Started by automotive pioneer David Dunbar Buick, it was among the first American marques of automobiles, and was the company that established General Motors in 1908. Before the establishment of General Motors, GM founder William C. Dutant had served as Buick's general manager and major investor.
For much of its existence in the North American market, Buick has been marketed as a premium automobile brand, selling luxury vehicles positioned above GM's mainstream brands, while below the flagship luxury Cadillac division.
After securing its market position in the late 1930s, Buick was recognized as an upscale luxury car with a conservative appearance, as opposed to more ostentatious Cadillac and technology-rich, forward-thinking Oldsmobile. During this same time period, many manufacturers were introducing V8 engines in their high-end models, while Buick still used a straight-eight for all models starting in 1931 (The first Buick V8 was introduced in 1953, and the V6 for the compact Special model).
Years 1930. Buick debuted two major achievements for the 1931 model year, the OHV Buick straight-8 engine. It was offered in three displacements, the 220 cubic inch was available in the Series 50, the Series 60 engine was a 272 cu. In giving 90 brake HP. The Series 80 and Series 90 used a 344 cu. in. version for 104 brake HP.