Germans and Buicks, What kind of a crazy person would drive an LT-1

[TWFAUST at aol.com]

I think we all take a view of cars which tends to re-enforce our  
predilections. One is Teutonic preference for Teutonic machinery.
 
I have dealt in old car parts, as a side line, for years. When I get old  
Buick pieces, it is about 80% that they are going to Germany, Australia or New  
Zealand. Australia and New Zealand because they made Buicks there, Germany  
because they like them. Germans have always had an appreciation for speed, they  
know that the Buick "Century" was named that because in 1937 "it would do a  
hundred". It was priced at $1200 USD (with side mounts, less without), no  
European car could match it, or even approach it. They were assembled in  Belgium 
and available at a reasonable price in Germany.   I recently  sent a Packard 
door handle to Germany, the fellow there sent me a picture of his  Packard 
collection, 15 of them.
 
Interestingly, immediately post war Cadillac stuff is assured a home in  
Japan. No explanation for that, perhaps it has something to do with the  
occupation.
 
I saw some mention in this thread of the Buick 215. An interesting little  
motor which fell victim to the passing of an early 60's "energy crisis". The  
rights were sold to Rover and it found its way into several British car,  
including the MG and the Triumph TR8. I understand Buick tried to buy the rights  
back, but no sale. Oldsmobile produced and interesting version, turbo charged  
with water injection. IIRC, the JetFire. If anyone has one of those British  
cars, and easy upgrade is the aluminum heads from the Buick 300 engine. I  
believe Rover still uses a stretched version. I have never understood Range  
Rovers, I get to stroll a few junkyards, Range Rovers are always there in fair  
numbers. They do not appear to be damaged, so I assume owners just tired of  
throwing money at them. 
 
Tom Faust
 
 
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