DIRECTOR’S THOUGHTS, APRIL  2024

April 1^st is April Fools Day!  What will you do to fool your family or friends?  Have you heard the latest?  Buick has agreed to design, engineer, and produce, once again, the  Buick Wildcat and Electra styled cars again!!!!  WOW!!  They have decided to bring back the big Buick “A” body style cars as back in the 50’s-70’s!!  Do you know the saying, “What goes around, comes around?”  Well, the big cars will be making a big comeback, yeh!!  It was decided to NOT produce Electric Vehicles due to prices, therefore, to produce cars that WILL be more affordable in today’s world.  Besides, driving a much bigger car gives the driver and its passengers a better chance of surviving an accident as compared to the percentage of deaths that occur driving small cars of today.  How do you, as Buick enthusiasts, feel about this change in production of future Buicks?  

                              April Fools!!!!                                                                                    Your Elected Director, Sally

“Free Spirit” Meeting Minutes –March 5, 2024

Meeting called to order @ 7:20 pm.  12 members are present.  Sally “Welcomed” everyone to tonight’s meeting.  She asked if anyone would like to share any special events anyone did the past month. 

Todd/Andrea Kriner became 1^st time grandparents!  CONGRATULATIONS!!  February 7^th, Forrest Clark Kriner came into this world.  William Hallman attended the AACA Annual Convention, February 7-10, 2023, Chantilly Virginia.  He gave a brief presentation on his days of vacation during this event; Udar-Hazy Center which is the National Air/Space Museum, Pizza party, Casino night, and National Awards program.   William enjoyed his time there.

Motion to accept February’s meeting minutes, Todd Kriner, seconded by, Isabel Lenny, so carried. 

Treasurer’s report:   Report given for February 2024, motion to accept, Shirley Schaffer, seconded by Alice Schaffer, so carried.  

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Historian; no report

Lehighton:  Sally received car show flyers for October during the Ontelaunee Region AACA Leesport Swap Meet in March.  These are now available to members to take to be hand out during this year.  

Membership: William Hallman collected monies from members not wearing their chapter badge.  William, during his time at the above mentioned convention , he met a gentleman from East Stroudsburg and conversed w/ him about Buicks and introduced the “Free Spirit” chapter to this gentleman,  Hopefully he will join our chapter in the future.  

 Received new member:      Richard Day, 136 Andrew Lane, Lansdale, Pa 19446, BCA #53155, 215-870-3718, rickday99@yahoo.com.  He has a 1966 GS 400.  Please “WELCOME” Mr. Day when you meet him.  Please add his information in your roster.

E-newsletter/newsletter:  Sent out 9 advertiser renewals, still have 2outstanding, J C Taylor and Wood Naturally.  Third renewal  notices and phones were made.

Publicity:  car show flyer was sent to web master to be placed on the web site.

Technical:    Ed Lenny wondered if Thomas Duckett ever found  the Cadillac heater switch yet?  Ed stated that in the March Bugle, page 17, a gentleman advertises he deals/repairs switches.  This information will be called to Kathleen/Thomas to check out.

Ways-n-Means:  Sally attended the Ontelaunee Region Swap Meet held at Leesport Farmers Market, Leesport, Pa Sunday,  March 3rd, 2024 to sell chapter items.  The following was sold:   yardstick, ruler, Buick Parking Sign, bumper badge, 6 Buick rags.  Sally handed out a National Buick Club of America new member application form.  Sally saw the following members:  Sally, Shirley Schaffer, Dan Reiniger, Dennis/MaryAnne Snell, & Chuck Mason.  Sally sold a Buick Coverlet to a BCA member in the latter part of February.  

OLD BUSINESS:    Position for Assistant Director remains open for someone to volunteer.  Contact Sally if you would like to fulfill this position.  

NEW BUSINESS:     Shirley was given a date, Sunday, June 9, 2024, to reserve the Weeping Willow Pavilion for the chapter’s annual picnic at Macungie Borough Park, Macungie, Pa.  Contract has been obtained and  signed. 

Shirley’s Youngest son passed away, some members attended viewing in support for Shirley.  Shirley submitted a “Thank You” note to this membership.  Motion to adjourn, Isabel Lenny, seconded by Alice Schaffer, so carried.  Time  7:53 pm.

                                                                                                                              Submitted by:  Sally Getz, substitute   

12 Classic Buick Cars That’ll Soon Be Worth A Fortune

Thanks to their timeless designs and growing desirability, the prices of these classic Buicks are likely to rocket soon, so grab one while you can.

Buick has evolved in many ways since its establishment in 1899. While GM luxury division is generally known for making mild-mannered family transportation, it also has a deep motorsport history, proving its performance on racetracks.

The classic Buicks on this list have a lot going for them, including affordability. That may not be true as time goes on and more gearheads take note of how desirable owning a vintage Buick can be. Is now the time to invest? We’ll let you be the judge.

12.  The Buick Super Model 52 is a big, classic car with design cues from the 1955 Buick Century and the Century Riviera hardtop. It comes with a host of luxury items, including a deluxe steering wheel and a power bench seat. The Buick Super Sedan gets its power from a smooth 322 cubic inch V8 engine with an output of 236 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. The Model 52 is one of the most comfortable passenger sedans, offering more than enough room for six people.  The price history of the Buick Super from 1954 to 1956 was steady for the past few years. That is, until about 2021 when this Buick’s price shot up a few thousand dollars on average. The 1955 Buick Super Model 52 sits at a great sweet spot for this fourth-generation Buick, and you’ll want to get your hands on one before prices increase even further.

11.  You may be familiar with the Buick Roadmaster name, but perhaps not with this model. With about 10,505 units that came to be of the Buick Roadmaster Model 75, the sedan is quite rare, and the market is taking notice.  

10.  With the Buick Invicta coming all-new in 1959, the following year witnessed only subtle changes. The grille of this classic Buick, which originally donned concave vertical bars, shows off a more subdued look than before in the 1960 model. Another subtle difference with this classic Buick compared to Invictas of the year prior? The quad headlights of the 1960 Buick Invicta are now placed side-by-side.

9.  The 1963  Riviera is one of Buick’s longest-running nameplates, produced from 1962 to 1999, lasting over eight generations. Adorned with Formula Five chrome-look steel wheels and whitewalls, the Riviera was born as a result of America’s attraction to European luxury cars such as Aston Martin and Jaguar. The 1963 Buick Riviera is a standout that will soon be even more coveted than it already is.

8.  The 1970 GS 455 may have a lot of the glory, but gearheads shouldn’t overlook the 1972 version. Under the hood of the 1972 GS lies a 5.7-liter V8 engine that’s joined to a three-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission to crank out 190 hp. The 1972 Buick Gran Sport is a way to buy into the iconic classic American car club at a price that isn’t too shabby. Hagerty values a good 1972 Buick GS two-door Convertible to be in the region of $15,000.

7.  The 1975 Buick LeSabre Custom is one of the earliest General Motors vehicles to use unleaded gasoline, following the introduction of the catalytic converter. The 165 horsepower for the 1975 LeSabre Custom comes from a 350 cubic inch V8.

6.  the 1985 Buick Regal GN may soon be worth a fortune. Purchasing a cheap 1985 Buick Regal Grand National that needs some work is a great investment, if we take a peek at just how much restored versions of this classic Buick go for.

5.  The 1987 Buick Regal GNX IS THE cream of the crop in terms of classic Buicks that are worth your investment dollars while they are still obtainable.  Buick unleashed the limited production Buick GNX in 1987, featuring performance improvements such as a Garrett T3 turbocharger, performance suspension with torque bar, and GNX-only rear differential cover. Powering the GNX coupe is a 3.8-liter V6 engine.

4.  Buick Special Skylark In the early ’60s, downsizing was the trend in the American car industry as automakers tried making their popular models sportier. As such, Buick redesigned the Special sedan to make it more competitive against the Ford Falcon and Chevy Corvair.

3.  The Buick Reatta seemed to have a bright future when it debuted in the ’80s. It had an intriguing wedge-shaped design that almost made it look European, especially with the pop-up headlights on. The Reatta also had advanced features like a touchscreen computer interface, fully independent suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS. Sadly, the Reatta’s V6 only made up to 170 hp, which wasn’t enough for a car that cost $25,000 at the time. 

2.  Buick GSX STAGE 1 is largely missed out on the muscle car craze in the ’60s. However, Buick still managed to create a model to face off against the top dogs in the horsepower wars, and it came in the form of the 1970 GSX Stage 1. The GSX Stage 1 turned out great and is easily one of the most underrated muscle cars ever. 

1.  1994 Buick Roadmaster Wagon.  In the early ’90s, Buick decided to revive the Roadmaster nameplate after a 33-year hiatus. The 1991-1996 Roadmaster was available as a sedan or wagon, but the wagon is the one that most gearheads remember. The Roadmaster Wagon was nothing special.

CALENDAR of  EVENTS, 2024

APRIL 2024                                               HAPPY APRIL FOOL’S DAY!

• 2 – Monthly chapter business meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa.  Dinner @ 6 pm, business meeting @ 7:30 pm.  
• 7 – Indoor/Outdoor Antique/classic Auto Show Swap Meet, Classic Auto Mall, Morgantown, Pa
• 17 – 21 –    Spring Carlisle, Pa
• 27 – Promenade Shops On Wheels Car Show, Center Valley, Pa

MAY 2024                                                   HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

• 4 – Blue Mtn. Classics, Bicentennial Park, Bethlehem, Pa
• 5 – LLP Peyton Hyndman Memorial Car Show, Bethlehem, Pa
• 7 – Chapter meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa.  Dinner @ 6 pm, business meeting @ 7:30 pm.
• 11 – Wheels For Victory Car Show, Kempton, Pa
• 18 – Wheels On The Canal, Northampton, Pa
• 26 – Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs Car Show, Coca-Cola Park, Allentown, Pa

JUNE 2024                                                HAPPY SUMMER VACATION!

• 2 –  46^th Annual Car Show, LVRAACA, Meuser Park, Easton, Pa
• 8 – 1^st Annual Gasket Goons Spring Showdown In the Park, Macungie, Pa
• 9 – Annual chapter picnic, Weeping Willow Pavillion, Macungie Memorial Park, Macungie, Pa
• 15 – Fueled For A Cause, South Mall, Allentown, Pa
• 16 – 34^th Father’s Day All Mopar Car Show, Reagle Dodge Ram, Pen Argyl, Pa

CARS/PARTS FOR SALE

1955 Buick Special  2 door htp:  cascade blue and temple grey, 264 Nailhead engine, 4 BBL carb, power steering, original front/back seats, headliner and working am radio.  Show condition:  top 40 winner Wildwood Boardwalk 2019 Classic Car Show.  Asking $37K.  Contact Rich Eberhart FMI (215-409-5195  Pennsburg, Pa.)

1966 Buick LeSabre Conv in good working condition.  $14K.  Barry Follweiler, Allentown, Pa , 610-509-9533

HOOD SPEARS

• #906       1963-65 Riviera upper hood lip, #1369589, $150.00.  
• #919       1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass hood Spear, ALL TABS INTACT, NO PITTS, #390740,  $200.00
• #921       1964 Chevy Impala aluminum trunk Spear, $60.00
• #922       1970 Riviera hood center spear trim, ALL TABS INTACT,  $75.00
• #923       1964 Riviera brushed chrome hood spears, #1363119, have 4 pcs.,  $100.00 each
• #933       1964 Wildcat/Electra/LeSabre hood spear, #1363324, NO PITTS, ALL TABS INTACT,  $120.00
• #934       1969 Electra/Wildcat center hood spear, #1386683, ALL TABS INTACT w/ some pitts,  $125.00                                                                 
• #936       1966 Oldsmobile 98 hood spear wind split molding, #390449, TABS INTACT, NO PITTS.  $150.00
• #937       1969 Electra 225 conv. LH side front trim,  100.00
• #938       1966 Electra 225 hood spear, NO EMBLEM,  #1374281,  TABS  INTACT, $175.00
• #939       1966 Electra/Wildcat/ LeSabre hood spear w/ emblem, #1374925, TABS INTACT, slight pitts, $150.00

                                                 STEERING WHEELS/HORN BUTTON

• #739        1964-65 Skylark/Sportwagon horn button bar assembly, #9741094, $55.00
• #1132      1962 Lesabre/Electra/Invicta/Special;  1962-63 Skylark  interior steering wheel w/ horn button trim piece power steering, have 3, 1 w/ very small cracks, SEE PICTURE,  $300.00
• #1133      1963-64 Wildcat Steering Wheel w/ cracks, SEE PICTURES, $300.00.
• #1134      1965 Special Steering Wheel, cracks, see pictures,  $250.00
• #1135      1973 Centurion Steering wheel, NO CRACKS, $300.00
• #1136      1969-70 LeSabre/WC/Skylark/GS Steering wheel, $250.00
• #1137    C   1968-69 Lesabre/GS/Skylark/WC Steering wheel, 1 sm crack, $250.00
• #1138   C/J    1967 Big Buick steering wheel, 16” diameter of wheel, 3 7/8’ diameter where column attaches, 3 very small cracks SEE PICTURES,$150.00