David Dunbar Buick was instrumental in devising a technique for applying enamel to cast iron. Using the money he received from his plumbing ventures, Buick in 1902 founded the Buick Manufacturing Company to work on a valve-in-head engine. Having perfected the engine, he organized Buick Motor Car Company in 1903 with the backing of the Briscoe brothers. The company was unsuccessful, and on Nov. 1, 1904, William Durant bought the controlling interest.