Inventor David Dunbar Buick built his first automobile in Detroit, Michigan in 1903.

More designer than businessman, Buick's lack of talent in the latter role led to numerous changes of ownership before its founder was eventually eased out in 1908, his departure from the Buick Motor Company coinciding with its establishment as the cornerstone of new owner William C Durant's General Motors.

Under Durant's stewardship production rose dramatically and by the end of the 1930s Buick had become one of America's most popular cars.

For a period in the 1920s the range had consisted entirely of sixes and then at the end of 1930 Buick dramatically axed its six-cylinder models, adopting an all eight-cylinder range for 1931.

Stylistically and mechanically, the Buick range was comprehensively revised for 1936, featuring 'turret top' styling and improved independent front suspension, and these revitalised straight eights would carry Buick through to WW2 and beyond.

At time of cataloguing it had ...