Did Buick Ever Build a Pickup Truck?
American car companies are synonymous with pickup trucks. Whether the Ford F-150, Dodge Ram, or Chevy Silverado, domestic automakers know how to build these rugged workhorses. However, one U.S. manufacturer doesn’t make a truck: Buick.
With Chevrolet and GMC manufacturing trucks like the Colorado and Sierra, respectively, Buick’s the only GM brand without a pickup in its lineup. Event Cadillac once had the Escalade EXT luxury pickup. So, was there ever a time when Buick made pickup trucks? Let’s dive into Buick’s history and its possible plans for a future truck model.
A brief history of Buick
As CompaniesHistory reports, Buick’s founder, David Dunbar Buick, arrived from Scotland in 1854 at the age of two. He initially worked as a plumbing inventor/executive in the 1880s. Then, in the 1890s, Mr. Buick became interested in gas-powered engines. After initially building motors for farm equipment and boats, he started Buick Auto-Vim and Power Co. in 1899 or 1900 with an aim toward automobile powerplants.
The company’s name was later changed to Buick Manufacturing Co., then Buick Motor Co. On May 19, 1903, the company was incorporated, and the rest is history.
From the beginning, the American automaker produced innovative designs. Buick Chief Engineer Walter Marr (who left in 1901) designed the world’s first overhead valve (OHV) engine. His replacement, Eugene Richard, later patented it under the Buick name.
According to Gauk Motors, Buick’s first production model was the 1904 Model B. While the company made only 37 Model Bs, its chassis and powertrain formed the basis for the 1909 Model F. Central to that was a mid-mounted, naturally-balanced flat-twin engine.
Subsequently, Buick became the country’s best-selling car manufacturer. In fact, it even won one of the first races run at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Buick kept innovating throughout the 20s, 30s, and 40s, introducing straight-six, straight-eight, and synchromesh transmissions.
In 1953, for Buick’s 50th anniversary, the company introduced its first V8 engine and the venerable Roadmaster Skylark. Throughout the 50s and 60s, the automaker produced a string of classic models, like the Electra, LeSabre, and Riviera.
In the following decades, Buick continued its reputation as the upscale arm of General Motors. The automaker produced a variety of vehicles — ranging from the GSX muscle car to the LaCrosse luxury sedan — and now, at the dawn of the EV age, the company looks to carry on its storied history.
One need only look at the Wildcat EV concept car to see Buick’s vision for what’s next. With a plan to go all-electric by 2030, the American automaker has several exciting vehicles in the works, according to InsideEVs.
The brief period of Buick trucks
From 1909 to 1923, Buick produced trucks, although they were unlike anything made today. In the early 20th century — as the country and industries grew — Buick focused on the newly emerging commercial vehicle category.
According to Hemmings, it began in 1909 when Buick introduced a “delivery” version of its popular Model F. Instead of the regular model’s seating for five, the Model F “delivery” trim used a front bench seat with a rear storage bed.
One year later, Buick replaced the Model F “delivery” with the Model 2 truck. Virtually identical to its predecessor, it was later updated with an extended wheelbase and one-ton payload capacity.
Then, in 1915, Buick brought the C-4 pickup to market. Replacing the previous 159 cubic-inch two-cylinder with a 221 cubic-inch four-cylinder, the new design had added hp for demanding tasks.
Buick’s released the E-4 pickup in 1918, followed by the 4-SD series in 1922 and 1923. Over the years, the automaker produced 12,599 trucks.
Will Buick ever build another pickup truck?
Buick’s a brand on the move. As noted by GM Authority, the automaker plans to introduce three new models over the next 18 months. The brand’s all-electric future may secure its position in the GM portfolio. So, will the company build a pickup?
Currently, it’s anyone’s guess. However, with the brand’s new look — embodied by an updated logo and Wildcat EV concept-inspired styling — there’s an opportunity for a niche truck in the GM lineup.
As an upscale automaker, Buick could make a luxurious EV truck based on the new all-electric Silverado. With Buick’s new design language, an electric powertrain, and a tailored interior, the company could make something truly unique.
Buick has a storied history among domestic automakers. With its early pickup models, the automaker tapped into growing cities and industries and gave consumers useful vehicles. Today, as the brand goes all-electric, it could produce an EV truck with upscale features and style. Still, at this point, there’s no indication of that happening.
