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Buick Centurion 455 cubic inch V8 1973

General description : The days of the massive American land yacht are gone forever. Never again will you have a parade-ready car like this 1973 Buick Centurion convertible sitting in showrooms, powered by engines with enough displacement to fill three of today’s cars. For some, evolution is a welcome change and for others, well, we remember that there’s simply nothing else on the road that rides like a ‘70s American luxury car. Buick added a bit of sportiness to their final-year Centurion, offering what are arguably the most handsome wheels of the period plus powerful V8s that make even heavy cars like this feel downright quick. The writing was on the wall, but Buick wasn’t going quietly and instead gave the Centurion everything it needed to be a first-class top-down cruiser. If you like luxury with a bit of a muscular edge, this is the car you should be driving.

This particular 1973 Buick Centurion convertible spent the entirety of its life in California and has had just two owners in the past 45 years, which is rather remarkable all by itself. Today it shows just 23,220 original miles and remains in extremely well-preserved condition. It was repainted by the second owner, who also happens to be a well-regarded Buick restorer and collector, so it has an awesome pedigree. The fresh repaint matches the factory-applied code 56 Colonial Yellow, a handsome yellow that’s not too bright and not too brown, making it ideal for this heavy ‘70s cruiser. Obviously the sheetmetal needed no attention, as it had never seen anything more aggressive than a lawn sprinkler, and the whole car fits together just the way the guys on the assembly line intended back in 1973. In fact, the whole car has a very solid, robust feeling that can only come from a low-mileage machine that has been properly maintained, and I’m guessing that this car feels just the way it must have in, say, late 1974—still impressive, still powerful, and still fantastic to drive. All the chrome and stainless trim is original, too, and it’s in great shape, showing no pitting or other issues. In fact, if we had to point to one demerit on the car cosmetically, it might be that the gray paint surrounding one of the taillights is a bit thin. Even the cool little Centurion emblems on the hood and trunk are crisp and clear. Yeah, that’s how good this car really is.

The interior is just as original and just as well preserved, and is loaded with options. The brown vinyl upholstery is made of durable stuff and it has survived the past five decades without a lot of wear and tear. In fact, there’s not a mark on the seating surfaces, the seats themselves remain firm and comfortable, and even the door panels don’t show so much as a dent where the driver’s elbow might have rested. Original carpets are protected by ultra-rare GM rubber mats that are completely impossible to replace today and even the dash pad, which was out in the California sun its whole life, shows no signs of cracking or fading. How’d they do that? Everything in the car is fully operational and it’s loaded with options including cold factory A/C, power windows, a tilt steering column, Speed Alert, and an AM/FM stereo radio. Even the clock ticks away, although it does stop now and then (probably needs to be lubricated). A new white power convertible top with new glass rear window was just installed and works properly, and it stows under the original vinyl boot for a trim look. The super solid trunk is outfitted with a new 6-piece mat set, as well as the original cardboard bulkheads and a tire/wheel assembly that’s probably the car’s original spare.

You could get a Centurion with a small block, but to move this much sheetmetal with authority, you wanted the T-code 455 cubic inch V8, which was rated at a rather robust 225 horsepower in 1973 (although the car’s current dual exhaust system probably adds a few extra ponies). Buick’s biggest big block looks great wearing its factory-applied Dante Red paint and while emissions controls were coming, in 1973 they had not yet filled the engine bay with hoses and tubes, so it looks great. The big air cleaner proudly advertised the 455 cubic inch engine with a 4-barrel carburetor and aside from routine maintenance items, it remains completely stock. In fact, with just over 23,000 original miles, it’s barely broken-in and has never been opened. Thanks to a recent carburetor rebuild and a full tune up (plugs, wires, points, condenser, cap, rotor, etc.) it starts easily and idles smoothly, and there’s a bit of a muscular lope to the idle that’s much appreciated. There’s torque available everywhere on the curve and it pulls this 4500-pound ragtop around like it weighs 700 pounds less than it does.

Part of that energetic performance is due to the TH400 3-speed automatic transmission that was standard equipment, and it snaps through the gears easily and unobtrusively, but is always ready with a quick downshift if you really prod it (with the big block, such histrionics aren’t usually needed, however). Out back there’s a 10-bolt rear with 2.73 gears inside, giving the Buick long legs on the highway and at least fuel economy is merely poor instead of dreadful. The underside is completely original and a little dirty, with surface scale on the heavy metal parts like the axle and suspension, but you can easily see original paint on the floors and it has never been undercoated so there’s nothing to hide. Rockers, quarters, floors, and trunk extensions are excellent and I’m pretty sure it’s still carrying its original spiral shocks. There’s a newer dual exhaust system with a pair of slightly throaty glasspack-style mufflers, but it has a nice V8 burble and doesn’t get annoying on the road, and I think it’s a good choice for a sporting Buick. The ride is luxury car plus but controlled and the entire structure feels sturdy with no shakes or rattles. Power steering and power disc brakes were part of the package and it sits on handsome Buick Road Wheels with recent 215/70/15 whitewall radials.

This big, handsome convertible gets everything right, including the price. You can own a 2-year-old Honda that will continue to depreciate or you can own a fantastic American ragtop that still runs and drives like it did when it was two years old. Big convertibles always generate a lot of attention and this awesome Centurion has a unusual look, great options, and plenty of performance, making it one of the best all-around hobby cars we can imagine. Call today!

http://www.harwoodmotors.com/vehicles/inventory_details.php?id=908

1973 Buick Centurion 455 cubic inch V8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Macedonia by for $22900.

 

Car Facts

Car type : Car Make : Buick Model : Centurion Model Version : 455 cubic inch V8 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1973 Sub type : Convertible Location : Ohio

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About Buick
Buick, today an American automobile division of the American manufacturer General Motors (GM), was founded in 1899 as the Buick Auto-Vim and Power Company, making it the oldest car make in the US.

To us, the most memorable models in Buick's line up have to be the late 40's Roadmasters and 60's stylish Rivieras with strong Italian influences.