body car. For reference, the LeSabres were B-body cars and Electras were C-body autos. A 1976

Riviera weighs 4,531 pounds before you put any people or luggage in it. The gas tank holds 26 gallons and the trunk has 15.1 cubic feet of space.

There were 20,082 Rivieras built for the 1976 model year. This is historically low for the Riviera, with only the 1975 model year having lower production (17,306) up until that time. Some of the compact Rivieras from the late 1980s and early 1990s had even lower production, but those are completely different cars. You have to remember that 1976 was one of the “energy crisis” years when gasoline was going up in price similar to the percentage increases that we are seeing this year. Large, heavy cars like the Riviera were becoming hard to sell,

BUICK BUGLE

1976 Riviera options and retail prices, from the 1976 Buick Price Directory brochure.

although there was still a small market for them. G.M. would reduce the size and weight of its B-body, C-body, and E-body cars the following year—1977. So these are the last of their breed.

JULY 2026

The base price for a new 1976 Riviera was $6,798 without any options. They all came standard with power steering, power front disc brakes, Turbo HydraMatic transmission, power windows, twoway power seat, and tilt steering wheel.

Popular options were Buick’s chrome wheels with center caps, air conditioning (almost a necessity, given the fixed rear quarter windows and no vent windows in the doors), 6-way power seats, an AM/ FM radio, a landau vinyl roof or a full

31

Interior of a 1976 Riviera. Bugle archives photo.

vinyl roof, power door locks, a power sun roof, and the S/R option which provided front bucket seats and a center console with floor shift. The most expensive option on the list was the “Astro Roof”, which was a tinted glass sunroof instead of the metal panel sunroof. The Astro Roof was $891, according to the 1976 Buick Price Directory, and it included a slide-away sunshade panel. Rare options—and the Astro Roof was rare— were the automatic door lock system and the air-cushion restraint system (air bags). With the automatic locking option, both doors would lock automatically when the transmission lever was moved out of “Park”, and would automatically unlock when the lever was put back in “Park”. The air-cushion restraint system, which is included on almost all new vehicles today, was new technology in 1976. It was a $262 option, but if ordered, you could not have a tilt steering wheel, so that probably cut down on its popularity.

Longer, less frequent maintenance intervals were a big selling point for the new Buicks in 1976. With unleaded fuel, changing the spark plugs was now recommended every 22,500 miles, instead of 12,000 miles (1974 and previous years). The new “High Energy Ignition” system eliminated the points and condenser from the distributor. The voltage regulator was now integral with the alternator. Side terminal batteries were now used, with the claim that they were less likely to get corroded terminals.

32

In an effort to improve gas mileage on these cars, Buick increased the spark advance on the engine, claiming it would burn the fuel more completely. That, combined with a new “economy” rear axle ratio of 2.56 to 1 must have made these cars feel sluggish upon hard acceleration, and helped give rise to the moniker “malaise years” when some writers describe the late 1970s and early 1980s automobiles. But let’s remember: These cars were not built for high performance or blistering acceleration. They were built for comfort, long-distance travel, and making a bold statement that “you have arrived” when you pull up in one of these beautiful land yachts.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING ONE All of these cars have plastic bumper fillers to fill the space between the bumpers and the body. Age and temperature extremes will cause them to crack and disintegrate.

Replacements are available, but then you have to paint them the correct body color, and you have to remove the bumpers to install them. These bumpers have black vinyl rub strips, front and rear. Replacement strips are not available, so check the condition of them and be prepared to live with damaged ones.

You may be able to touch them up with some paint, but that’s about it. If the car has Buick’s chromed wheels, check those for missing or damaged center caps and for rust and pitting in the chrome plating. They can be re-chromed, but it is not cheap.

BUICK BUGLE

1976 Riviera interior colors from the 1976 Buick Advance Product Information booklet.

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Starting in 1976, the two-toning of the interior, which Buick called “Accent-a-color” was a popular option, which was continued for several years.

34

BUICK BUGLE

Vinyl top colors, from the 1976 Buick Advance Product Information booklet.

JULY 2026

35

Rear view of a 1976 Riviera at a recent BCA meet. Bugle archives photo.

These cars have large, padded dashboards, so check for cracks in the top of the dash pad on cars that come from hot, sunny climates. At either end of the dashboard, the dash pad sticks out a few inches beyond the door opening. A tall person’s knees are likely to hit the dash pad when getting in and out of the car, so check for cracks there, too.

Dashboard pads can be removed and there are a couple of places that will put new vacuum-formed vinyl over the pad, but it is quite expensive, not to mention the labor of removing and reinstalling that large pad.

Similar cracking and wear can happen to the long armrest that runs the entire length of the doors. Check the condition of tail light lenses and other 1976 Riviera -only trim. Reproductions are not made, to our knowledge, so replacement parts may be hard to find. Engine and chassis parts will be easier to find, since those were made for several years, and on several different models of Buick.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN JUDGING ONE The correct tire size is JR-78-15.

Underneath the car there should be a catalytic converter and single exhaust— duals were not offered.

Interior upholstery can be cloth, velour, leather, or all-vinyl. Chromed wheels with the “R” center caps are optional. A standard wheel cover has a black plastic center with the “R” emblem. Wire wheel covers are optional, and there is a “styled wheel cover” that looks like a chromed wheel with center cap, but is all one piece and removable. Engines should be painted a medium metallic blue. A chrome-plated air cleaner was optional.

There are four possible two-tone paint schemes for the exterior: Blue with silver; black with silver; red with silver; and Pewter gray with dark gray. The secondary colors are vinyl appliqués instead of paint.

At right; 1976 Buick Brochure cover and the inside cover about the artist.

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BUICK BUGLE

1976 Buick exterior colors. 1976 was America’s bicentennial year, so the paint colors include “Liberty White; Potomac Blue; Concord Green; Constitution Green; Independence Red; Colonial Yellow; Revere Red; Musket Brown; etc.

Notice the special Riviera two-tone colors across the bottom of this chart

JULY 2026

37

1976 Riviera wholesale car order form.

38

BUICK BUGLE

MEDIA KIT

Delivering news, technical tips and information 10 months a year to over 5,000 members of the Buick Club of America, worldwide.

ADVERTISING RATES POSITION

MECHANICAL REQUIREMENTS

PRICE

POSITION

SIZE

INSIDE FRONT COVER …………....…... $1,200.00

TRIM ………………………………...…… 8.5” X 11”

INSIDE BACK COVER ……………....…. $1,000.00

BLEED …………………………….…..…. 8.75” X 11.25”

FULL PAGE ………..……………….....…. $500.00

FULL PAGE ………………………...…… 8.5” X 11”

2/3 PAGE VERTICAL ……………..….…. $340.00

2/3 PAGE VERTICAL …………….…..…. 5” X 10”

1/2 PAGE HORIZONTAL …………..….... $250.00

1/2 PAGE HORIZONTAL …………...…... 7.5” X 5”

1/2 PAGE VERTICAL ……………..….…. $250.00

1/2 PAGE VERTICAL …………….…..…. 3.5” X 9.5”

1/3 PAGE VERTICAL ……………..….…. $175.00

1/3 PAGE VERTICAL ……………..….…. 5” X 7”

1/3 PAGE SQUARE ………………...…… $150.00

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1/4 PAGE HORIZONTAL .…………...….. $125.00

1/4 PAGE HORIZONTAL …………..….... 5” X 3.5”

1/4 PAGE VERTICAL ………………...…. $125.00

1/4 PAGE VERTICAL ………………...…. 3.5” X 5”

1/6 PAGE VERTICAL ……………..….…. $100.00

1/6 PAGE VERTICAL ………………...…. 2.5” X 5”

1/8 PAGE HORIZONTAL …………...…... $70.00

1/8 PAGE HORIZONTAL …………....….. 3.5” X 2.25”

BANNER STRIP …………………...….…. $70.00

BANNER STRIP ………...…………....….. 1” X 7.5”

A 10% discount will be applied when submitting and prepaying a display ad for 10 consecutive issues.

HOW TO SUBMIT A DISPLAY AD •

• •

•

All display ads must be camera ready to correct size.

No typewritten or photo copies accepted.

Print resolution must be 300 dpi. High-resolution PDF and JPEG files accepted.

No tear sheets are provided.

You may purchase single copies of the Bugle by sending $5 per copy to the BCA National office (address below).

The Buick Club of America is not responsible for any transactions made through our advertising sections. We reserved the right to refuse advertising to any individual or business whose advertising we feel is detrimental to the Buick Club

JULY 2026

•

•

of America and it’s chapters or its members.

Questions about artwork?

Contact Shannon Olson, Bugle Art Director at olsonrsa@gmail.com.

Payment must accompany all display ads. Make check payable to Buick Club of America.

For display advertising information contact: Jerry Wilson jfwilson66@earthlink.net 314-878-5651

1/4 Vertical

1/2 Vertical

2/3 Vertical

1/8 Horizontal

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DEADLINES Reservation deadline is the 10th of the month, approximately six weeks before issue date (i.e. April 10 is the deadline for the June issue). Artwork is due on the 24th of each month (two weeks after deadline reservation).

1/2 Horizontal

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Banner Strip

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the marketplace HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD ● BCA Member rates: One free ad per issue. Ads must be 30 words or less, not counting name, BCA #, address, phone number and email address. Each word over the allotment is $0.15 per word over 30. If a photo is placed in a free ad, the photo costs $35.00 per photo. All photos will be published in color. All display ads and classified ads must be pre-paid.

CARS FOR SALE 1936 Limited Model 91 - 320 engine runs & drives perfectly after recent servicing in my shop. Brake system rebuilt, carburetor, fuel pump, drive it home. No rust Texas car. $27,500. Pete Phillips, BCA #7338, 903-436-2851, pphillips922@gmail.com located near Ft. Worth, TX (7)

● Commercial/Non-member rates: These rates also apply to BCA members who are “in the business” of selling cars, parts or related items and services. The minimum charge per ad is $15.00 for 30 words or less. Additional words are $0.15 per word. Do not count your name, address, phone number or email address. ● Photos: $35.00 per issue for photos. All photos will be published in color. Rate applies to members and non-members, alike. Photos will not be returned. ● Deadlines: Ads must be received by the 24th of each month, two months prior to issue month. For example, the deadline is August 24, for the October issue. Late ads will appear the following month. ● Payment: Payment in full must accompany all ads (or sent in the mail, immediately after sending an email ad). We do not have a billing service. Make checks payable to BCA. Note to all advertisers: When you receive your magazine each month, PLEASE CHECK YOUR AD. Any correction or change must be immediately reported to the editor. Delay may cause the mistake to be repeated in future issues.

1940 Limited Convertible Phaeton Model 81-C - “The Shirley Temple Car” Featured in the Buick Bugle, April 2026. Customized window conversion by Bohman & Schwartz Coachbuilders of Pasadena for chauffeuring 12year-old Shirley. Displayed at Peterson Museum, Los Angeles in 2007. Fully restored 2022-2024 by Doug Seybold. Won Gold Award 2024 BCA National Meet.

Mileage 300. Appraised $250,000. Will accept offers.

Will email Power Point presentation on request.

Dianne Reidy, BCA #51432, Santa Ana, CA 92705, dedepreidy@gmail.com, 714292-5576 (7)

Ads run for one issue only, unless requested otherwise (and paid for, if it is a paid ad). We will run the same ad for up to 12 months, if requested.

After 12 months, the ad needs to change, to avoid getting stale.

Send ads, photos and report of corrections to: Pete Phillips, Bugle Editor PO Box 1247 ● Leonard, TX 75452 Tel: 903-436-2851 No texting ● Fax: 903-587-0907 pphillips922@gmail.com 40

1940 Model 41 Special Sedan - Good condition.

Wood graining excellent.

Many parts included for complete restoration. $10,000.

Available in Northern LP

Michigan. Daniel Leraul, 925609-7500, leraul@earthlink.net (7,8) 1940 Century 4-Door Sedan - Series 61. In storage 40+ years. Mostly complete.

Much work done. $5,500. Art Warwick, Rhode Island, 401486-0888 (7,8)

1941 Special Fastback Model 46S. Parts car with very good body & fenders, hood, fair grille, engine is there, will roll. Most of the trim is inside. $750. Pete Phillips, BCA #7338, pphillips922@gmail.com, 903-436-2851 in Bonham, Texas. (7)

Buicks for Sale - 1949 Super, 31,000 miles, Straight-8, Dynaflow, $7,000. 1956 Roadmaster, 322 V8, $15,500.

1958 Limited, 364 V8, $26,000. 1962 LeSabre, 401 V8, $9,000. All running.

Serious buyers only. Rob Holmes, BCA #7594, 2512 S 12th St, Council Bluffs, IA 51501, 712-355-0832, robholmes455@gmail.com (7) 1949 Roadmaster Convertible - Runs and drives but needs completely restored.

New gas tank, fuel pump, brakes, master cylinder, rocker panels. Rear fenders have been patched. Car was used in a movie; has Cadillac seats so actors would sit up higher. Car was originally black with red

BUICK BUGLE

the marketplace CARS FOR SALE interior. Clear title. Asking $15,000.00 or offer. Will help with delivery. Ben Garland, BCA #15386, 505-947-0355 (NM) (06/27)

to part out). Interior is complete but roached. Solid car, very little rust. $3,500 obo. Chris, BCA #54218, 949541-1646 (7) 1953 Super Convertible Black/Yellow, PS, PB, with 5,000 miles, $50,000. 1957 Century Convertible, White/ Red. PS, PB, with 5,000 miles, $80,000. Both solid # 2's. Many 1953-1955-1957 parts and literature. Mark Schaefer, BCA #53816, Austin, MN, mtscentury@gmail.com, 507433-2821 (7)

1953 Super Estate Wagon Very Rare. No Rust. Running, not driving. New woodwork, interior needs headliner, new door panel, carpet and seats.

Missing pieces of front bumper, no rear bumper. $35,000 obo. Chris, BCA #54218, 949-541-1646 (7)

1953 Special - Farm fresh!

Complete. Not running, great project or parts car (too nice

1954 Skylark Convertible – One of just 836 built. Owned for 11 years and in excellent mechanical and physical condition. Beautiful Titian Red exterior with White top/

wheel coves and maroon leather interior, which is how it was built. This Skylark was a show car before I bought it, and then I had a local restoration shop make it just right – a great driver, not over-restored. My family was a Buick dealer for 71 years and I bought this to mark the year my father opened the dealership which was in September 1954. Hagerty values a #2 condition Skylark at $129,000 – I am offering it for $119,000. Steve Whitaker, Whitaker Buick Co., BCA #46114. swhit1225@ gmail.com or text/call 612940-8216. (7)

1955 Special 4-Door Hardtop - Series 43, One family owned. BCA and AACA winner. Partial Restoration in 1996. More details at Auto Barn Classic Cars, Concord, NC - 704-7882765. $24,995. Paul Haddock, BCA #9862, 704-331-0001 (7)

1957 Century - Model 66C. Original colors, great chrome, drives out great, many upgrades in the 9 years I have owned, 72,095 miles. Email or text for details/pictures. $72,499. David Wills, BCA #49696, Louisville, KY, 40219, dlw0057@aol.com, 502-572-0607 (text only) 9-5 EST (7)

1963 LeSabre 4-Door Hardtop - Florida car. 401 engine, factory air. Power disk brakes on front, new center link and alignment. Restored condition and owned 20 years.

Runs and drives well. $19,500 Canadian. Wayne Hilts, BCA #42290, Lindsay, Ontario, Canada, 705-324-9312, kodymya33@gmail.com (7,8,9)

IS YOUR INFORMATION UP-TO-DATE WITH THE BCA? Cornerstone Registration, Ltd. bca@cornerstonereg.com 763-420-7829 PO Box 1715 Maple Grove, MN 55311 Office Hours: M-F 9-5 (Central) Or log on to buickclub.org JULY 2026

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the marketplace CARS FOR SALE

PARTS FOR SALE

1964 Electra 225 - 4-Door Six Window Pillarless Hardtop: 35,700+/- miles. All original, unrestored. Threetime BCA Archival winner, 1 AACA HPOF winner. Marlin Blue Metallic, 401 cu. in, PS, PB, A/C, PW. All original sale and owner documents, literature, including parts, repair, sales, more. Some additional parts. $16,500.

Chuck Kiser, BCA #37256, Chelsea, AL, 205-585-7735, cfkiser@aol.com (7)

Carburetors for 1904-1956 Buicks - 100’s in stock. New, used, and rebuilt. Vintage Carburetor, Ltd., 440-7868141,broadstreetltd@msn.com vintagecarb.com (02/27)

1965 Skylark - 2-Door Hardtop. Excellent car, only 46K miles. 310 engine, auto, bucket seats, console, front disc brakes, dual exhaust.

New wheels and tires, carb, alternator, starter. $25,000 firm. Ed, Orlando, FL, 407399-5498 (7) 1968 Skylark Custom Coupe - 350 V-8. Excellent working original drivetrain. P/ S. No rust. Basecoat/clearcoat.

New upholstery/carpet. Dual chrome factory mirrors. Dual exhaust. Digital pics. Drive and show! $22,500. Jace Watson, BCA #35816, Mifflinburg, PA, 570-9669363, jdwatson@ dejazzd.com (12) 1969 Electra Convertible For parts? 455 rebuilt engine.

Drives around town. Front disc brakes, good convertible top, seats, tan interior, owned since 1973. Call or email for details. Best offer. Joe Halio, BCA # 43810, 516-627-0904, jhaliomd@aol.com

Can classified ads and photos be submitted by email? Absolutely!

1972 Skylark Convertible Many new mechanical parts.

New tires and Sport wheels.

Original steel wheels and hubcaps included. Runs and drives great. Stored in winter months. Original interior with new carpet. Replacement top in good shape and new top motor and lift pistons.

Documentation of all repairs and maintenance for past ten years included. Clean title.

90,000 original miles. $25,000. Randy McLam, BCA #47709, 617-291-2908 (MA) (7)

Runningboard Mats - In the correct 1-piece molded

patterns for 1930-1935 Series 50, 60, 80, 90. Northfield Ltd., 440-786-8141,broadstreetltd@ msn.com, northfieldltd.com (02/27) Buick NOS - 1934-1936 (40), 1937-1940 (40-50-60-70) front wheel hub, $35. 1936 (60-80-90) vacuum starter switch, $75. 1938 (40-60) rear emergency brake cable, to both rear wheels, $45. 1939

CARS WANTED 1965 Riviera or Gran Sport - After years of my wife telling me to sell all those old cars and buy the ONE you really WANT, I have done just that! Neil Colella, BCA #19739, Albuquerque, NM, 505-249-3441, tlcneil@ me.com (7) Searching for a Skyhawk Need not be pristine, but good condition to very good and drivable with minor to no work required. Prefer first generation and manual, but open minded. Kurt, BCA #54037, 315-383-0811, kurtwrbessel@gmail.com (09/26) 1996 Regal GS Gran Sport 2-door Coupe or Sedan - A clean, rust-free, low to moderate mileage, 1996 Regal GS Gran Sport 2-door Coupe or Sedan. Retiree wants to go out in style. James Barajas, BCA #8185, 708-745-8335 (7)

pphillips922@gmail.com 42

BUICK BUGLE

the marketplace PARTS FOR SALE Delco voltage regulator, in sealed box, $90. 1940 (All), 1941-1942 (wagons) red directional lamp lenses on trunk lid, $50 pair. 1940-1947 horn ring, $175. 1941 center grille emblem, nice used, $65.

1942-1949 (40-50 except 1942-40A) steering gear pitman arm, $25. 1942 (4060), 1946-1949 (40) front emergency brake cable, $20.

1949 (50-70) left windshield wiper transmission with cable, $45. 1949-1953 (All) right front or rear power window switch, $50. 1952 (All Dynaflow) power steering seal kit, $35. 1959 (All except Electra 225) wheel covers, mint in GM boxes, $160 set.

All NOS, except as noted.

Add for shipping & handling.

Have parts 1928 – 1979. Send SASE, year, model, for list.

Bob Graves, BCA #942, 21 Ferry Rd., Salisbury, Mass.

01952, 978-463-0715 evenings. (7) Dashboards - 1940-41 Buick engine turned dashboards and door panels. Finished like new. Some stock for faster delivery. Our specialty for 25 years. Call or write for details.

Doug Seybold, BCA #3983, 2761 Clark Parkway, Westlake, OH 44145. 440835-1193 (12)

obo. 1941 16" rims, best offer.

Jim Bender, BCA #2587, (203) 913-8187 (CT) (7) 1942, 1946, and 1947-1948 Buick grilles, highly polished.

Absolutely show quality on frames, ready to install. $450 for 1942, 1947, 1948. $475 for 1946. Lewis Cohen, BCA #3185, 58 North Racebrook Rd, Woodridge, CT 06525 (09/26)

1947 Roadmaster 76C Convertible - Parting out.

Rebuilt 320 engine, dash, lifter & valve covers, belt molding, regulators, gas tank, air cleaner, rocker assembly, glovebox door, fender and skirt (1942), hood emblem (1948). Extensive list & photos available. Ed Lorence, BCA #50554, Cleveland, Ohio, 440-655-9824, lorenced1@icloud.com (02/27) Dash Dy-Noc - Replacement for 1953 Skylark and Roadmaster: Silver, gray, and white. $160 plus $10 shipping.

Denny Robish, BCA #43156, 1015 Janet Avenue NW, North Canton, Ohio 44720,

330-697-6202 (12)

956-4331 (MA) (7)

1953 Buick - Complete steering wheel in excellent original condition. Includes black rim, chrome horn assembly/hub, and red-whiteblue center emblem. Asking $225/offer. Jody, BCA #49467, Dodgeville, WI, kelimo@mhtc.net (10/26)

1990 LeSabre - Electric mirror, left side, new, never installed. Has factory primer. $150. Hank Audette, BCA #50595, 860-234-4539 (CT) (12)

1953-1955 Super/ Roadmaster - NORS muffler. Original, full size, heavy muffler. New old replacement stock, still in original tired box. Correct sound for a 1950’s Buick. Pickup at BCA National in Albany. $110. Ken Laytin, BCA #30473, roadmaster@behaviordoc.com 508-747-1966 evenings EST. (8)

1926 Master: My distributor is seized. I need a 1928 or 1929 Buick distributor that is in usable shape. I would also appreciate information about any other swaps that would work. Joel Parliament, BCA #51478, 2111 Linden Lake Rd, Fort Collins, Co 80524, 970-217-1325, jparliment@hotmail.com (7)

Wheel Center Caps: For most Buick, Riviera, Wildcat, and Skylark models. Mitch Romanowski, BCA #33886, 847-705-5761, https:// wheelcenters.weebly.com (12) 1970-1972 Skylark 2-Door Two Buick door skins and a trunk lid. BCA #54053, 781-

PARTS WANTED

1934 60-series - Seeking .010 oversize rings for 278 cubic inch engine. Jack Huffman, BCA #45749, 2405 Knox, Highway 15, Victoria, IL 61485, 309-368-4283 (7,8,9) 1941 - Need 21" left rear fender spear. Jim Bender, BCA #2587, 203-913-8187 (CT) (7,8,9)

1940-1941 Buick Parts & Restoration Services Specials. Supers, Centurys, Limiteds, Roadmasters parting out, and new steering wheels, gauges, plastics, dashboards, rocker moldings, engines transmissions, sheet metal, more. We do it all. Call or write for details. Doug Seybold BCA #3983, 2761 Clark Parkway, Westlake, OH 44145, 440-835-1193 (12)

1941 Skirts - $400 plus shipping & handling. 1955 air cleaner for 4-barrel, $50

JULY 2026

43

the marketplace PARTS WANTED 1946-1950 Buicks - Need 2Door stainless door molding, either side, 48”. 1950 driver’s side parking light – turn signal pod. 1950 chrome bar over rear license plate. Mike Donlan, BCA #52987, 505670-8783, mikedonlan@ hotmail.com (7)

8. Brian Girasoli, BCA #53153, Old Lyme, CT 06371, 860-608-2405, gsoli76@ gmailcom (12)

Krysten Street, Topeka, Kansas 66618-2743, (landline) 785-233-0874, hvhent@cox.net (7,8,9)

1968 LeSabre 4-Door Seeking left rear fendermounted power radio antenna assembly, actuated by my original factory dash-mounted roller switch, with chrome base and mounting hardware.

OEM/NOS. Jim Runsvold, BCA #54332, 4219 Washington Ave., Caldwell, ID 83607, 208-459-2610 (voice only), catmchan@ gmail.com (7)

“New - Beyond Fundamental Carburetion Book”. This sequel describes the evolution

of fuel and engine controls driven by emission laws, moving from the 1960s mechanical systems to the 1970s computerized engine controls management. Key topics include the shift from carburetors to fuel injection,

MEMORABILIA FOR SALE

1955 Century Convertible Seeking speedometer gauge with Red Dial, new or refurbished. See Photo. Gerald Lewis, BCA #46380, 3948 Raintree Ln, Northbrook, IL 60062, 847-814-1144, geraldhlewismd@ gmail.com (7,8,9) 1956 Buick - Seeking original GM 1956 Buick brake drums.

12" diameter & 2 1/2" machined surface width.

Vince Walton, BCA #27163, 253-569-6779, vmw302@ yahoo.com (9) 1962 Skylark - Needing Complete upper A-arm with cross shaft and ball joint. Any good rear (behind the door) sheet metal panels. Good instrument cluster panel and cover. Bryon Kanenwischer, BCA #52463, Spokane, WA 99203, 509-218-9728, bryon.kanenwischer@danfoss. com (7,8,9) 1965 LeSabre Custom Coupe - Need driver's side rear armrest with ashtray and air cleaner housing for 300 V-

44

1985 LeSabre - Collector's Edition leatherette folder.

Includes key pouch, 4 keys, hardbound book "A Commemorative History of GM and Buick", color fourpage brochure of 1985 Collector's edition model, frameable 8x12 color pics of LeSabre from 1959 1985. $25.95 postage paid. Pat Riley, BCA #01385, 817-2191266, buickpat@gmail.com (04/27) Buick “Curbside Chats” Sent monthly to dealers on activities, strategies, and products. 57 VHA tapes from July 1987 to September 1991.

Few missing. 25-40 minutes.

Pictures on request. $15 each OBO postpaid. Pat Rley, BCA #01385, 817-219-1266, buickpat@gmail.com (03/27)

(508) 509-5471

PRINT MEDIA FOR SALE Hardbound Book - "The Good Old Days at the Buick" published 1990, MINT Condition including dust jacket, author: Lynn Ruester, retired BMD PR, 215-pages of Buick stories, $50 includes US shipping. Helen V Hutchings, BCA #9972, 3907 N W

BUICK BUGLE

the marketplace PRINT MEDIA FOR SALE open loop to closed loop catalytic converters, evaporative loss controls, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). See Fundamental Carburetion.com for more details and ordering options. $18. Dean Tryon, BCA #22400, dgtryon2516@ gmail.com, 919-441-1271 (NC) (12) 1966 Service Manual - All Series. Near pristine condition. 2.5 inches thick. Also, 1966 Fisher Body Service Manual, same condition, 1 inch thick. $100 plus shipping buys both. 1953, 1955, 1956, 1981 Buick Shop manuals. Covers are rough but all are complete, $30 each plus shipping. I have over 30 Motors Auto Repair Manuals from 1930s to 1990s.

Ask me what year you want, $25 each plus shipping. Paul Girard, BCA #41392, 4 Bridge View Lane, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532, 508-615-0000, pirate3200@ aol.com (12)

INFORMATION WANTED 1965 Buick - Need information for a 1956 accessory vanity sun visor mirror, including dimensions and, if any, wording on the glass. Charles Halpin, III, BCA #17637, 405 Elliot Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027, 215-896-0065, wrenbody@comcast.net (7,8,9)

Do You have a Buick or GM Business?

For display advertising information contact: Jerry Wilson, jfwilson66@earthlink.net, 314-878-5651 JULY 2026

45

the marketplace

STATIC CLING DECALS Applies to inside of window (re-usuable)

3” diameter Red, white & blue $5.00 each

To US addresses, postpaid Central New England Chapter c/o Jim Ramsey, BCA #39895 3 Campbell Drive, Easthampton, MA 01027

Buick Club of America Membership Directory & Handbook, Volume No. 45

On Sale Now!

Please check the time zone before placing your call to an advertiser!

ADVERTISER INDEX Best Offer Counts, LLC. ………………….…... 17 Bob’s Automobila ……………………………... 3 Cars, Inc. ……………………………...….……. 45

Classic Radiator ………………….……………. 41

USA - All States $10.00 Pricing includes shipping

To Order send payment to: Cornerstone Registration PO Box 1715 Maple Grove, MN 55311 46

Dickster’s SmarT Pants ..……………….….…. 3 Fusick Automotive …………………………….. 29 Harnesses Unlimited ……………………...…… 17 Keleen Leathers ……………………………….. 29 Olson’s Gaskets …………..……………………. 42 Riviera Owner’s Association ………...……….. 43 Rusted Tires……………………………………. 29 Waldron’s Exhaust ……………………………. 15 BUICK BUGLE

chapters ALABAMA BAMA BUICK (SE) John Cover (Birmingham, AL) 205-991-7106; jecengr@yahoo.com CALIFORNIA BUICK CLUB OF THE REDWOODS (GW) Bobby Olivieri (Santa Rosa, CA) 707-819-6449; highlytrained@gmail.com buickcluboftheredwoods.com

INDIANA CENTRAL INDIANA (GL) Jeff Shively (Kokomo, IN) 765-721-1659; cad19651941@yahoo.com, cinbca.com IOWA HAWKEYE (HL) Bill Gorman (Huxley, IA) 515-290-6565;bbgorman35@gmail.com KANSAS

CALIFORNIA CAPITOL (GW) Michael Frerichs (Elk Grove, CA) 916-842-7396 LOS ANGELES (GW) Steve Rostam (Woodland Hills, CA) 818-999-6626 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA (GW) Rick Deutsch (San Jose, CA) 408-8 88-4752; ricky.deutsch@gmail.com BuicksNorCal.com ORANGE COUNTY (GW) Jeff Shugarman (Tustin, CA) 714-323-4097; shugar410@gmail.com orangecounty.buickclub.org COLORADO MILE HIGH (FC) Glenn Manes (Wheat Ridge, CO) 720-630-9181; gmanes@comcast.net milehighbuickclub.com ROCKY MOUNTAIN (FC) Mike Bacon (Lafayette, CO) 303-501-3671; mk50bacon@gmail.com rockymountain.buickclub.org CONNECTICUT YANKEE (NE) Jim Comeau (East Hartford, CT) 203-537-2408; buickyank@sbcglobal.net yankeechapterbca.org

WHEATLAND (HL) Tom Sparkman (Wichita, KS) 214-649-7519; sparkmanttx@gmail.com KANSAS/MISSOURI MID-AMERICA (HL) Ricky Pirch (Holden, MO) 816-565-3193; rgpirch77@gmail.com midamericabuicks.com MARYLAND B.O.O.M. (MA) Craig Bober (Owings Mills, MD) 443-904-4200; craig@securealarms.net METRO (MA) Tom McQueen (Mclean, VA) 703-863-2393; mcqueenre@aol.com MASSACHUSETTS CENTRAL NEW ENGLAND (NE) Jim Ramsey (Easthampton, MA) 413-527-7761; jimmramsey@hotmail.com MINUTEMAN (NE) Steve Parent (North Smithfield, RI) 401-524-8059; stevwildcat65@aol.com minuteman.buickclub.org MICHIGAN BUICKTOWN (GL) Dan Graves (Flushing, MI) 810-730-0645; buicktown@gmail.com buicktown.buickclub.org CENTRAL MICHIGAN (GL) Paul Haist (Bellevue, MI) mymerec@att.net

NUTMEG (NE) James Bender (Bridgeport, CT) 203-368-0439; 19benderj46@gmail.com DELAWARE DELMARVA (MA) Phillip Taylor (Laurel, DE) 302-875-0840; taylorhouse87@aol.com

FLORIDA GULF COAST (SE) Lee Amand (Pt Charlotte, FL) 717-673-7060; lamand@comcast.net GEORGIA DIXIE (SE) JD Westfall (Blue Ridge, GA) 913-638-7849; pharmboyjd@gmail.com dixie.buickclub.org ILLINOIS CHICAGOLAND (HL) Melanie Mauser (Downers Grove, IL) 630-640-8563; melsbuick455@gmail.com chicagolandbca.org CHIWAUKEE BORDER (HL) Gilbert Volling (Lake Villa, IL) 847-727-0156; rivierafan@comcast.net

SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN (GL) Michael Burgess (Rochester Hill, MI) 810-845-5719; turboburge@aol.com MINNESOTA FIREBALL (HL) Jim Jaeger (Buffalo, MN) 763-226-1193; jaegerjh@aol.com fireballchapterbca.com GOPHER STATE (HL) Wesley Ackerley (Stillwater, MN) 651-278-8470; w.ackerley@yahoo.com gopherstatebuick.org MISSOURI ST. LOUIS GATEWAY (HL) Chet Palumbo (Defiance, MO) 636-443-5686; chetpalumbo1947@gmail.com stlouisbuickclub.net GATEWAY PERFORMANCE (HL) Larry Longworth (Arnold, MO) 314-960-7230; larryslake@sbcglobal.net

MID-AMERICA (HL) Ricky Pirch (Holden, MO) 816-565-3193; rgpirch77gmail.com midamericabuicks.com NEBRASKA CROSSROADS (HL) Tom Hornig (Omaha, NE) 402-397-8437; tbnnbh@cox.net NEW JERSEY NEW JERSEY (NE) George Newberry (Wall Twp., NJ) 732-687-3691; directorNJCBCA@gmail.com buickclubofnewjersey.com NEW MEXICO ROADRUNNER BUICKS (FC) Ben Garland (Farmington, NM) inezgarland@gmail.com http://nmbuicks.buickclub.org NEW YORK FINGER LAKES (GL) Justin DeFiore (Pittsford, NY) 585-953-3336; justindefiore@gmail.com LONG ISLAND (NE) Martin R. Jablonski (Seaford, NY) 516-781-4275; mrjbuick@optonline.net libuickclub.org LOWER HUDSON VALLEY (NE) Paul Cialone (Danbury, CT) 203-240-7247; pcialone@comcast.net NIAGARA FRONTIER (GL) Chuck Wolski (Depew, NY) 716-683-0593; cwolski@aol.com UPSTATE NY CHAPTER (NE) John DeFiore (Scotia, NY) 518-466-1370; defiorejohn@gmail.com unybca.com NORTH CAROLINA TARHEEL (SE) Marck Barker (Durham, NC) 919-233-1973; 89reatta@gmail.com tarheelbuick.org OHIO AKRON–CANTON (GL) Denny Robish (North Canton, OH) 330-497-4201; DennyR@neo.rr.com CENTRAL OHIO (GL) Tom Kromer (Dublin, OH) 614-619-4952; trkromer@gmail.com GLASS CITY (GL) Dave Rex (Perrysburg, OH) 419-873-7025; darex@sbcglobal.net NORTH EAST OHIO (GL) Charles Piccola (Chippewa Lake, OH) 440-554-2329; studio5300photo@gmail.com neobca.org OREGON PORTLAND AREA (NW) Tom Reser (Vancouver, WA) 360-901-9828; resertom1953@gmail.com portland.buickclub.org PENNSYLVANIA APPALACHIAN (GL) Ronald Givler (Altoona, PA)

814-329-3533;givlerronald@gmail.com DELAWARE VALLEY (PA) Dan Giannini (Glenside, PA) 215-208-8623; gianninid@comcast.net FREE SPIRIT (NE) Sally Getz (Lehighton, PA) 610-377-6130; csgetz@ptd.net buickfreespirit.org MASON-DIXON (MA) Lawrence DiBarry (Chambersburg, PA) 717-263-3804; dibarjo@hotmail.com masondixon.buickclub.org TENNESSEE MUSIC CITY (SE) Ron Franks (Franklin, TN) 615-347-0898; rfranks17@gmail.com musiccity.buickclub.org TEXAS ALAMO (SC) Jerry Courson (Cedar Park, TX) 210-601-1780: jerrylcourson@ gmail.com, alamo.buickclub.org LONE STAR (SC) lonestar.buickclub.org NORTH TEXAS (SC) Willis Bell (Weatherford, TX) 817-694-1313; ntx5467@cs.com northtexas.buickclub.org UTAH BONNEVILLE (FC) Grant McAllister (Salt Lake, UT) 801-707-3885; grant_mcallister@comcast.net bonnevillebuickclub.com VIRGINIA VIRGINIA (MA) Violet Waller (Chesapeake, VA) 757-705-4091 METRO (MA) Tom McQueen (Mclean, VA) 703-863-2393; mcqueenre@aol.com WASHINGTON INLAND NORTHWEST (NW) Bryon Kanenwischer (Spokane, WA) 509-218-9728; bryon.kanenwischer@danfoss.com InlandNorthwestBuick@gmail.com PORTLAND AREA CHAPTER Tom Reser (Vancouver, WA) 360-901-9828; resertom1953@gmail.com PUGET SOUND (NW) Rick Watkins (Federal Way, WA) 253-219-8348; millieandrick@hotmail.com WISCONSIN DAIRYLAND (HL) Erv Hutjens (DePere, WI) 920-336-5984; erv.hutjens@gmail.com dairylandbca.org ROCK VALLEY (HL) Fred MacDonald (Sun Prairie, WI) 608-834-8275; fredanddebra@gmail.com

TO UPDATE YOUR CHAPTER, REGION & DIVISION LISTINGS CONTACT:

Anne Gibson, agibson36@gmail.com, 336-599-9589 (H), 336-592-5312 (C)

5 3 R D B C A N AT I O N A L M E E T August 19-22, 2026 A l b a n y, N e w Yo r k

Crowne Plaza Albany-Desmond Hotel • 660 Albany Shaker Road • Albany, NY 12211 518-869-8100 • 800-448-3500 Mention Buick Club of America • $150.00 per night + tax

MORE INFO AT UNYBCA.COM

BUICK CLUB OF AMERICA PO BOX 1715, MAPLE GROVE, MN 55311-6715 July 2026, Vol. 61, No. 2 Monthly Publication Time-Dated Material Periodicals Postage Paid at Columbus, Ohio and Additional Mailing Offices

Inside this issue: BUICK DEALERSHIP Cothrum Motor Co. BUICK BOOKSHELF Power Unleased 1940 Buick Promotional Coins 20th Annual LaJolla Concours A Custom Built 1931 Phaeton 1959 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car ON THE COVER Perfectly Imperfect FEATURE ARTICLE 1976 Buick Riviera

Mailed on or before 6/26/26.

HOTEL TRILOGY BY HILTON 518-869-9100 Mention group code BCAAUG https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/buickclubofamerica2026/ $150/day + tax. Valid until July 3, 2026.

HILTON GARDEN INN 518-464-6666 Mention for the Buick Club of America https://group.hiltongardeninn.com/0x0k2x $150/day + tax. Valid until July 20, 2026 .

SEND FORM & PAYMENT TO: 2026 NATIONAL MEET, PO BOX 467, COPPELL, TX 75019

technical advisors 1904-1907 2 CYLINDER: Kevin Johnson (CA), kevin@thesp2specialists.com, evenings, 818-719-0216, 818-719-9070 (fax)

1941 ALL: William Anderson (MD), Rivsrgr8@aol.com, 443-994-5455, 410-271-1746 (fax)

1923 6-CYL ALL: Louis Ironside (MI), 810-798-8803 LouisIronside@aol.com

1942 ALL: Bob Miles (PA), 716-628-5123

1926-1929 ALL: Anthony Bult (WI), 262-275-6403, tonybuick272829@gmail.com, 1929-1930 MARQUETTE: Don Holton (NY), topsdown@holtononline.com 607-734-5340 1930-1950 ALL: Drive trains, Susp., Brakes, Trans. Jim Burgess (MI), Evenings ET, 810736-6580, 5062 N. Center Rd, Flint MI 48506 1932 ALL: Willis Jenkins Jr. (MD), t3wj@comcast.net, 9pm to 11:30pm. ET, 301-249-0496 1933 –1935 ALL: Paul Rickman (MI), 231-357-3009 buickregistry@aol.com 1936 & 1937 ALL: Charles Arnold (DE), cbarnold38@gmail.com, 9am to 5pm EST, 302-234-4145 1938 ALL: Derol Briscoe (AZ), 520-204-2362, derol.f.briscoe@gmail.com 1938 46C CONVERT, CPE.: Wayne Yonce (CA), days/ evenings 760-728-3864, 3020 Red Mountain Heights Dr., Fallbrook, CA 92028 1939 40-60 SERIES: Leif Barem (WA), 360-422-6025, jlbarem1979@hotmail.com, 17193 W. Big Lake Blvd., Mt. Vernon, WA 98274 1939 MOD 80-90 ALL: Tom Colbert (NY), tomc@inteprop.com, evenings before 9pm ET, 607-257-4498, 120 White Park Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850 1940-1941 ALL: Doug Seybold (OH), 440-835-1193 or 440-835-1522, 2761 Clark Pkwy., Westlake, OH 44145

1946-1949 ALL: Michael Stemen (FL), drivebuicks@gmail.com 10am to 5pm or 7pm to 11pm EDT or EST, 352-431-8443

1950-1954 ALL: Jeff Schindler (WA), 509-389-9400 between 2pm to10pm PT schindler195376r@gmail.com 1954-1955 ALL: Ken Laytin (MA), 508-747-1966 (evenings) roadmaster54@ behaviordoc.com 1958 ALL: Wayne Meadlin (TX), 7am to 8pm CT, 817-737-0002, 5200 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth, TX 76107 1960 ALL: Tom Crystal (MT), 406-451-8609, 415 N 20th Ave., Bozeman, MT 59718 1960-1995 ENGINES, 1966 RIVIERA, ALL: Dennis Manner (MI), 810-735-7974, 11503 S. Linden Rd., Linden, MI 48451 1961 ALL FULL SIZE: Eric Stoldt (NY), 516-797-9408 mr61buick@aol.com 1962 WILDCAT ALL: Wayne Yonce (CA), days/evenings PT, 760-728-3864, 3020 Red Mountain Heights Dr., Fallbrook, CA 92028 1963-1965 RIVIERA: Thomas Mooney (IL), 630-5029939 CT 9am - 9pm, mooney.thomas@sbcglobal.net 1964-1972 SPORT WAGONS ALL: Trent Plungas (CA), sport-wagon@juno.com, 1964-1967 SKYLARK INCLUDING GS: John Roberts (TX), 512-558-2225 roostergs@gmail.com,

Please include your BCA number when contacting any Tech Advisor. Keep in mind that those listed here are volunteering their time. Please show them the courtesy of contacting them as they have listed. If you contact them by mail, send a selfaddressed stamped return envelope. The state where the Tech Advisor lives is listed after their name. If you contact the advisor by phone, remember the time zone differences. Please be very specific in your request.

Tech Advisors are not expected to find parts for you. A good guide for information is the BCA Judging Manual, available through the BCA Office. NOTE: The BCA is not responsible for the information provided by Advisors, nor a guarantor that the information is correct. Advisor information is based on factory literature, but it is your responsibility to insure anything used in restoring your car is backed by factory literature. You must have proper factory documentation should questions arise during judging.

To serve as a Technical Advisor, please contact Jimmy Shiels (Franklin, MA), 508-509-5471 or email jimmyshiels66@gmail.com 1965-1970 “B” BODY: Amos Slater, amos@charlottervservice.com 1966 GRAN SPORT & SKYLARK: James Shiels Jr. (MA), Jimmyshiels66@gmail.com 508-509-5471 1967-1972 "A" BODY GS & SKYLARK: Derol Briscoe (AZ), 520-204 2362 derol.f.briscoe@gmail.com, 1453 Ousley Dr., Gilroy, CA 95020 1968 ELECTRA CONV. ALL: Wayne Yonce (CA), days/evenings PT, 760-7283864, 3020 Red Mountain Heights Dr., Fallbrook, CA 92028 1968-1969 “A” BODY SKYLARKS ALL: Dan Donahue (WI), evenings, 414-321-5466, dandonahue262@gmail.com 1970 ELECTRA/WILDCAT: John Williams (IL), jjwilliams@consolidated.net, 217-254-7672

1971-1973 RIVIERA ALL: William Anderson (MD), Rivsrgr8@aol.com, 443-9945455, 410-271-1746 (fax) 1971-1976 LESABRE/ CENTURION/ELECTRA: Dan Loftis (NC), dloftis0102@gmail.com, 336-200-3738 1974-76 RIVIERA: Kevin Kauppi (WI), 224-623-1297, kevinkauppi13@aol.com 1977-1978 RIVIERA ALL: William Anderson (MD), Rivsrgr8@aol.com, 443-9945455, 410-271-1746 (fax)

1982-1987 TURBO REGAL ALL: Ron Joseph (NJ), GNX342@aol.com, 908-2530122 or 908-337-5144, 908-526 -3426 (fax) 1980-1985 SKYLARK: Scott Sigethy (NC) sds81@yahoo.com, 6pm to10 pm , 201-693-0607 1983-1996 CENTURY FWD ALL: Trent Plungas (CA), sport-wagon@juno.com 1985-1991 SKYLARKSOMERSET: Michael Rogers (DE), michael.rogers@hvccde.com, 302-542-1233 1988-1991 Reatta All: Barney Eaton (TX), (call first), 8am to 9pm CST, 512-635-5132, barneyeaton1@gmail.com 1988-2004 Regal, LaCrosse & Lucern Mike Hilbert (WI) mhilbert59@gmail.com 1991-1996 Roadmaster, All: Bernie Daily (NY), Bernie@berniedaily.com, 585-637-6348 evenings BUICK MEMORABILIA & TRINKETS: James Shiels Jr. (MA), Jimmyshiels66@gmail.com 508-509-5471

NOTICE TO TECH ADVISORS: Please note that we have updated the list to reflect only two ways to contact an advisor.

This allows larger text. Please check your contact information and let Jimmy Shiels know if you need a correction or change.

divisions/regions OTHER BUICK CLUBS & PUBLICATIONS

BCA DIVISIONS 1936-37-38 BUICK CLUB Ralph Artall (Melville, LA) 337-592-0044 ralph@artallfarms.com 3638buickclub.org PRE-WAR DIVISION Brian Heil (Fenton, MI), 810-869-1543 bthlodger@aol.com REATTA DIVISION Marck Barker (Durham, NC) 919-233-1973 89reatta@gmail.com reatta.org

BUICK DRIVING ENTHUSIASTS Dan Christensen (Chariton, IA), 641-203-4268 dctrooper268@yahoo.com bde.buickclub.org 1953-1954 BUICK SKYLARK CLUB Vin De Peppo (Lafayette, NJ), 973-271-0977 jovin2@embarqmail.com www.skylarkclub.org MODIFIED DIVISION Bob Starzyk (Palos Heights, IL) 708-334-4848; 56buick@att.net

BCA REGIONS CHAPTER, REGION & DIVISION COORDINATOR Anne Gibson 336-599-9589 (H), 336-592-5312 (C) agibson36@gmail.com GOLDEN WEST REGION (GW) Tony Albin (Lakewood, CA) 909-545-5054 tony@apcbearings.com GREAT LAKES REGION (GL) Chip Aeppli (Tallmadge, OH) 330-842-1215 cwaeppli@gmail.com MID-ATLANTIC REGION (MA) Bill Anderson (Gambrills, MD) 410-849-3376 rivsrgr8@aol.com

SOUTHEAST REGION (SE) OPEN NORTHEAST REGION (NE) VACANT PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION (NW) Jack Gerstkemper (Brush Prairie WA) 360-256-8209 bgerst7@aol.com SOUTH CENTRAL REGION (SC) Willis Bell (Weatherford, TX) 817-694-1313 ntx5467@cs.com HEARTLAND REGION (HL) Len Woelfel (Oswego, IL) 630-675-3640 Len.woelfel@gmail.com

EARLY BUICK & McLAUGHLIN BUICK OWNERS NEWSLETTER GROUP Dean Tryon Wake Forest, NC 27587 919-562-4660

BUICK CAR CLUB OF AUSTRALIA, INC. (Victoria) Dennis Healy 185 Duncans Lane Diggers Rest Victoria, 3427, Australia estden@bigpond.com buickcarclub.org.au

1927 BUICK CLUB (web based)

BUICK CLUB OF AUSTRALIA, INC. (Queensland) PO Box 113, Cleveland 4163, Queensland, 6173829-2222; brianlindhall @optusnet.com.au

dgtryon2516@gmail.com

Groups.io/g/1927Buicks

BUICK 1929 CLUB DE ESPANA Amador VicenteAmores C. Van Dulken #12 Urb Sitio De Calahonda 29.647, Mijas Costa, Malaga, Spain 1929 SILVER ANNIVERSARY BUICK W. E. (Bill) McLaughlin Toronto, Ontario bill@29buick.ca 29buick.ca

1930 MARQUETTE REGISTRY Mike Baloug (Champaign, IL) 217-355-1704 mbalogh@balogh.com MARQUETTE OWNERS REGISTRY Don Holton 803 Cedar St. Elmira, NY 14904 donholton581@gmail.com

1937-1938 BUICK CLUB (web based)

Groups.io/ g/1937and1938Buicks

RIVIERA OWNERS ASSOCIATION 303-233-2987 (Denver, CO) rivowners.org

BUICK CLUB OF AUSTRALIA IN NEW SOUTH WALES, INC. Peter Allen, Secretary Merrylands N.S.W. 2160 Australia buickcarclub.org.au BUICK CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Bev Nicholson, Secretary Wanneroo, Western Australia, 6065 westernbuicks.org DUTCH BUICK CLUB Gerard den Besten Peperdonk 15 Spijkenisse, Netherlands 3206 CB; 0031 181645013 BUICK CLUB OF GERMANY 41189 Moenchengladbach Germany info@buickclub.de

BUICK CLUB OF NORWAY Even Colban Postboks 6565 Etterstad 0606 Oslo, Norway

evenchr@online.no BUICK CLUB OF SOUTH AFRICA Chris Palk Rant en Dal Gauteng 1751, South Africa +27 11 660 1322 (ph) buickclubsa.co.za BUICK CLUB OF SWITZERLAND Joachim Braun Frenkenstrasse 29 4434 Holstein, Switzerland Kontakt@buickclub.ch NEW ZEALAND BUICK REGISTRY PO Box 11240 Christchurch, NZ 8443 nzbuick@yahoo.co.nz BUICK ROD & CUSTOM ASSOCIATION Russell Miller 8712 Columbus Rd. Fowler, IL 62338 217-434-8009 thebrca@yahoo.com GRAN SPORT CLUB OF AMERICA Paul Ferry; PO Box 67, Atwater, OH 44201, 330-422-9633 (9:00am-1:00pm) BuickGSCA.org GS NATIONALS RACE & SHOW Richard Lasseter 625 Pine Point Circle Valdosta, GA 31602 229-244-0577 gsnationals.com BUICK PERFORMANCE GROUP 1150 W. Fifth St., Marysville, OH 43040

BCA NATIONAL OFFICE INFORMATION All National Buick Club of America correspondence is to be sent to the following address: 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 • E-mail: bca@cornerstonereg.com Office Hours: M-F 9:00-5:00 (Central) The National Office is to be contacted for the following: • New Membership • Renewal of Membership For electronic membership • Membership renewal date application, go to www.buickclub.org • Membership payment and select the Secure Membership link. It • Change of address will take you to a form where you can enter • Change any other information your personal information and credit card • Missing or destroyed Buick Bugle number in a fast, easy and secure way.

• Local chapter information

SEE FRONT OF FORM FOR RETURN ADDRESS FOR FORMS & PAYMENT