“One of our long-time customers was looking for a new car, and he also was interested in parting with his 1908 Buick Model 10 Runabout,” explained Jeff Reichard, owner of Reichard Buick/GMC, Pontiac and Saturn Service. “The Runabout is in great shape. He completely restored it and we were able to work something out. We’re really excited to get this piece of history.”
Reichard says that the car will be displayed in the showroom.
“Everyone who sees it loves it, from kids to older folks,” Reichard said.
“Buick built over 4,000 of the Model 10 Runabout in 1908, making it one of the best-selling cars in the country at that time,” Reichard noted. “And Billy Durant, who owned Buick, used the capital from Buick to start General Motors, so this car has a significant role in the history of GM and automobiles in general.”
The Model 10 Runabout came in only one color, off white, which is called Buick Gray. It has a 165 cubic inch engine that delivers the power to the road through a two-speed planetary transmission.
Even with that size engine, horsepower was only rated at about 22 and a half, but period advertising called the Model 10 a high-powered car.
The sticker price was $900, which also included acetylene headlights, bulb horn, and oil-fueled side and taillights.
The car is graced with lots of brass, including the lights and radiator. The windshield and top on this model were options, but the single rear seat, called a “mother-in-law” seat, was standard.
The car is right-hand drive and seats three. The plate attached to the dash indicates that this car was number 3,307 of the 4,002 built.
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