Stamford Museum & Nature Center’s 7th annual Model Ts to Mustangs outdoor antique and classic car display returns Saturday, May 1, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring dozens of American and import cars manufactured between 1900 and 1979. This year, the special section will focus on Buicks, a storied American brand whose origins date back to 1903.
David Greenberg of Stamford, and Rosa Portell, the Museum’s Curator of Collections, will co-curate this fun and classy event.
In 1903, the Buick Motor Company was incorporated by David Dunbar Buick in Detroit, Michigan. A year later, the company was moved to Flint, Michigan, and acquired a new owner and manager, William C. Durant. The first Buick marketed to the public was the Model B. “Mass production” in 1904 amounted to 37 cars, none of which has survived.
Through mergers and acquisitions, Durant would go on to establish General Motors, as well as the principle that each brand within the corporation target a specific type of customer. Buicks were considered entry level luxury cars. They did extremely well, especially among the professional classes, which is why for a while they were nicknamed “doctors’ cars.” Early entries to the car show include a 1953 Buick Skylark owned by Anthony Vespoli of Watertown, and a 1964 Buick Riviera owned by Edward Greenberg of Stamford.
Model Ts to Mustangs will feature many other brands, displayed in groups. Awards will be presented in several categories, including “Best Buick,” “Best Survivor Car,” and the ever-popular “People’s Choice.” The award ceremony will take place 2:45 pm.
For more information, visit www.stamfordmuseum.org or call 203.322.1646. To find out whether the show has been postponed or cancelled due to inclement weather, call 203.322.1646 ext. 6599.
