Buick K 45 Tourer '20

English: Buick K 45 Tourer (1920) – Classic Luxury and Reliability

Introduction and History

The Buick K 45 Tourer from 1920 was a prestigious open tourer that was part of Buick’s K-series, a line of luxurious and well-built cars from the early 20th century. Buick, part of General Motors (GM), was known at the time for its innovative and reliable engines, as well as its focus on driving comfort and durability.

The K-series was produced between 1916 and 1922, with the K 45 Tourer being one of the most sought-after versions. This car was designed for both the American and international markets and was often seen as a status symbol for wealthy automobile enthusiasts.

Technical Specifications

• Engine: 4.0L inline-six
• Power: 60 hp at approximately 2,800 rpm
• Transmission: 3-speed manual
• Drive: Rear-wheel drive
• Suspension: Rigid axles with leaf springs
• Brakes: Mechanical drum brakes on the rear wheels
• Body Style: Tourer (open four-seater)
• Wheelbase: Approximately 3.1 meters
• Weight: Around 1,400 kg
• Top Speed: Around 100 km/h, depending on conditions

The six-cylinder engine was one of the distinguishing features of the Buick K 45 Tourer. While many competitors in this class still used four-cylinder engines, Buick offered better performance and a smoother driving experience thanks to its larger engine displacement and advanced overhead valve technology.

Competitors in 1920

In the luxury and mid-range segment, the Buick K 45 Tourer competed with various American and European brands. Here are some of its main rivals:

1. Cadillac Type 59 (1920)

   • Engine: 5.1L V8
   • Power: 60 hp
   • Luxury features, but significantly more expensive than the Buick
   • Cadillac was known for outstanding craftsmanship and smooth driving, but at a higher price

2. Packard Twin-Six Touring (1920)

   • Engine: 6.9L V12
   • Power: 90 hp
   • Highly prestigious, but aimed at an even higher class than Buick
   • Packard was synonymous with extreme luxury and quiet engines

3. Studebaker Big Six Touring (1920)

   • Engine: 5.8L inline-six
   • Power: 60 hp
   • Comparable in performance to the Buick, but less refined in finish
   • Studebaker was known for robust and reliable cars

4. Dodge Brothers Touring Car (1920)

   • Engine: 3.5L four-cylinder
   • Power: 35 hp
   • More of a workhorse than a luxury car, but competitively priced
   • Affordable and solid option for those prioritizing reliability over luxury

5. Ford Model T Touring (1920)

   • Engine: 2.9L four-cylinder
   • Power: 20 hp
   • The cheapest option, but significantly less powerful and luxurious than the Buick
   • Ford was unbeatable in price and mass production, but couldn't match Buick in comfort and performance

Why Choose the Buick K 45 Tourer?

Buick positioned itself as a premium brand within General Motors, below Cadillac but above Chevrolet and Oldsmobile. The K 45 Tourer offered:

A powerful six-cylinder engine with Buick’s reliable technology
More comfort and refinement than cheaper competitors like Dodge and Ford
A competitive price compared to Packard and Cadillac, without compromising on luxury
A smooth driving experience thanks to the long wheelbase and advanced engine

The Buick K 45 Tourer was a perfect balance of performance, comfort, and prestige, making it a popular choice among entrepreneurs and automobile enthusiasts of the time. Today, this model is a highly sought-after classic among collectors due to its unique place in history and timeless charm.

An icon from the early 20th century – elegant, powerful, and pure American craftsmanship!