Buick Jay Lenos Roadmaster, 1955

Buick Jay Lenos Roadmaster, 1955

 

 

The origins of the Roadmaster name date to 1936 when Buick renamed its entire model line-up to celebrate the engineering improvements and design advancements over their 1935 models. Buick's Series 40 model range became the Special, the Buick Century took the place of the Series 60 and the Series 90 — Buick's largest and most luxurious vehicles — became the Limited. Buick's Series 80 became the Roadmaster.

Roadmasters produced between 1936 and 1958 were built on Buick's longest wheelbase and shared its basic structure with senior Oldsmobiles. Between 1946 and 1957, the Roadmaster was Buick's premium and best appointed model, and was offered in sedan, coupe, convertible and station wagon bodystyles between 1936 and 1948. In 1949 a hardtop coupe, designated "Riviera" joined the model line up; a four-door hardtop joined the model range in 1956.

The 1953 Buick Roadmaster station wagon, Model 79-R, was the last wood-bodied station wagon mass-produced in the United States. Its body was a product of Iona Manufacturing which built all Buick station wagon bodies between 1946 and 1964. Priced at US$4,031, the wagon was second in price to the Buick Skylark. Only 670 of these final woody wagons were produced for 1953.

In 1959 Buick again introduced a model range that represented a significant shift in its body design, and the Roadmaster name was replaced by the Electra name.

Buick Skylark, 1953

Buick Skylark, 1953

Introduced to mark Buick's 50th anniversary, the Buick Skylark (first use of the name for a production vehicle) on one of three specialty convertibles produced in 1953 by General Motors; the other two were the Oldsmobile Fiesta and the Cadillac Eldorado. All three were limited production vehicles promoting General Motors' design leadership. Of the three, the Skylark had the most successful production run with 1,690 produced. This was considered quite an amazing sales feat, for the car had a list price in 1953 of slightly in excess of US$5,000. However, many languished in dealer showrooms and were sold at discount.

All 1,069 regular-production Skylarks built in 1953 (and all in 1954) were convertibles. The 1953s were based on the 2-door Roadmaster, having identical dimensions (except height), almost identical convenience and appearance equipment, and a Roadmaster drive train. In 1953, the model designation for the Skylark was 76X, while the model designation for the Roadmaster convertible was 76R. The few options available to the Roadmaster convertible buyer were standard equipment to the Skylark buyer, albeit the base price for the well-equipped Roadmaster convertible was only about US$3,200.

The 1953 Skylark featured V8 power and a 12 volt electrical system, both a first for Buick, as well as full-cutout wheel openings, a styling cue that would make its way to the main 1954 Buick line. Also making its way into the 1954 Buick line was the cut-down door at the base of the side window line that bounced back up to trace around the rear window (or convertible top). This styling clue stayed with Buick for many years and can be found on any number of automobile brands to this day.

The 1953 Buick Skylark was a handmade car in many respects. The stampings for the hood, trunk lid and a portion of the convertible tub were the same as the 1953 Roadmaster convertible (and Super convertible, model 56R). The stampings for the front fenders, rear fenders, the outer doors, and a portion of the convertible tub were unique to the Skylark. All Skylark convertible tubs were finished with various amounts of lead filler. It is not unusual to find a substantial amount of lead filler just behind the doors near the bottom of the window line. The inner doors of the Skylark were made from the inner doors of the 2-door Roadmaster and Super by cutting the stamping in half approximately parallel with the ground and then welding the two pieces back together in a jig at an angle that produced the necessary door dip (see photos of finished car).

Though there were many unique design features of the 1953 Skylark, one that goes almost unnoticed today is that the top and seating of the car were lowered a few inches below the Roadmaster and Super convertibles. This was achieved not by changing the frame, body or suspension, but by cutting the windshield almost three inches shorter and lowering the side windows and convertible top frame. To accommodate people without bumping their heads with the top up, the seat frames and steering column were lowered.

The wheels of the 1953 Skylark were true wire wheels, produced by Kelsey-Hayes, with everything chromed save for the plated and painted "Skylark" center emblem. Although this was high style in 1953, the wheels were heavier than the regular steel wheels, would require periodic truing to keep them straight and balanced, and required tubes within the tires just when tubeless tires were becoming the norm, as they were throughout the rest of the Buick line.

For 1954, the Skylark returned, although radically restyled. This Skylark featured elongated wheel cutouts, the interior of which were available painted a contrasting color to the body color. For example, black cars could receive white or red wheel wells. The trunk of the restyled Skylark was sloped into a semi-barrel shape. Tail lights were housed in large chromed fins that projected from the tops of the rear fenders.

The car was now based on the all-new shorter Century/Special chassis and not the top-of-the-line Roadmaster/Super chassis, also all-new for 1954. However, it did share the Roadmaster and Century powertrain, the highest output in the 1954 Buick model lineup. This powertrain was an evolutionary improvement, but very similar to the 1953 powertrain.

The model designation for the 1954 Buick Skylark was "100", a completely unique designation. The short wheelbase cars were the Buick Special: series 40, the Buick Century: series 60, and the Buick Skylark: series 100, albeit a series of just one model. All production Buick Skylarks were built as 2-door convertibles. They had the same luxury equipment as the 1953 Buick Skylarks.

Like their 1953 counterparts, the 1954 Skylark had a number of unique sheetmetal stampings, but without the hand labor that went into the 1953 Skylark production. In addition to unique front and rear fenders with the elongated wheel cutouts, the 1954 Skylark had a unique trunk with its semi-barrel shape and huge, rounded chrome fins. Interestingly, the hood was also unique to the 1954 Skylark in a small way. The hood ornament was quite different from all other Buick models for the 1954 model year. However, this same hood ornament, although unique in size to just this one model in 1954, was to portend the design of the 1955 Buick hood ornament used on all models of that year.

The cost of the Skylark, mixed with the public's dislike for the restyle and its perceived step down in rank to the Special/Century series versus the 1953 rank with the Super/Roadmaster series resulted in poor sales and the car's demise at the end of the 1954 model year.

Engines
322 in³ (5.3 L) V8

SCOOP: New Opel Zafira Grows up but Doesn't get FlexDoors

Opel and its sister company Vauxhall are pushing ahead with the development of the next generation Zafira minivan, which was caught here testing by our scoop photographers. The new seven-seat model is expected to grow in dimensions offering improved passenger and luggage space. Unlike the latest Meriva that boasts a pair of suicide doors, the new Zafira will continue to use conventional rear doors.

The sleeker shape of Opel's newcomer can easily be seen beneath the harlequin camouflage, while the pictures suggest that the minivan takes styling cues from both the Insignia and new Astra, including the wing-shaped head lamps.

The interior design will also be more or less inspired by the Astra, while the car's flexibility is reported to have been improved by a revamped three-row flexible seating system providing independent seating for all seven passengers.

The new Zafira will use hardware from the Astra range, so expect a suite of turbocharged diesel and petrol engines, including more eco-friendly and frugal EcoFlex versions and possibly even a sporty OPC / VRX variant.

Look for the next generation of Opel's people mover to make its world premiere at a major international motor show this year with European sales to start in late 2011 or early 2012.

There's no official word about a North American variant, but given that the Zafira is essentially the minivan version of the Astra (which itself forms the base for the new Buick Verano), as well as the fact that Ford is preparing the U.S. launch of the Focus-based C-Max, we wouldn't completely rule out the possibility.

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Buick XP-300 Concept, 1951

Buick XP-300 Concept, 1951

Buick XP-300 Concept, 1951

Buick Super Convertible, 1951

Buick Super Convertible, 1951

Buick Super Convertible, 1951

Buick Roadmaster, 1949

Buick Roadmaster, 1949

The origins of the Roadmaster name date to 1936 when Buick renamed its entire model line-up to celebrate the engineering improvements and design advancements over their 1935 models. Buick's Series 40 model range became the Special, the Buick Century took the place of the Series 60 and the Series 90 — Buick's largest and most luxurious vehicles — became the Limited. Buick's Series 80 became the Roadmaster.

Roadmasters produced between 1936 and 1958 were built on Buick's longest wheelbase and shared its basic structure with senior Oldsmobiles. Between 1946 and 1957, the Roadmaster was Buick's premium and best appointed model, and was offered in sedan, coupe, convertible and station wagon bodystyles between 1936 and 1948. In 1949 a hardtop coupe, designated "Riviera" joined the model line up; a four-door hardtop joined the model range in 1956.

The 1953 Buick Roadmaster station wagon, Model 79-R, was the last wood-bodied station wagon mass-produced in the United States. Its body was a product of Iona Manufacturing which built all Buick station wagon bodies between 1946 and 1964. Priced at US$4,031, the wagon was second in price to the Buick Skylark. Only 670 of these final woody wagons were produced for 1953.

In 1959 Buick again introduced a model range that represented a significant shift in its body design, and the Roadmaster name was replaced by the Electra name.

Buick Le-Sabre, 1951

Buick Le-Sabre, 1951

Buick Le-Sabre, 1951

Buick Verano 2012 specs features and price details

Here we provide Buick Verano 2012 specifications,Buick Verano 2012 features and Buick Verano 2012 overviews.You will have to get a full and detailed structure of Buick Verano 2012.TOP SPEED have been equipped with some rare and High resolution wallpapers of the Buick Verano 2012.Buick Verano 2012 price may be very with Addition of extra segments.Click each Buick Verano 2012 wallpapers form Buick Verano 2012 gallery and get high quality-high resolution Buick Verano 2012 wallpapers.

Verano is only attainable with front-wheel drive.Like the Regal, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine equipped with direct injection lurks underhood and devolopes 177 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. The Cruze, meanwhile, uses different engines altogether – either a normally aspirated 1.8-liter or a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Interestingly, the Ventiports on the Verano's hood are false advertising, with six holes to suggest there's a six-cylinder engine underhood.

Either way, Buick says the larger four-cylinder is estimated to achieve 22 miles per gallon in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. To sweeten the pot, Buick also says that a turbocharged 2.0-liter four will be available after the Verano's initial launch, and while we don't have any details on this engine, we'll bet our bottom dollar that it's exactly the same one that's used in the Regal.

Official pricing will surely be announced closer to the car's on-sale date near the end of 2011. If early reports are to be believed, however, expect the Verano to be priced around $21,000 for base models, going as high as $26,000 for cars with all of the trimmings. We'll have more information live from the Detroit Auto Show next week, but in the meantime, check out our high-res gallery and official press release after the break.

Buick Verano 2012 specifications and features

• Vehicle Type: compact car
• Drivetrain (CG estimates)
• Drive wheels: front
• Engine: 1.8-liter 4-cylinder, 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
• Horsepower: 136 (1.8), 138 (1.4 turbo)
• Torque: 123 lb-ft (1.8), 148 (1.4 turbo)
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic, possible 6-speed manual
• Dimensions (CG estimates)
• Wheelbase: 105.7 inches
• Length: 178.5 inches
• Width: 70.7 inches
• Height: 58.2 inches
• Base curb weight: 3,150 pounds

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Buick Verano 2012 specs features and price details

Here we provide Buick Verano 2012 specifications,Buick Verano 2012 features and Buick Verano 2012 overviews.You will have to get a full and detailed structure of Buick Verano 2012.TOP SPEED have been equipped with some rare and High resolution wallpapers of the Buick Verano 2012.Buick Verano 2012 price may be very with Addition of extra segments.Click each Buick Verano 2012 wallpapers form Buick Verano 2012 gallery and get high quality-high resolution Buick Verano 2012 wallpapers.

Verano is only attainable with front-wheel drive.Like the Regal, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine equipped with direct injection lurks underhood and devolopes 177 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. The Cruze, meanwhile, uses different engines altogether – either a normally aspirated 1.8-liter or a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Interestingly, the Ventiports on the Verano's hood are false advertising, with six holes to suggest there's a six-cylinder engine underhood.

Either way, Buick says the larger four-cylinder is estimated to achieve 22 miles per gallon in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. To sweeten the pot, Buick also says that a turbocharged 2.0-liter four will be available after the Verano's initial launch, and while we don't have any details on this engine, we'll bet our bottom dollar that it's exactly the same one that's used in the Regal.

Official pricing will surely be announced closer to the car's on-sale date near the end of 2011. If early reports are to be believed, however, expect the Verano to be priced around $21,000 for base models, going as high as $26,000 for cars with all of the trimmings. We'll have more information live from the Detroit Auto Show next week, but in the meantime, check out our high-res gallery and official press release after the break.

Buick Verano 2012 specifications and features

• Vehicle Type: compact car
• Drivetrain (CG estimates)
• Drive wheels: front
• Engine: 1.8-liter 4-cylinder, 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
• Horsepower: 136 (1.8), 138 (1.4 turbo)
• Torque: 123 lb-ft (1.8), 148 (1.4 turbo)
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic, possible 6-speed manual
• Dimensions (CG estimates)
• Wheelbase: 105.7 inches
• Length: 178.5 inches
• Width: 70.7 inches
• Height: 58.2 inches
• Base curb weight: 3,150 pounds

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GM Introduces Cell Phone Charging Mats at CES, Production Begins in 2012

Thanks to induction technology, mobile electronic devices, such as phones, can be wirelessly charged, just by placing them on special pads. At the 2011 CES in Las Vegas, General Motors announced plans to introduce the wireless charging technology in many future Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac products, beginning from the second half of 2012.

The Detroit automaker revealed that is has signed a commercial agreement with an Israeli company called Powermat that specializes on the new technology. GM Ventures, the company’s venture capital subsidiary, will invest a total of $5 million in Powermat to help accelerate its development and support efforts to grow Powermat’s business globally, the company said in a statement.

The new technology is said not only to eliminate the need for charging cords, but, according to Powermat CEO Ran Poliakine, it’s also safer and more efficient.

The Chevrolet Volt will be one of the first cars to benefit from the new equipment.

“Imagine a mat or shelf where you could put your iPhone, your Droid or other personal device and charge it automatically while you commute to work, run errands or as you’re driving on a family vacation”, said Micky Bly, GM’s lead electronics executive. “The Chevy Volt will be one of the first applications, but we intend to expand it across our vehicle portfolio”, Bly added.

By Csaba Daradics

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2012 Buick Verano Sedan: China's Excelle GT finally Makes it to the States

If you've been following the news on Carscoop, the 2012 Buick Verano won't come as a surprise as the new compact sedan is the North American version of GM's China market Buick Excelle GT that was revealed in the first half of 2010. The two Buicks are identical in styling right up to the somewhat gaudy chrome eyebrows over the tail lamps.

The small Buick is essentially the sedan version of the European market Opel Astra, something that is visible from the profile styling as well as the interior, and is built on the same platform and shares basic engine architecture with the Chevrolet Cruze.

The VW Jetta-sized Verano measures 183.9 in. (4,671 mm) long, 71.4 in. (1,815 mm) wide and 58.4 in. (1,484 mm) tall, featuring a 105.7 in. (2,685 mm) long wheelbase.

Under the skin, the Verano's front suspension uses decoupled MacPherson struts and the rear a Watts Z-link design. Steering inputs are executed by an electric power steering system, featuring a dual-pinion rack, while stopping power is provided by a four-wheel disc brake system with standard anti-lock and electronic brake force distribution, as well as StabiliTrak electronic stability control with traction control.

At launch, the new Buick Verano will offered with a standard 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine delivering an estimated 177 horsepower (132 kW) and 170 lb.-ft. of peak torque (230 Nm), with a six-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. GM says the basic Verano will return a 0-60 mph [96 km/h] performance of 8.0 seconds and an estimated 31 mpg [7.6 lt/100km] on the highway.

The Detroit automaker said a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo engine will be offered in the future. In China, the Verano's twin sibling is available with a naturally-aspirated 1.8-liter producing 145HP and a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-pot delivering 181HP.

The 2012 Verano compact sedan will receive its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week and go on sale in the States in the fourth quarter of 2011. Pricing has yet to be released, though an allegedly official document that was leaked online suggests that the Verano will start at around $21,000.

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