Real Wheels: 1932 Buick Model 66-S

LIMA — The Buick Motor Car Company was formed as an independent motorcar manufacturer on May 19th of 1903. Its founder was the Scottish-American David Dunbar Buick. Among his accomplishments were the invention of the overhead valve engine which helped spur the company’s success. In 1904, James Whiting took control of the struggling Buick Company and brought in William C. Durant to manage this new acquisition. Under Durant’s guidance, the company quickly became one of the largest car makers in America. Buick is one of the oldest still-active American automotive make, and among the oldest automobile brands in the world. Buick’s fortunes soared during the Depression that began in 1929. In 1930 Buick introduced their Series 60 which served as a replacement for the Series 129. There were seven body styles to select from. There were only 1,678 1932 Buick Model 66-S automobiles made during the depression year of 1932. It was Buick’s mid-level automobile powered by a 272 cubic inch straight eight.John Giokaris, of Lima, sent us the information on his 1932 Buick Model 66-S. He purchased this beauty in 2006, from the original owners, who were from Arlington, Texas. He started a five-year restoration project which included a complete “frame-off” restoration, with all original parts, including the mohair upholstery fabric which was located in Portland, Oregon. He completed the restoration in August of 2011, and entered it in competition at the Buick Club of America’s National Meet in Danvers, MA. His car was awarded a near perfect score and the “New Gold Sr. Award,” which is the highest award the Buick Club of America offers. The car was then showcased on the front cover of the Buick Club of America’s national publication, “The Buick Bugle.” Giokaris says that the mechanical brakes took awhile to get used to, but the car is still a joy to drive.