News : Original classic: 99-year-old Buick still running, winning awards

Larry Beatty's 1916 Buick is turning heads locally and winning national awards.

One of the cars making its very first appearance at the Vinton Cruise last week was one of the very oldest to appear in the event, ever: The 1916 Buick Model D 6-45 Touring belonging to Larry Beatty.

An unlike most antiques this one is in nearly original condition; only its bell and motor meter have been re-nickeled, and small green shades installed over the headlights. The remainder of the vehicle is virtually the same as it was when it rolled off the factory floor in Detroit in 1916.

In February of this year, Beatty went to Philadelphia for the Antique Auto Club of America annual meeting, where he received the Buick Heritage Alliance HPOF (Historical Preservation of Original Features) Award.

“Rarely is one afforded an opportunity to see a Buick that is nearing 100 years of age that is so faithfully preserved as original,” wrote the leaders of the Alliance.

Beatty’s grandfather, Dana Stearns, a mechanic and car dealer living in Mount Vernon, bought the car. He died in 1960; the car remained in storage for a few years before Beatty began working on it.

Photos show the Buick as it struggled in the mud and snow of what is now the Lincoln Highway. A century ago, that historic roadway was made of dirt which quickly turned to mud. Beatty’s family photos depict that car among many struggling to make the westward journey in wet, snowy conditions.

Naturally, the Buick inspired many people to stop and stare, and ask questions, during the Vinton event. Beatty also had it on display in downtown Shellsburg on Thursday, where many RAGBRAI riders stopped to ask about the car, and take photos.

While Beatty says he normally hauls the car on its trailer to shows, it does run and he drove it a few miles during the Vinton cruise.

See more photos of the 1916 Buick at the Vinton Cruise and Shellsburg RAGBRAI events HERE.

See some professional photos and more about the Buick’s story HERE.