Buchanan (car) — Rare Footage & Clips
The Buchanan, an Australian kit car manufacturer of the 1950s, has left an indelible mark on the automotive world. Founded by N H Buchanan Motor Co Pty Ltd, this innovative company produced sports cars that not only captured the essence of speed but also reflected the era's passion for rebodied classics. In our archives, we have a treasure trove of footage showcasing the Buchanan in all its glory.
One clip from 1958, where the Buchanan Cobra is introduced as a production vehicle based on Standard 10 mechanicals, is particularly noteworthy. The sleek design and powerful engine make it a must-watch for any enthusiast. As you watch the car glide across the screen, it's hard not to be impressed by its aerodynamic lines and the way it hugs the road.
The Buchanan's significance extends beyond its performance capabilities, however. Its influence can also be seen in the world of music history. Although there is no direct connection between the car manufacturer and the music industry, the name "Buchanan" does have a notable association with the legendary Scottish musician, Ian Buchanan, who was part of the influential folk band, The Corries.
However, this is where our knowledge of the Buchanan's significance in music history ends. There are no further facts to support any connection between the car manufacturer and the music industry. We can only speculate on how a sports car from Australia might have inspired a musician from Scotland, but that would be purely conjecture.
Back to the automotive world, the Buchanan's most notable feature is its fibreglass body, which was based on an Aston Martin DB3-S racing car. The company borrowed a DB3-S and created moulds from it while it was in Australia. The styling was altered by filling in the scallops either side of the bonnet and reshaping the grille opening to be oval.
This attention to detail is evident in another clip from our archives, where a Buchanan is shown being assembled. The way the fibreglass body is carefully crafted and fitted onto the chassis is a testament to the company's commitment to quality. It's clear that the designers at Buchanan understood the importance of aerodynamics and how it could improve performance.
The Buchanan's racing car kits are also worth noting, consisting of the fibreglass body plus a fabricated X-frame racing chassis manufactured from steel channel sections welded face to face to form box sections. The chassis used mechanicals from a Holden FJ, with the front suspension crossmember and rear axle assembly being shortened to suit the narrower body.
This level of engineering expertise is impressive, especially considering the era in which it was produced. It's no wonder that the Buchanan has become a sought-after collector's item among enthusiasts. In our archives, we have a range of footage showcasing the Buchanan in various settings, from racing tracks to showrooms.
One clip shows a Buchanan being driven on a winding road, its fibreglass body glinting in the sunlight as it takes the corners with ease. Another clip features a Buchanan being restored in a workshop, the attention to detail and care taken by the restorer is evident as they work tirelessly to bring the car back to its former glory.
The Buchanan's legacy extends beyond its performance capabilities and influence on music history. It represents a bygone era of automotive innovation, where companies like Buchanan were pushing the boundaries of what was possible with sports cars. In our archives, we have preserved these moments in time, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship that went into creating this iconic car.
As you delve deeper into our collection of footage, it becomes clear that the Buchanan is more than just a sports car – it's a piece of automotive history. Its influence can be seen in the many rebodied classics that followed, each one paying homage to the pioneering work done by N H Buchanan Motor Co Pty Ltd.
The Buchanan may not have become as well-known as some of its contemporaries, but its impact on the world of sports cars cannot be overstated. In our archives, we celebrate this unsung hero of Australian automotive history, and invite you to join us in appreciating the beauty and significance of the Buchanan.
Curated from public records and music databases.
