Vehicle Description
Buick's offerings for 1914 consisted of just a single series, the
Series B, though somewhat confusingly, the Series B was made up of
a variety of sub models, configurations and engine offerings. At
the entry level of the catalog, the B-24 and B-25 shared a 105 inch
wheelbase and a 165 cubic inch four-cylinder engine. Next in line
came the B-35, B-37 and the fully enclosed B-38 coupe featured a
112-inch wheelbase with motivation coming from a slightly larger
221 cubic inch four cylinder. The flagship model was the B-55 which
featured the marque's first six cylinder engine, displacing 331
cubic inches and rated at 48 horsepower. The common thread for all
Series B Buicks was the valve-in-head engine with its distinctive
exposed valvetrain, and all models (with the exception of the B-38)
were available as either a roadster or a handsome touring car.
Thanks to Buick being part of General Motors, all 1914 models
featured the Delco System electric starter and lamps originally
pioneered by Cadillac in 1912. The B-25 cost $1,050 in 1914, when
compared to the Ford Model T at $440, made the Buick was a
significant step up in the market. Just over 21,000 Buicks found
homes in 1914, demonstrating ever growing strength of Buick and the
increase demand from the middle class for more powerful and well
equipped motorcars. This tidy 1914 Buick B-25 Touring Car is a very
usable and attractive example that has been treated to a good
quality restoration some time ago, having now taken on a pleasing
patina. Two-tone black and white paint gives it a handsome and
striking look. Paint quality is quite good, showing some age since
the restoration was completed but remaining quite attractive and
charming. By 1914, the brass era was winding down, and nickel
plating had become the standard embellishment. Our example wears
nice nickel-plated headlamps, wheel hub covers and trim on the duel
carriage lamps. A Buick branded moto-meter sits atop the black
painted radiator, which also proudly brandishes the Buick script. A
very nice period appropriate spot light is affixed to the
windscreen frame. Black wall tires are fitted to the split rim
artillery wheels, with good condition wooden spokes painted white
to match the main body. The canvas top is in good condition and it
comes with a complete set of side curtains; ideal for those looking
for adventure in all weather conditions. The interior is very
inviting, with lovely old black leather showing some light creasing
and patina that is consistent with the remainder of the car. Floors
are correctly lined with linoleum up front and carpet in the rear,
all showing in good order. Instrumentation is of course limited for
a car of this era, but the basics are covered with a period correct
Stewart speedometer, an Amp meter and a great Waltham clock adorn
the firewall. The fat wood rimmed steering wheel is excellent, with
nicely polished nickel spokes and controls for throttle and spark
advance. Buick's 165 cubic-inch four-cylinder engine is in
excellent condition under the hood. The cylinders are cast in
pairs, and the exposed valvetrain is a fascinating feature of these
engines. The detailing is largely correct with period fittings and
plumbing, with an emphasis on tidy, reliable service. This
wonderful old Buick is a charming and fairly rare example from GM's
early days. It is an enjoyable, honest car that is very well suited
for touring thanks to the sorted mechanicals, full weather
equipment and charming patina. We love this car's pretty color
combination and classic touring car body style. This Buick is a
great choice for Horseless Carriage Club of America tours, AACA
events or casual show. The more conventional controls and
sliding-fork gearbox make it more approachable for newcomers to
nickel-era cars, and the addition of electric start makes it easy
to live with for regular use or long-distance journeys.
