Buick Motor Company, Detroit, Michigan, United States
Harry Butcher, Wilmington, Illinois, United States
1929 Buick Master Butcher Indianapolis Special
Engine: Straight-8, approx. 100 hp, 4500 cc
Bore: 77.79 mm, Stroke: 117.48 mm
Carburetion: 4x Stromberg 97 (81)
Front Track: 1530 mm, Rear Track: 1580 mm
Height: 1270 mm, Wheelbase: 3230 mm
Total Length: 4850 mm, Width: 1820 mm
Current FIVA
About Harry Butcher
Harry Butcher was a businessman and local politician born in Wilmington, Illinois, on March 21, 1895. He passed away on June 18, 1942. Butcher, also known as Hank, initially worked as a mechanic. Alongside his brother James, who served as his racing mechanic in Indianapolis, Harry built the Butcher Brothers Special. This car was equipped with a powerful Buick engine, enabling Harry to compete in numerous events, including two Indianapolis 500 races. His best result was 14th place in 1930.
In 1929, the car failed to qualify for the starting line, and in 1931, Harry was forced to retire after just six laps due to a collision with Joe Russo’s stricken Dodge. Despite this, his sportsmanship earned him a special award.
The 1929 Buick Master Butcher Indianapolis Special
This car, the first Special built by Harry in 1929, never made it to the starting line at Indianapolis. However, it demonstrated its capabilities in various tests. Over the years, the car underwent several rebuilds and modifications. Originally fitted with a straight-6 engine, it was upgraded to a straight-8 in 1932 before being sold by Butcher in 1936.
Key Milestones
February 13, 1929: Delivery of a Buick Master chassis with a straight-6 engine to Harry Butcher from Henry Geise (a Buick dealer in Quincy, Illinois).
1929: The Indianapolis body was built (chassis narrowed), but the car was withdrawn from the race.
1932: Installation of a Buick 272 cu in. straight-8 engine.
1936: Butcher returned the car to Henry Geise and exchanged it for a Buick Century Series 60.
1955: Henry Geise, the oldest American Buick dealer (operating until 2006), sold the car to the Schmiede company in Vienna, Austria, where it was used as a film prop.
1961: Purchased by an Upper Austrian collector.
Early 1970s: The car received individual approval for road use in Austria and remained in the same family until 2005.
2005: Acquired by the current owner, who restored it to roadworthy condition while preserving as much originality as possible. The restoration was completed in early 2022.
Modifications for Rally Use
To make the car suitable for rallies, the following changes were made:
12V conversion with a three-phase alternator.
5-speed LIMA gearbox (replacing the original 2-speed, which is still available).
Improved radiator with dual fans and an electric water pump (original components retained).
Mechanical fire extinguishing system.
Folding windshield with an emergency canopy.
Despite these updates, great care was taken to ensure all modifications were period-appropriate.
Recent Use
The car successfully participated in the Südsteiermark Classic and the Ennstal Classic in 2024, covering a total of 2000 kilometers without issues. All minor problems have been resolved, making it ready for many more classic car events.
