1917 Buick Series D-45 Touring Car

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The 1917 Buick Touring Car, part of Buick’s Series D lineup, exemplified early 20th-century innovation during a pivotal era for the American auto industry. Built during one of Buick’s lowest production years, due to World War I material shortages, the Touring model was offered in D-35 and D-45 configurations. The D-35 featured a four-cylinder engine, while the D-45 boasted a 225 cubic-inch inline-six that delivered 45 horsepower. Both engines used Buick’s advanced valve-in-head design.  

Equipped with a three-speed manual transmission, mechanical drum brakes, and electric starter and lighting, the car combined practicality with modern features. Priced around $1,070 for the D-45, it was considered a value leader. The car's open-air design and robust engineering made it a favorite among motorists, cementing Buick’s reputation for quality and helping General Motors thrive during turbulent times. 

This 1917 Buick D-45 Touring Car, offered from The Richard Gordon Collection, was updated by a previous owner, who repainted the car dark green, reupholstered its bench seats in black, button-tufted leather, and added brown carpet in the rear passenger compartment. It retains its factory 225 cu-in six-cylinder engine, three-speed manual gearbox, convertible top frame, floor shifter, and dashboard gauges. 

Factory Equipment 

• 225 cu-in inline-six engine rated at approximately 45 hp 

• Three-speed manual transmission 

• 12-spoke wooden artillery wheels 

• Mechanical drum brakes 

• Electric starter and electric lighting 

• Boyce Moto-Meter 

• Stewart tape-measure speedometer, Western Ammeter amperes gauge, and Delco lighting control panel 

• Four-spoke, wood-wrapped steering wheel 

• Painted wooden floorboards 

• Rear metal robe rail and footrest 

• Serial No. 365960 falls within the range of production for a D-45 six-cylinder, five-passenger open touring car 

 Modifications 

• Refinished in dark green paint with light green running boards 

• Refinished in black, button-tufted leather upholstery 

• Brown carpet in rear 

 Servicing 

• Replaced white/cream convertible top 

• Firestone 34x4 tires 

 Known Imperfections 

• Paint chips, scratches, and some worn spots with missing paint 

• Corrosion on convertible top frame 

• Top and spare tire cover are stained 

• Some finish has worn off wooden wheel spokes 

• Underside of wooden running boards is worn and missing paint 

• Stains and wear on rear carpet 

Ownership History

This 1917 Buick Series D-45 Touring Car is offered from The Richard Gordon Collection. It has been kept in heated storage for several years. 

Included Items 

• Rear-mounted spare tire with cover 

• 1917 Michigan license plate C6671 

Additional Information 

A Broad Arrow Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the seller of this listing. As such, the purchase transaction will be facilitated by Broad Arrow, including vehicle payment, applicable taxes required to be collected by the seller or Broad Arrow, and title/ownership reassignment. Broad Arrow is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hagerty. 

Contact: Craig Zimmerman Phone: 586.707.5811‬ email: cszimmerman@hagerty.com