I agree about American cars losing their identity. This car's exterior and interior could never be anything but American. Unmistakable. I miss that a lot. It seemed to go away for good in the early 90s.
It's a global problem. Look at all the big name brands and see how bland everything is getting. I'd take a 20 year old car with some personality than anything that's available today.
Yes. 60's, 70's and 80's cars definitely had more distinctiveness. I know that they weren't as well built as today. I have a 2014 Mustang and love the retro look inside and out. Cannot mistake it for anything else....
@@darrenbootland2316 I agree with you Darren but would add that we can't really say "20 years ago" anymore now as "the good old days". We're talking early 2000's with that now; not much difference except the prices are even more outrageous now.
@@Teemancan Exactly.. I have an 05 mustang gt that I bought new.. and nothing about it feels or looks anything but American in character.. I wish more models today could pull that off.. it's too bad they don't bring back a retro styled v8 powered land yaught.. it would really stand out from the many generic looking suv's and crossovers of today.. I'd buy a retro looking 2021 buick riviera.. if it existed.. on day one!
Magnificent. A symphony in green. Mine had the fastback (it was not fast) and basic hubcaps, but what kept me driving the car for a very long time was the rolling sculpture. And the yacht ride. Never got tired of looking at it. Nice one, Bill. Thanks for the memories.
Several years ago the Kenne Bell supercharged Towncar brought me here, but this dude does such a great job with these videos, that it is now don’t miss TH-cam for me!
I loved this review! A regular car that’s in pretty much perfect shape from the 1970’s. The thing I miss most about modern cars is color. Most people buy a car that’s silver, grey, black or white. Nobody buys a green car with few rare exceptions. And you have a much better chance of becoming the pope than buying a new car with anything other than a black, gray or tan interior. Yes, the cars of the malaise era sucked from a performance standpoint. They weren’t even all that well screwed together. But it’s what many of us grew up with, so that counts for a lot. Thanks, Bill, for having the balls to buy a 1975 Buick in avocado green with a matching interior! I’m sure it will be sold in short order. And I didn’t really mind the 37 minute video. You made your points very succinctly. I still like the epic videos with appropriately spaced intermissions better! Cheers!
Pontiac guy here. Gotta say that those Buick wheels are stunning and seem to have always been. May even surpass the look of Pontiac and Chevy rally wheels.
The interior just caused me to flashback to my childhood in the 70s. I'm not usually a fan of green interiors but Buick really executed that pattern brilliantly. I can even hear the Bee Gees playing on the radio!
Yeah? Remember the Harvest Yellow on appliances? We had a 74 or 75 LeSabre with that crazy interior with a light yellow exterior. It was insane. There's a reason so many of the malaise cars met their fate in crushers, shipped across the Pacific to Japan, only to return as reincarnated Subaru's or an Amana refrigerator. Just say'n, even Bill's spin doesn't hide the truth.
Couldn't help but laugh...the house I grew up in, everything was Avocado Green! All the kitchen appliances, the bath tubs, the toilets and sinks. As gaudy the 70s decade was, it was sure fun. The fasions were just as outrageous...knee high tube socks, bell bottoms, hot pants, powder blue suits. Just awesome times. Unlike today...just plain boring.
Those seats! THOSE SEAAAATS!!!! My jaw fell to the ground when I saw them. Fantastic! Decor my grandmother would have on her walls. If she had been blind for at least a decade before buying the wallpaper... I've never seen anything like it in a car before and I just love it!!!
The word paisley comes from the name of the Scottish town where the patterned fabric was first made in the UK in imitation of items imported from India that carried the design, especially shawls. The name is derived from the Middle Irish word 'baslec', which means 'church'. The cloth pattern dates back to 1834
Bravo! I grew up with a 64 Nova, a 1971 Buick Skylark, a 1972 Alfa Romeo 1750 veloce, and a 1971 BMW 2800 CS, which was my father's and I still have. I can't tell you how much I enjoy the cars you talk about and your references to the old days. Sometimes it makes my day! Thank you
I remember when this was new. Wow can it really be that long ago? My aunt had one just like this one (same color, same interior, same wheels, same everything) but in 4-door form that she bought new in 1975 and had in her garage until she passed in 2001 and it STILL looked new. Some lucky collector got it after that. I had a friend who had one in pale yellow. It was very popular in the 1970s as we're all Buicks in fact. They were the Lexus of their day.
Yes, '75 was almost the last chance to get them; GM only had the quad-rectanglar lights in their luxury cars and the new Monza, while I don't think Ford and Chrysler had anything but round lights. The rectangular lights looked OK on boxy cars like the Seville, but they looked awful on the Monza and would have been out of place on this car. I wonder if the square 2-light sealed-2-beam systems were approved a year or two later. I'd like to see someone do a video on whether the 4 light systems were really any better than the 2 light ones, or if it was just a styling difference.
I remember this car very well as I was in high school when this was new. This was Bill Mitchell’s design and a very good one at that considering the period of time it was designed in. Had the fuel crunch not happened, one can only imagine the horsepower this could have had! I like GM’s subtle take on the Colonnade rooflines…….Chevy, Pontiac, and Olds/Buick had small but noticeable differences in the formal roofline quarter windows which distinguishes them to my eyes among other things. Thanks for the trip down memory lane! 👌🏽
The fuel crunch in 1973 did not help things at all but to be honest, it was the pressure from the insurance companies on the federal government with regards to safety and liability that really pushed the end of the high powered muscle cars. The "race on Sunday and sell on Monday" idea was fun while it lasted but the insurance companies really hammered those trying to insure those types of cars (vastly increased rates on certain models). It didn't help things when government safety regulations came into play with the battering ram bumpers and heavy side impact beams. And then...emissions,cat converters, and low octane unleaded gas. (Sigh!)
There’s ZERO way Marvin is still around. He’d have to be near or over 100 years old. My grandfather, God rest his soul, would have owned this car. My actual grandfather had a Regal. I️ can still remember having to take my shoes off before getting in. He took every body panel off the thing and Ziebarted it. I️ never saw a human hand collection.
You're describing my Dad!!! We may share some genes!! LMAO. My Dad passed a couple of years ago, at 90 years old. He owned an auto repair shop and drove Buicks, a new one every year, alternating between his daily drive and my Mom's kid hauler. THE CAR RULES: no eating, smoking, or dirty clothes in any of the cars! No "athletic" or school shoes in the car. This goes back to an unfortunate incident in the 70 Electra, where my little sister stepped in a pile of dog poop. Yeah, it was something she never lived down. If we went to a wedding or formal, we were allowed our dress shoes in the car, as we couldn't play in our dress clothes.... Mom logic won that argument. As a kid, I helped with the quarterly wax jobs, weekly washes (whether they needed it or not), rinsing the fenders if the county put salt on the road, and all of the white wall scrubbing with a wire brush and bleach spray. All of that was slave labor..... I had to find yardwork in the hood for pocket money. God bless him, as much as I hated him as a kid, when I turned 23 and out of college, I thanked him for teaching me work ethic and discipline. It was such a different time, in the 70's. And guys born in the 30's-1950, valued money and their assets. My Dad told me, "Don't buy cheap. Buy the best quality you may afford and maintain it for a life time. Otherwise, you will buy the same tool four or five times over and end up spending more." That's held true for everything except tech. Different time but some things are still true.
I looked him up and it appears a Marvin McKinley Colbert of the Pfafftown area passed away in 1983 at the age of 66. I'm wondering if the family preserved the car. Certainly someone did!
@@chuckhaugan4970 I grew up 30 miles from Flint Mich where we built all the Buicks and Chevrolet Pickups and of course AC spark plugs and Delco batteries. Flint and Detroit were the wealthiest cities in the nation thru the mid 80s.
@@mikesamra9126 I remember exactly where I was when Congress ratified NAFTA with 85% of Republican 25% of Democrats voting for it. And then Bill Clinton signed it over the objection of Democrats and his constituents. I was a newly hired project manager for a union construction company. The sad thing was our union guys had no idea what NAFTA was. A few years later, "Rodger and Me," a Michael Moore film was made. The only thing in my political life I wish I wasn't right about was NAFTA. Sadly, the MCA has created tax code and guaranteed labor conditions the exodus of US manufacturing is in high gear. Our country is being destroyed by 50 years of horrible trade policy. The PPP was our last chance at labor equity, at least with Asia. With the Constitutional hurdle to reverse a treaty, with conservatives who are unwilling to admit they made a mistake, who worship personality over policy, they will not vote to reverse any of it for fear of what their constituents, who have no clue, and lose power. They'd rather blame somebody else or toss about social issues. They care little for the American worker.
I would love Bill to get a sponsor. I've seen videos that have a short blip with the channel owners briefly promoting a product. Bill is so knowledgeable and entertaining it would be great if he could get as much as possible from these videos. Think of all the auto related products he could promote. "This glass cleaner is so streakproof not even Dalton could screw it up."
I love this Buick! everything about it, and the fact that these older vehicles gush personality! I also loved the fact that you passed a Mustang at 100 mph! Thank you so much Bill.
I've enjoyed this, Bill. You're right, in every respect, about the 70s and this Green miracle. Can you imagine doing acid in among all that Gossamer Green fabric? The mind boggles! All I can remember is shrooming in the back seat of a '75 Catalina and going on at length about how quiet it was!
This was my Grandfathers car. Same interior and everything. He was a big fan of the Century. Learned to drive in this car. When he sold it to my Mom I was overjoyed when I was 17 and just got my license. So this was the car I got my first kiss in. Memories man.
These old 70's barges were about comfort and serenity with enough power. Love them. My favorite car of my youth was a 75 Chrysler Newport, cranberry red with a white leather interior. Just a totally comfortable experience with decent power (400 4 barrel) and handled exceptionally well for what it was. New cars miss the mark imo. My current rides are a 99 corvette and a 2019 Honda Accord Sport 2.0t manual, which are great cars, but there is something about these 70's rides.
Kojak mobile in 2 door version. Gotta love the Colonnade era cars from the 1970's with the silver button under your left foot to turn on the high beam headlights & gas fill behind rear license plate....
Bill . . . .WoW 👏 . . . What a Gem 💎 . . . One of my FAVORITE cars you have done in years ! ! . . . My childhood neighbor had a beige one, White interior swivel buckets & center console shifter. . . . NEVER forgot that car ! !
I'm loving this channel, I'm a Brit living in Canada for the last 5 years and learning so much about all these American cars I saw on TV growing up in the 70s & 80s and Bill is just a brilliant presenter, hilarious 😆
Ah!! The 70s my childhood. Grandpa with the Buick Electra 225 limited . Kelly green I think or just dark green to us mortals. Youre spot on about how we've truly lost something . Clearly remember Grandpa sitting in Bombard Buick, Syracuse NY with the salesman and just checking almost every option box on that paper. As always thank you Sir for letting me start my day in a great mood and better memories.
As an employee of the vinyl top business in the late 1970's, (yes, I'm an old guy) this car was a "formal roof", whereas the fastback large window coupe was know by as the "colonnade roof" (NASCAR loved those). If the formal roof car left Detroit without vinyl on it, (rental car companies specified lower rung trim,), we made it our mission to fix that oversight. The used car lots we serviced could buy these cars cheap from Avis or Budget, spend seventy five dollars (cost to dealer) for a top and some adhesive stripes. That was all it took to make these former rentals look like 'up models" and the private lots could make a decent living turning these cars. Judging by the moldings, this car has s factory vinyl roof.
Agree, this one is all original. I have one of these that the top was added to later. It has a one piece custom cut and bent aluminum molding at the base of the top. I think custom shops commonly used splices in the corners but apparently this tech was skilled enough that he could bend the whole length from one door to the other in one piece.
Was a service advisor in spring of 1975 working at the first Buick dealership in Iowa, established 1903. Wife and I ordered the twin to this car except color was deep metallic brown with soft dark tan vinyl interior, no vinyl top and AM with 4 factory speakers with built in 8 track. Those chrome wheels with white walls really made the color pop. The 350 2bl was gutless to say the least but our other car was a pristine 1968 GTO 4 speed, 400 V8 with headers and a 4:33 posittraction rear end, satisfied our need for speed. Loved the look and drive of the Buick, sold it 2 years later with only 10,000 miles on it for $400 less than we paid for it.
My dad had this car, in black with gold leather/vinyl interior, 8 cylinder. He gave it to me in 1981 when I got my license. First time driving it, backed out of the gravel driveway, rocks flew everywhere!
The first car I remember my Grandfather driving was a white/white 1976 Buick Special, which was essentially the same exact car as this. Slightly different front and rear end designs, but the same exact interior and dashboard. His was equipped pretty much the same as this: A/C, tilt, and also had cruise and AM/FM radio. No power windows or locks. He traded it in for a 1985 Chevy Caprice which he proceeded to rear end someone and total it in 1988 and thus bought another Caprice. Definitely ain't gettin a speeding ticket in this car with the 231 2bbl and Malaise emission controls on it lol
Ahhh....what memories. My second car was a 77 Buick Regal which was the upscale model of the Century. Velour seats and more wood trim on the dash, but very similar.
Thanks for the videos Bill, my wife and I love watching them. Love the 70' s GM stuff especially. Had a '73 Lemans as a daily driver for 7 years and our son has a '75 Olds Cutlass. Love that car!!! Love hearing about the history of the era and stats on the vehicles. All cool info. Keep 'em coming.
The condition and low mileage of this '75 Buick Century is incredible. It so takes me back to my very first car that I purchased back in '83 when I was 16 years old. It was a beautiful '77, fully loaded, green Buick Regal with a Landau & sunroof. It pretty much had the same instrument panel set up and rims. After 15 years, I sold it still in mint condition which was a big mistake looking back at it. Thanks for striking an emotional chord and fond memories. Coincidentally, I always drooled over the master piece Buick Riviera model and year that you had back in the day. I like your taste in cars!
Love your videos !!! nobody says "good morning" like you do !! I love to start your videos in the morning when getting ready for my day and I turn your videos volume all the way up so it wakes everybody up with your morning salutation!! Love all the cars you feature in that unmistakable "Bill" way !! Thank you and keep up the much appreciated work !
I agree with you. Plus I have always thought Bill deserves his radio show in a local FM station. Seriously. He would make an excellent radio personality, he has the voice, the car knowledge, the wit, his awesome personality, his fan base, should I go on?
With this car, I just have to say "Wow", because this is the car my grandparents drove. Theirs was a 1975 Buick Century Custom, but it was a 4 door sedan. Also green with a white vinyl top! It had a green interior but it was all vinyl and was all one color - but was this same color green as the dash and the vinyl part of the seats in this car. It did not have those chrome read wheels, it had wheel covers. Looking at the details on this, so much comes back to me. I remember the huge creases in the hood that then swoop over the sides of the fenders and into the doors, and disappear on the 4 door model in the back door. Those long, thin tail lights broken into 3 parts across as well as into two pieces vertically. The grille and headlights I totally remember. Also the way "Century" is written in script on the fenders. The way the engine sounds when it is started. The two round gauges on the dash. The transmission lever and turn signal lever made of chrome that had these little thin grooves carved into them around the entire circumference at the end of the levers. The little green triangle that lights up when you put on the turn signal. My grandparents had a tremendous amount of respect for Buicks and they always drove them. As they said in TV commercials back then, "Wouldn't you really rather have a Buick?" They only owned one car at a time, so back then this was their only car. This car is one of those cars I remember from early childhood, and it made an impression. I knew when my grandparents drove up in this car, they were going to give me candy when they got out! Also I remember sitting in the back of the car waiting for my grandmother while she went shopping while my grandfather sat in the car with us and smoked a cigarette. I'm glad someone preserved this! Gosh, you buried the needle on this thing driving on the highway. Does everyone drive 90+ mph on the highway in Florida?
Love this! Got a 1975 lesabre 455 coupe which is just like this in perfect original condition. And you are right. These are the rare unicorns nowadays. Everybody saved their chargers or camaros but nobody saved their plain Jane Buicks
Beautiful Buick!! I really miss the run of the mill cars from that era. Pure Americana! And please, keep on rambling about different things going on in your life, from the weather, to the birds and critters, to Sean's upcoming baby shower! And the very audible exasperated sighs! Totally me!! My wife HATES when I do that, so it's nice to hear it from you! Keep the videos coming Bill!
This is my favorite colonnade car. The Century, Regal, and early in the generation the Gran Sport cars, were all stunning cars! Love the new still shots of the lights and engine starts, Bill. Your videos keep getting better. I'd love a 73 Century or GS with the large rear side windows, instead of the smaller opera windows like on this.
Bill, thanks again for another great video. I have to commend you in that I've never seen you present a car that's supposed to have white walls with black walls on it. Black walls just don't look right on cars that were designed to have white walls. And the opposite of this is true as well. I didn't like this version of the Buick century very much back in the day, preferring the next generation, but I sure love it now. It was built with art in mind and it's pleasing. And particularly so because now a days all we see are military vehicles--SUV's. The Buick Rallye Wheel a.k.a. the Buick Sport Wheel are a classic. I believe first released in 1965, the design has held up over time, always looking good. I have these on my Buick Electra built in the 80's and they look great on that generation too. GM was doing some really nice non-metallic paints in the 70's and this Ranch Green is one of them. I recall they also had a dark beige, a sort of melon brown, a blue, and some other shades slipping me at the moment. The older I get the more I feel that metallic paints have been over done. They have their place but the solid paints have become a stand out now and I'd like to see more non-metallic paint offered. The interior of this car is beautiful too. It's pleasing. It looks so comfortable too! And it's not Black or Gray. I love the 100 MPH speedometer. These modern cars now with speedometers marked out to 160 MPH are ridiculous. Like we drive that fast on daily basis. Anyone trying to drive at 45 MPH with a 160 MPH speedometer knows what I mean, especially with the small motorcycle style gauges popular in cars now. A sadness creeps into me when I see cars like this, because it's another example that we just can't buy brand new cars like this anymore. I've been unhappy with the modern cars I've had, in a lack of style, lack of comfort, and certainly a lack of beautiful designs. And for those that would shy away from a '73-'80 car, I say so what if a car is from the malaise era. Having lived through the time I can say that these cars had plenty of power for all driving situations, except for racing. There aren't many of us that would race our daily driver, or vintage car. And there were some very beautiful cars built during that period, this Buick Century being one of them. There's no reason for anyone to turn down an opportunity to buy a malaise era car, and particularly one in fine condition. The worst thing about about malaise era cars is if you have a vacuum hose leak, because those engines had a gazillion vacuum hoses. So the under-hood label or a factory diagram is a must. If this Buick Century goes to the Autohaus sales lot, a smart person indeed will but it right up!
What a lovely old Buick. I remember these well as a kid. I'm also loving the green now, which I did not love as a kid. I thought it was a hideous LOL. Such a quiet car! I love how you reach 100 miles an hour at the end and it's still whisper-quiet.
I love these reviews, I was born in 1975.. my parents had a Buick riviera.. my parents married in 1965 had a Dodge Polara, VW super Beatle, Chevy Malibu, buick riviera, Volvo wagon, Audi 5000, Acura Legend, ( actually a reliable car with resale value) and a number of other Honda cars!! They had turned Hondanese in the 90s and only bought them for 30 years!!!! But love seeing these old 70s cars
I love cars but most of all I love your outlook on life, weather, children the whole thing. I watch more for the rants than I do the cars. Keep up the great work.
I love those old cars. Great on bumpy roads or long trips. Not as much fun in a congested parking lot or garage. I remember seeing lots of Monty Carlos back then but the Century was a rare sight where I grew up in central Missouri. It's a treat to get to see this one. My brother got a new 1974 Cutlass Supreme, first brand new car in the family and I was amazed by it. I didn't get to ride in it much but I do remember it having a factory in dash 8-Track and Jim Croce was playing on it.
I turned 16 half way through 75. I was into Mustangs and Camaros(first two cars) I thought my 70 Camaro(third car) had wide doors, the Buick doors made my Camaro's look tiny!🤣 Beautiful preserved vehicle.🥰
Beautiful car + interesting background talking = perfectly entertaining video. Thanks so much for posting and greetings from a German 1975 Buick Regal owner.
On my work commute in the early '90s I always passed a dealership with one of these and a '75 Cordoba setting side by side on the front row. Kept telling myself I didn't need another car but after two weeks just had to stop and take a look. Ended up choosing the Buick. It was equipped similarly to this one but in bittersweet orange metallic with the brocade interior in black, black top added by the original owner and the 4 bbl option. Still have it. Still love it. Glad to know I made the right choice.
I'm 38, born in '83 so I obviously wasn't around when these cars were new. But I still remember seeing alot of these cars growing up even into the late 90's, but I could never get my hands on one. The oldest cars I've ever owned were an '86 Daytona Turbo Z and an '86 Monte Carlo SS. Both were really fun cars and both were modified by me, especially the Daytona, but they weren't quite like these 70's cars. They didn't have the same feel.
there popping up everywhere and the people that run these are jerk-offs, especially boutiques who specialize in rat-rods with fake rust or patina as they call it.
Amazing time capsule! All you need now to complete the mid-70's personal luxury car tour is a 74-76 Cougar/Ford Elite. I had a 76 Cougar...my first new car. Could kick myself for selling it 10 years later but that's what marriage and babies do to us car guys. Thanks again for sharing these!!
Dam that Buick will fly! Such a cool car. I commuted up to Chattanooga every morning and commuted with one of these the same color for about five years his tag said 74 GS
This is my first time posting on your site and I have to say I love it. I live in Rockland Mass and the closest thing I have classic car's is Specialty Motors in New Hampshire. He drives me crazy because he keeps buying more and more car's instead of selling what he has. I have been waiting so long for a 78 Cadillac Fleetwood to come up for sale that I have given up. I appreciate your videos and your honesty when it comes to certain vehicles that you have for sale. I am not a collector, but someone who loves older vehicles and likes to drive them everyday. The Chrysler products remind me of my day's working at a Dodge dealership in the 80's.
Great review! This really took me back to high school because my Drivers Ed car was exactly like this Century. Same color, same weird engine and oddly comfortable interior. It was nice to see one again.
You really have to drive one of these cars to appreciate the smooth ride and the comfort of a full frame car , something you'll never get with these unibody cars !
Owned several Centuries, Skylarks (350 ci, 350 turbo trans), from 1970 through 1975. Drove them across country, up/down the coast, etc., never a whimper other than maintenance items. Great two door runners
Buick’s have always been nice riding cars. I used to own a 78 and a 79 Regal and My parents also owned an 88 and a 98 Century. They were classy cars. Your 75 green one looks phenomenal. If I had an extra garage, I would definitely consider it. One cool and fun video.
Good recovery at 15.00, 'tranny' and then very quickly ' transmission' so as not to cause any waves, we've already had a glimpse of Greta ! Marv as always Bill.
@@randolfo1265 I don't give a shit either. I'm 10 yrs older than Bill. Unfortunately, Bill gives a shit. Which is incongrous to some of the things he chooses to say. I'm from the same time as you where we ALWAYS called it a tranny.
I was born in 1971 and as much as I have a love-hate relationship with GM, I probably owned more GM’s than any other make. My 71 Cadillac Fleetwood was definitely one of my favorites. And of course my 71 Camaro 350. Also my Buick regal I believe it was a 79. I also had a 1960 Ford Fairlane three on the tree which was absolutely lovely. I really miss these old cars. This car that you’re featuring in this video is absolutely gorgeous. I would kill to have something like this nowadays. There’s really nothing like it. Cars back then were just straight up Boulevard cruisers. They were so wonderful to drive. Just looking out over that long ass hood especially at night with the street lights shining off the hood, the over assisted power steering with the thin wheel. There really is nothing like it.
I had to do a double take when this video popped up , I had / sold an 18k mile survivor 75 Regal in Ranch Green like a twin to this in 2015 !!! Just wow your cars also in A+ condition !!
Hi Bill, another great video! I remember these well from my childhood too. Don’t worry about the Canadians having adequate gun storage, most of us don’t carry one anyway. 😜. Keep up the great work!
A check of the interwebs has a Marvin McKinley Colbert (1917-1983) from N.C., Winston-Salem area. Also mentions 'Vienna' in the obituary which is close to Pfafftown. So if this is our guy, he died about 8 years after purchasing the car. Maybe the family preserved it like a mausoleum? That happens occasionally, I guess.
My late father bought a new 1975 Oldsmobile cutlass S in late 1975. I was about 12 years old at the time. I went with him to pick it up. So 75 model cars are my favorite,
I couldn't stand the malaise period cars when I was growing up (born in 1977) as they were mostly beat by the time I was really into cars and they represented everything I didn't want (poor performance, dated interiors, questionable build quality, etc). Now I guess that is part of the charm of them and the review of this car was so much fun to watch! I got to say Bill, I have really started to enjoy and look forward to your reviews of malaise period cars because they are pretty fascinating. I would love to drive one.... and feel the choked up V8s with less HP that the average N/A 4 cylinder of today, the numb steering, and floaty suspension. Very cool all around... especially the interior on this unit! Awesome.
A friend of a friend in the late 90s had a car similar to this in mint green with a white vinyl top and avocado green interior. It was a 1977 Regal coupe, a reskin of this car for 1976-77.
84 views 11 comments Hi Bill Hope you see the early comments and wanna know I love your stuff. Elder millennial here, hate that term but don't pick these things ... you're reaching broader demographics than you know
We were Lincoln Mercury people but my Dad bought a few GM cars till he got tired of the mechanical problems they had. We had a 1970 Cutlass , 1966 Toronado , 1960 Pontiac Star Chief and 1973 Buick Century. The Century was dark green in and out , not the sea foam like this one ; it was whisper quite and rode good but rarely ran having all the typical GM carburetor problems , etc.
Great car and video as always. I hope you check the date codes on the tires of these low mile classics. You don't need one letting loose on a 100 mph run, wouldn't be pretty! Safe travels my friend.
You're awesome Bill! I watch the 73 Riv video at least once a week! You have made my YEAR!! YOU should see if Peter would invest in your own Custom Classic auto lot! You were born for this material! You would have no problem selling the snowflakes a 70 Newport instead of a 2018 Prius!.
... So do I. The only one I ever saw in real life, I bought. The fact it's rare here in Germany is kinda cool, no question. But honestly, I wish I could share my enthusiasm about this car with others once in a while...
The original owner of that car, Marvin McKinley Colbert passed away in 1983. He was an interesting guy. He served in WW2 and was part of the Normandy invasion. Later he worked for RJ Reynolds Tobacco for over 30 years. I love your videos, Bill!
My father owned a white '74 with a 350-4, red top, black leather interior. My first date car. Great video. Love the sarcasm. More sarcasm, please. I was born with sarcasm terrets, so I need more sarcasm. The world needs more sarcasm. Dripping, unapologetic sarcasm. So if you reply, please reply with sarcasm. Thank you. Do I honestly have to repeat that for God's sake? 🙄😂
You just keep doing what your doing. Love your videos even if I'm not in the market for a car. I have a 1990 Oldsmobile 88 Royale Sedan. It only has 74,000 miles. It will most likely be the last car I own. It has the reliable 3.8 liter V6 engine. I keep regular maintenance on the car so it will not let me stranded somewhere. Cars are machines and they will leave you stranded at some time. Can not predict what might quit working. Anyways I only drive about fifty miles in a month if that. The car is in great shape. It does have a couple of flaws that I will tend to at a later time. Love how you go into detail about the cars. I would not change a thing. Do love the what they would call the vintage cars. Keep them coming...
Hey Bill, Thanks again for the mid 70's memories. Wow check out that speedo....it has a real cable driving it....GM even "clocked the screw heads correctly. Wowser.... Fun fact....GM had three assembly plants cranking these things out. 1973-1977 Assembly Flint, Michigan, United States Framingham, Massachusetts, United States Lakewood Heights, Georgia, United States Also Centurys were also used as pace cars at Indy....in the mid 70's. That seat material though could give a young couple "paisely burn" in some wrong places though....LOL
I'm new here. Just stumbled onto your channel. I'd normally skip past videos this long but I'm sure glad I didn't. Kept me attention the whole time. Can't wait to see what you bring next. Thanks for the video...
I agree about American cars losing their identity. This car's exterior and interior could never be anything but American. Unmistakable. I miss that a lot. It seemed to go away for good in the early 90s.
It's a global problem. Look at all the big name brands and see how bland everything is getting. I'd take a 20 year old car with some personality than anything that's available today.
Yes. 60's, 70's and 80's cars definitely had more distinctiveness. I know that they weren't as well built as today. I have a 2014 Mustang and love the retro look inside and out. Cannot mistake it for anything else....
@@darrenbootland2316 I agree with you Darren but would add that we can't really say "20 years ago" anymore now as "the good old days". We're talking early 2000's with that now; not much difference except the prices are even more outrageous now.
@@Teemancan Exactly.. I have an 05 mustang gt that I bought new.. and nothing about it feels or looks anything but American in character.. I wish more models today could pull that off.. it's too bad they don't bring back a retro styled v8 powered land yaught.. it would really stand out from the many generic looking suv's and crossovers of today.. I'd buy a retro looking 2021 buick riviera.. if it existed.. on day one!
Magnificent. A symphony in green. Mine had the fastback (it was not fast) and basic hubcaps, but what kept me driving the car for a very long time was the rolling sculpture. And the yacht ride. Never got tired of looking at it. Nice one, Bill. Thanks for the memories.
Can you get parts for it.
@@michaelcaruso9507 yep, readily available
Several years ago the Kenne Bell supercharged Towncar brought me here, but this dude does such a great job with these videos, that it is now don’t miss TH-cam for me!
Keep the weather reports and car reviews coming Bill! I always get a kick out of your videos, and I learn something new from each one!
I loved this review! A regular car that’s in pretty much perfect shape from the 1970’s. The thing I miss most about modern cars is color. Most people buy a car that’s silver, grey, black or white. Nobody buys a green car with few rare exceptions. And you have a much better chance of becoming the pope than buying a new car with anything other than a black, gray or tan interior. Yes, the cars of the malaise era sucked from a performance standpoint. They weren’t even all that well screwed together. But it’s what many of us grew up with, so that counts for a lot. Thanks, Bill, for having the balls to buy a 1975 Buick in avocado green with a matching interior! I’m sure it will be sold in short order. And I didn’t really mind the 37 minute video. You made your points very succinctly. I still like the epic videos with appropriately spaced intermissions better! Cheers!
Right on!! There were probably 14-18 colors of Century to choose from in those days.
More and more cars come only in white,black & grey.
Pontiac guy here. Gotta say that those Buick wheels are stunning and seem to have always been. May even surpass the look of Pontiac and Chevy rally wheels.
They look like the crap that came on my '80 MGB...
@@earnestbunbury2103 I can kinda see that. But the MGB wheels never rolled that much in the repair shop.
Loving those wheels myself. I was waiting for Bill to make mention of them, and he did; right as I began reading your comments! Cool timeless design.
Chevy guy here, Chevy #####111++++++11111
Agreed Buick Rally wheels are the nicest of that era imho.
"Jive Talkin'" playing on the AM radio, leisure suit back from the cleaners, sip a couple of Harvey Wallbangers and away we go.
Didn't Kojak. Had one of these 👨💻
The interior just caused me to flashback to my childhood in the 70s. I'm not usually a fan of green interiors but Buick really executed that pattern brilliantly. I can even hear the Bee Gees playing on the radio!
Looks like it came from a French Lady’s boudoir…
Yeah? Remember the Harvest Yellow on appliances? We had a 74 or 75 LeSabre with that crazy interior with a light yellow exterior. It was insane. There's a reason so many of the malaise cars met their fate in crushers, shipped across the Pacific to Japan, only to return as reincarnated Subaru's or an Amana refrigerator. Just say'n, even Bill's spin doesn't hide the truth.
Couldn't help but laugh...the house I grew up in, everything was Avocado Green! All the kitchen appliances, the bath tubs, the toilets and sinks. As gaudy the 70s decade was, it was sure fun. The fasions were just as outrageous...knee high tube socks, bell bottoms, hot pants, powder blue suits. Just awesome times. Unlike today...just plain boring.
I agree Robert!
Nice one!!
Bill I think I speak for most when I say we watch your videos because we enjoy hearing you speak. So your videos don’t need to be short. 👊
Those seats! THOSE SEAAAATS!!!! My jaw fell to the ground when I saw them. Fantastic! Decor my grandmother would have on her walls. If she had been blind for at least a decade before buying the wallpaper... I've never seen anything like it in a car before and I just love it!!!
did you get our message? we were in the bushes. the goats and i. we're here, Bill. and we're admiring you....menacingly.
The word paisley comes from the name of the Scottish town where the patterned fabric was first made in the UK in imitation of items imported from India that carried the design, especially shawls. The name is derived from the Middle Irish word 'baslec', which means 'church'. The cloth pattern dates back to 1834
My Aunt Joan lived in Paisley for many years!
Bravo! I grew up with a 64 Nova, a 1971 Buick Skylark, a 1972 Alfa Romeo 1750 veloce, and a 1971 BMW 2800 CS, which was my father's and I still have. I can't tell you how much I enjoy the cars you talk about and your references to the old days. Sometimes it makes my day! Thank you
I remember when this was new. Wow can it really be that long ago? My aunt had one just like this one (same color, same interior, same wheels, same everything) but in 4-door form that she bought new in 1975 and had in her garage until she passed in 2001 and it STILL looked new. Some lucky collector got it after that. I had a friend who had one in pale yellow. It was very popular in the 1970s as we're all Buicks in fact. They were the Lexus of their day.
The early seventies round headlight cars were the best. Bill you got good taste in cars for a young guy.
Yes, '75 was almost the last chance to get them; GM only had the quad-rectanglar lights in their luxury cars and the new Monza, while I don't think Ford and Chrysler had anything but round lights. The rectangular lights looked OK on boxy cars like the Seville, but they looked awful on the Monza and would have been out of place on this car. I wonder if the square 2-light sealed-2-beam systems were approved a year or two later. I'd like to see someone do a video on whether the 4 light systems were really any better than the 2 light ones, or if it was just a styling difference.
Hi Bill, love your channel. Btw the century was named because it was the first Buick to do 100 mph.
And in reverse!!
:)
This thing could do maybe 110 tops
What a cool fact!✌
I remember this car very well as I was in high school when this was new. This was Bill Mitchell’s design and a very good one at that considering the period of time it was designed in.
Had the fuel crunch not happened, one can only imagine the horsepower this could have had!
I like GM’s subtle take on the Colonnade rooflines…….Chevy, Pontiac, and Olds/Buick had small but noticeable differences in the formal roofline quarter windows which distinguishes them to my eyes among other things.
Thanks for the trip down memory lane! 👌🏽
The fuel crunch in 1973 did not help things at all but to be honest, it was the pressure from the insurance companies on the federal government with regards to safety and liability that really pushed the end of the high powered muscle cars. The "race on Sunday and sell on Monday" idea was fun while it lasted but the insurance companies really hammered those trying to insure those types of cars (vastly increased rates on certain models). It didn't help things when government safety regulations came into play with the battering ram bumpers and heavy side impact beams. And then...emissions,cat converters, and low octane unleaded gas. (Sigh!)
There’s ZERO way Marvin is still around. He’d have to be near or over 100 years old. My grandfather, God rest his soul, would have owned this car. My actual grandfather had a Regal. I️ can still remember having to take my shoes off before getting in. He took every body panel off the thing and Ziebarted it. I️ never saw a human hand collection.
You're describing my Dad!!! We may share some genes!! LMAO. My Dad passed a couple of years ago, at 90 years old. He owned an auto repair shop and drove Buicks, a new one every year, alternating between his daily drive and my Mom's kid hauler. THE CAR RULES: no eating, smoking, or dirty clothes in any of the cars! No "athletic" or school shoes in the car. This goes back to an unfortunate incident in the 70 Electra, where my little sister stepped in a pile of dog poop. Yeah, it was something she never lived down. If we went to a wedding or formal, we were allowed our dress shoes in the car, as we couldn't play in our dress clothes.... Mom logic won that argument.
As a kid, I helped with the quarterly wax jobs, weekly washes (whether they needed it or not), rinsing the fenders if the county put salt on the road, and all of the white wall scrubbing with a wire brush and bleach spray. All of that was slave labor..... I had to find yardwork in the hood for pocket money. God bless him, as much as I hated him as a kid, when I turned 23 and out of college, I thanked him for teaching me work ethic and discipline.
It was such a different time, in the 70's. And guys born in the 30's-1950, valued money and their assets. My Dad told me, "Don't buy cheap. Buy the best quality you may afford and maintain it for a life time. Otherwise, you will buy the same tool four or five times over and end up spending more." That's held true for everything except tech. Different time but some things are still true.
I looked him up and it appears a Marvin McKinley Colbert of the Pfafftown area passed away in 1983 at the age of 66. I'm wondering if the family preserved the car. Certainly someone did!
@@frazzleface753 Wow. Great job. Ads some more to the story. Thank you.
@@chuckhaugan4970 I grew up 30 miles from Flint Mich where we built all the Buicks and Chevrolet Pickups and of course AC spark plugs and Delco batteries. Flint and Detroit were the wealthiest cities in the nation thru the mid 80s.
@@mikesamra9126 I remember exactly where I was when Congress ratified NAFTA with 85% of Republican 25% of Democrats voting for it. And then Bill Clinton signed it over the objection of Democrats and his constituents. I was a newly hired project manager for a union construction company. The sad thing was our union guys had no idea what NAFTA was. A few years later, "Rodger and Me," a Michael Moore film was made. The only thing in my political life I wish I wasn't right about was NAFTA. Sadly, the MCA has created tax code and guaranteed labor conditions the exodus of US manufacturing is in high gear. Our country is being destroyed by 50 years of horrible trade policy. The PPP was our last chance at labor equity, at least with Asia. With the Constitutional hurdle to reverse a treaty, with conservatives who are unwilling to admit they made a mistake, who worship personality over policy, they will not vote to reverse any of it for fear of what their constituents, who have no clue, and lose power. They'd rather blame somebody else or toss about social issues. They care little for the American worker.
Perfect timing Bill I'll get the whiskey.
Please make sure it’s Macallan 25.
It’s worth it!
😆👍
@@billace90 No it isn't...
I would love Bill to get a sponsor. I've seen videos that have a short blip with the channel owners briefly promoting a product. Bill is so knowledgeable and entertaining it would be great if he could get as much as possible from these videos. Think of all the auto related products he could promote. "This glass cleaner is so streakproof not even Dalton could screw it up."
I love the old GM content Papa Bill. I hope all is well
I love this Buick! everything about it, and the fact that these older vehicles gush personality!
I also loved the fact that you passed a Mustang at 100 mph! Thank you so much Bill.
He really punched it!!
That’s about as fast as this venerable car will ever travel again!!!
…and a Challenger
I've enjoyed this, Bill. You're right, in every respect, about the 70s and this Green miracle. Can you imagine doing acid in among all that Gossamer Green fabric? The mind boggles! All I can remember is shrooming in the back seat of a '75 Catalina and going on at length about how quiet it was!
This was my Grandfathers car. Same interior and everything. He was a big fan of the Century. Learned to drive in this car. When he sold it to my Mom I was overjoyed when I was 17 and just got my license. So this was the car I got my first kiss in. Memories man.
These old 70's barges were about comfort and serenity with enough power. Love them. My favorite car of my youth was a 75 Chrysler Newport, cranberry red with a white leather interior. Just a totally comfortable experience with decent power (400 4 barrel) and handled exceptionally well for what it was. New cars miss the mark imo. My current rides are a 99 corvette and a 2019 Honda Accord Sport 2.0t manual, which are great cars, but there is something about these 70's rides.
Kojak mobile in 2 door version. Gotta love the Colonnade era cars from the 1970's with the silver button under your left foot to turn on the high beam headlights & gas fill behind rear license plate....
Yes, these were everywhere back in the '70's ! Only the Olds Cutlass was more ubiquitous. This car should be put in a museum. Amazing condition.
I was born 1975, this car makes me proud, god can we go back in time, bill your awesome
Bill . . . .WoW 👏 . . . What a Gem 💎 . . . One of my FAVORITE cars you have done in years ! ! . . . My childhood neighbor had a beige one, White interior swivel buckets & center console shifter. . . . NEVER forgot that car ! !
I'm loving this channel, I'm a Brit living in Canada for the last 5 years and learning so much about all these American cars I saw on TV growing up in the 70s & 80s and Bill is just a brilliant presenter, hilarious 😆
To further you education, I highly recommend Rare Classic Cars TH-cam Channel which started earlier this year.
As a European I have no idea what some of these cars are , but I love every second of every video . Thanks Bill
Ah!! The 70s my childhood. Grandpa with the Buick Electra 225 limited . Kelly green I think or just dark green to us mortals. Youre spot on about how we've truly lost something . Clearly remember Grandpa sitting in Bombard Buick, Syracuse NY with the salesman and just checking almost every option box on that paper. As always thank you Sir for letting me start my day in a great mood and better memories.
What a lovely car! Stunning color combination, love the pattern on the seats..It’s just…WOW!
As an employee of the vinyl top business in the late 1970's, (yes, I'm an old guy) this car was a "formal roof", whereas the fastback large window coupe was know by as the "colonnade roof" (NASCAR loved those). If the formal roof car left Detroit without vinyl on it, (rental car companies specified lower rung trim,), we made it our mission to fix that oversight. The used car lots we serviced could buy these cars cheap from Avis or Budget, spend seventy five dollars (cost to dealer) for a top and some adhesive stripes. That was all it took to make these former rentals look like 'up models" and the private lots could make a decent living turning these cars. Judging by the moldings, this car has s factory vinyl roof.
Agree, this one is all original. I have one of these that the top was added to later. It has a one piece custom cut and bent aluminum molding at the base of the top. I think custom shops commonly used splices in the corners but apparently this tech was skilled enough that he could bend the whole length from one door to the other in one piece.
Was a service advisor in spring of 1975 working at the first Buick dealership in Iowa, established 1903. Wife and I ordered the twin to this car except color was deep metallic brown with soft dark tan vinyl interior, no vinyl top and AM with 4 factory speakers with built in 8 track.
Those chrome wheels with white walls really made the color pop. The 350 2bl was gutless to say the least but our other car was a pristine 1968 GTO 4 speed, 400 V8 with headers and a 4:33 posittraction rear end, satisfied our need for speed. Loved the look and drive of the Buick, sold it 2 years later with only 10,000 miles on it for $400 less than we paid for it.
My dad had this car, in black with gold leather/vinyl interior, 8 cylinder. He gave it to me in 1981 when I got my license. First time driving it, backed out of the gravel driveway, rocks flew everywhere!
The first car I remember my Grandfather driving was a white/white 1976 Buick Special, which was essentially the same exact car as this. Slightly different front and rear end designs, but the same exact interior and dashboard. His was equipped pretty much the same as this: A/C, tilt, and also had cruise and AM/FM radio. No power windows or locks. He traded it in for a 1985 Chevy Caprice which he proceeded to rear end someone and total it in 1988 and thus bought another Caprice.
Definitely ain't gettin a speeding ticket in this car with the 231 2bbl and Malaise emission controls on it lol
Ahhh....what memories. My second car was a 77 Buick Regal which was the upscale model of the Century. Velour seats and more wood trim on the dash, but very similar.
I like the new intro, lights and engine. This needs to be a thing!!!
Thanks for the videos Bill, my wife and I love watching them. Love the 70' s GM stuff especially. Had a '73 Lemans as a daily driver for 7 years and our son has a '75 Olds Cutlass. Love that car!!! Love hearing about the history of the era and stats on the vehicles. All cool info. Keep 'em coming.
Love these 70's cars. Brings me back. This one is stunning.
Someone in my office building daily drives one of these.
I smile every time i see it.
The condition and low mileage of this '75 Buick Century is incredible. It so takes me back to my very first car that I purchased back in '83 when I was 16 years old. It was a beautiful '77, fully loaded, green Buick Regal with a Landau & sunroof. It pretty much had the same instrument panel set up and rims. After 15 years, I sold it still in mint condition which was a big mistake looking back at it. Thanks for striking an emotional chord and fond memories. Coincidentally, I always drooled over the master piece Buick Riviera model and year that you had back in the day. I like your taste in cars!
Love your videos !!! nobody says "good morning" like you do !! I love to start your videos in the morning when getting ready for my day and I turn your videos volume all the way up so it wakes everybody up with your morning salutation!! Love all the cars you feature in that unmistakable "Bill" way !! Thank you and keep up the much appreciated work !
I agree with you.
Plus I have always thought Bill deserves his radio show in a local FM station.
Seriously.
He would make an excellent radio personality, he has the voice, the car knowledge, the wit, his awesome personality, his fan base, should I go on?
I had a 73 four door. My favorite car I ever owned ! Thank you Bill for doing this video. It brought back good memories.
With this car, I just have to say "Wow", because this is the car my grandparents drove. Theirs was a 1975 Buick Century Custom, but it was a 4 door sedan. Also green with a white vinyl top! It had a green interior but it was all vinyl and was all one color - but was this same color green as the dash and the vinyl part of the seats in this car. It did not have those chrome read wheels, it had wheel covers. Looking at the details on this, so much comes back to me. I remember the huge creases in the hood that then swoop over the sides of the fenders and into the doors, and disappear on the 4 door model in the back door. Those long, thin tail lights broken into 3 parts across as well as into two pieces vertically. The grille and headlights I totally remember. Also the way "Century" is written in script on the fenders. The way the engine sounds when it is started. The two round gauges on the dash. The transmission lever and turn signal lever made of chrome that had these little thin grooves carved into them around the entire circumference at the end of the levers. The little green triangle that lights up when you put on the turn signal. My grandparents had a tremendous amount of respect for Buicks and they always drove them. As they said in TV commercials back then, "Wouldn't you really rather have a Buick?" They only owned one car at a time, so back then this was their only car. This car is one of those cars I remember from early childhood, and it made an impression. I knew when my grandparents drove up in this car, they were going to give me candy when they got out! Also I remember sitting in the back of the car waiting for my grandmother while she went shopping while my grandfather sat in the car with us and smoked a cigarette. I'm glad someone preserved this! Gosh, you buried the needle on this thing driving on the highway. Does everyone drive 90+ mph on the highway in Florida?
Love this! Got a 1975 lesabre 455 coupe which is just like this in perfect original condition. And you are right. These are the rare unicorns nowadays. Everybody saved their chargers or camaros but nobody saved their plain Jane Buicks
I love how you have featured a GM Colonade coupe in every divisions' version on your channel!
Beautiful Buick!! I really miss the run of the mill cars from that era. Pure Americana! And please, keep on rambling about different things going on in your life, from the weather, to the birds and critters, to Sean's upcoming baby shower! And the very audible exasperated sighs! Totally me!! My wife HATES when I do that, so it's nice to hear it from you! Keep the videos coming Bill!
Absolutely love 70’s interiors. Reminds me of chipper days when I was a 1970s back seat Canadian.
This is my favorite colonnade car. The Century, Regal, and early in the generation the Gran Sport cars, were all stunning cars! Love the new still shots of the lights and engine starts, Bill. Your videos keep getting better. I'd love a 73 Century or GS with the large rear side windows, instead of the smaller opera windows like on this.
Bill, thanks again for another great video.
I have to commend you in that I've never seen you present a car that's supposed to have white walls with black walls on it. Black walls just don't look right on cars that were designed to have white walls. And the opposite of this is true as well.
I didn't like this version of the Buick century very much back in the day, preferring the next generation, but I sure love it now. It was built with art in mind and it's pleasing. And particularly so because now a days all we see are military vehicles--SUV's.
The Buick Rallye Wheel a.k.a. the Buick Sport Wheel are a classic. I believe first released in 1965, the design has held up over time, always looking good. I have these on my Buick Electra built in the 80's and they look great on that generation too.
GM was doing some really nice non-metallic paints in the 70's and this Ranch Green is one of them. I recall they also had a dark beige, a sort of melon brown, a blue, and some other shades slipping me at the moment. The older I get the more I feel that metallic paints have been over done. They have their place but the solid paints have become a stand out now and I'd like to see more non-metallic paint offered.
The interior of this car is beautiful too. It's pleasing. It looks so comfortable too! And it's not Black or Gray.
I love the 100 MPH speedometer. These modern cars now with speedometers marked out to 160 MPH are ridiculous. Like we drive that fast on daily basis. Anyone trying to drive at 45 MPH with a 160 MPH speedometer knows what I mean, especially with the small motorcycle style gauges popular in cars now.
A sadness creeps into me when I see cars like this, because it's another example that we just can't buy brand new cars like this anymore. I've been unhappy with the modern cars I've had, in a lack of style, lack of comfort, and certainly a lack of beautiful designs. And for those that would shy away from a '73-'80 car, I say so what if a car is from the malaise era. Having lived through the time I can say that these cars had plenty of power for all driving situations, except for racing. There aren't many of us that would race our daily driver, or vintage car. And there were some very beautiful cars built during that period, this Buick Century being one of them. There's no reason for anyone to turn down an opportunity to buy a malaise era car, and particularly one in fine condition. The worst thing about about malaise era cars is if you have a vacuum hose leak, because those engines had a gazillion vacuum hoses. So the under-hood label or a factory diagram is a must.
If this Buick Century goes to the Autohaus sales lot, a smart person indeed will but it right up!
I just KNEW YOU WERE SMART. NO KIDS !!!!! Much respect sir.
What a lovely old Buick. I remember these well as a kid. I'm also loving the green now, which I did not love as a kid. I thought it was a hideous LOL. Such a quiet car! I love how you reach 100 miles an hour at the end and it's still whisper-quiet.
It’s almost impossible to explain to teenagers the awesomeness of these cars. Bring back the luxury coupes and sedans, please.
I love these reviews, I was born in 1975.. my parents had a Buick riviera.. my parents married in 1965 had a Dodge Polara, VW super Beatle, Chevy Malibu, buick riviera, Volvo wagon, Audi 5000, Acura Legend, ( actually a reliable car with resale value) and a number of other Honda cars!! They had turned Hondanese in the 90s and only bought them for 30 years!!!! But love seeing these old 70s cars
A beautiful looking car Bill. Love all the history you give in these reviews
I love cars but most of all I love your outlook on life, weather, children the whole thing. I watch more for the rants than I do the cars. Keep up the great work.
I love those old cars. Great on bumpy roads or long trips. Not as much fun in a congested parking lot or garage. I remember seeing lots of Monty Carlos back then but the Century was a rare sight where I grew up in central Missouri. It's a treat to get to see this one. My brother got a new 1974 Cutlass Supreme, first brand new car in the family and I was amazed by it. I didn't get to ride in it much but I do remember it having a factory in dash 8-Track and Jim Croce was playing on it.
I turned 16 half way through 75. I was into Mustangs and Camaros(first two cars) I thought my 70 Camaro(third car) had wide doors, the Buick doors made my Camaro's look tiny!🤣 Beautiful preserved vehicle.🥰
In my college days in the early 80s I had a 1976 Century Custom sedan. I loved it. I wish my parents had never traded it.
Beautiful car + interesting background talking = perfectly entertaining video. Thanks so much for posting and greetings from a German 1975 Buick Regal owner.
Man I really hope people like you keep these old cars and old car memories alive!! Great job as usual sir.
On my work commute in the early '90s I always passed a dealership with one of these and a '75 Cordoba setting side by side on the front row. Kept telling myself I didn't need another car but after two weeks just had to stop and take a look. Ended up choosing the Buick. It was equipped similarly to this one but in bittersweet orange metallic with the brocade interior in black, black top added by the original owner and the 4 bbl option. Still have it. Still love it. Glad to know I made the right choice.
I'm 38, born in '83 so I obviously wasn't around when these cars were new. But I still remember seeing alot of these cars growing up even into the late 90's, but I could never get my hands on one. The oldest cars I've ever owned were an '86 Daytona Turbo Z and an '86 Monte Carlo SS. Both were really fun cars and both were modified by me, especially the Daytona, but they weren't quite like these 70's cars. They didn't have the same feel.
Bill is a awesome speaker! Any auto boutique would be blessed having you on payrolls!! good job
there popping up everywhere and the people that run these are jerk-offs, especially boutiques who specialize in rat-rods with fake rust or patina as they call it.
Amazing time capsule! All you need now to complete the mid-70's personal luxury car tour is a 74-76 Cougar/Ford Elite. I had a 76 Cougar...my first new car. Could kick myself for selling it 10 years later but that's what marriage and babies do to us car guys. Thanks again for sharing these!!
Dam that Buick will fly! Such a cool car. I commuted up to Chattanooga every morning and commuted with one of these the same color for about five years his tag said 74 GS
This is my first time posting on your site and I have to say I love it. I live in Rockland Mass and the closest thing I have classic car's is Specialty Motors in New Hampshire. He drives me crazy because he keeps buying more and more car's instead of selling what he has. I have been waiting so long for a 78 Cadillac Fleetwood to come up for sale that I have given up. I appreciate your videos and your honesty when it comes to certain vehicles that you have for sale. I am not a collector, but someone who loves older vehicles and likes to drive them everyday. The Chrysler products remind me of my day's working at a Dodge dealership in the 80's.
As a 80s baby I love seeing examples this cared for and well presented. So glad my father was a car guy!! Those seats make my jaw clench.
Great review! This really took me back to high school because my Drivers Ed car was exactly like this Century. Same color, same weird engine and oddly comfortable interior. It was nice to see one again.
You really have to drive one of these cars to appreciate the smooth ride and the comfort of a full frame car , something you'll never get with these unibody cars !
Owned several Centuries, Skylarks (350 ci, 350 turbo trans), from 1970 through 1975.
Drove them across country, up/down the coast, etc., never a whimper other than maintenance items.
Great two door runners
Glad to see you're hitting it out the park Bill. Love your videos man.
Have to commend Marvin for keeping this beauty looking so beautiful. And yes, that interior is so ugly it’s beautiful 💚
Buick’s have always been nice riding cars. I used to own a 78 and a 79 Regal and My parents also owned an 88 and a 98 Century. They were classy cars. Your 75 green one looks phenomenal. If I had an extra garage, I would definitely consider it. One cool and fun video.
Good recovery at 15.00, 'tranny' and then very quickly ' transmission' so as not to cause any waves, we've already had a glimpse of Greta ! Marv as always Bill.
I'm offended. You might have meant Marv Albert.
I keep telling Bill it's ok to say tranny. Transmissions had that word first!
@@randolfo1265
It's too late. The Thought Police are everywhere.
@@rudolphguarnacci197 - They won't catch me, I'm older than Bill and I don't give a sh!t.
@@randolfo1265
I don't give a shit either. I'm 10 yrs older than Bill. Unfortunately, Bill gives a shit. Which is incongrous to some of the things he chooses to say. I'm from the same time as you where we ALWAYS called it a tranny.
Man these finds are outstanding. Not to mention what a fantastic looking vehicle. I envy you Bill, nonetheless keep the videos coming.
I was born in 1971 and as much as I have a love-hate relationship with GM, I probably owned more GM’s than any other make. My 71 Cadillac Fleetwood was definitely one of my favorites. And of course my 71 Camaro 350. Also my Buick regal I believe it was a 79. I also had a 1960 Ford Fairlane three on the tree which was absolutely lovely. I really miss these old cars. This car that you’re featuring in this video is absolutely gorgeous.
I would kill to have something like this nowadays. There’s really nothing like it. Cars back then were just straight up Boulevard cruisers. They were so wonderful to drive. Just looking out over that long ass hood especially at night with the street lights shining off the hood, the over assisted power steering with the thin wheel. There really is nothing like it.
I had to do a double take when this video popped up , I had / sold an 18k mile survivor 75 Regal in Ranch Green like a twin to this in 2015 !!! Just wow your cars also in A+ condition !!
Hi Bill, another great video! I remember these well from my childhood too. Don’t worry about the Canadians having adequate gun storage, most of us don’t carry one anyway. 😜. Keep up the great work!
A check of the interwebs has a Marvin McKinley Colbert (1917-1983) from N.C., Winston-Salem area. Also mentions 'Vienna' in the obituary which is close to Pfafftown. So if this is our guy, he died about 8 years after purchasing the car. Maybe the family preserved it like a mausoleum? That happens occasionally, I guess.
My late father bought a new 1975 Oldsmobile cutlass S in late 1975. I was about 12 years old at the time. I went with him to pick it up. So 75 model cars are my favorite,
I couldn't stand the malaise period cars when I was growing up (born in 1977) as they were mostly beat by the time I was really into cars and they represented everything I didn't want (poor performance, dated interiors, questionable build quality, etc).
Now I guess that is part of the charm of them and the review of this car was so much fun to watch! I got to say Bill, I have really started to enjoy and look forward to your reviews of malaise period cars because they are pretty fascinating. I would love to drive one.... and feel the choked up V8s with less HP that the average N/A 4 cylinder of today, the numb steering, and floaty suspension. Very cool all around... especially the interior on this unit! Awesome.
Grand Prix is my favorite of the colonnade cars. The shape of that dash pad reminds me of the Grand Prix dash.
A friend of a friend in the late 90s had a car similar to this in mint green with a white vinyl top and avocado green interior. It was a 1977 Regal coupe, a reskin of this car for 1976-77.
Wow an under 40 minute video from Bill!
84 views 11 comments
Hi Bill
Hope you see the early comments and wanna know I love your stuff.
Elder millennial here, hate that term but don't pick these things ... you're reaching broader demographics than you know
We were Lincoln Mercury people but my Dad bought a few GM cars till he got tired of the mechanical problems they had. We had a 1970 Cutlass , 1966 Toronado , 1960 Pontiac Star Chief and 1973 Buick Century. The Century was dark green in and out , not the sea foam like this one ; it was whisper quite and rode good but rarely ran having all the typical GM carburetor problems , etc.
Wondering if Bill will ever consider a headband mounted GoPro.... ?
Great car and video as always. I hope you check the date codes on the tires of these low mile classics. You don't need one letting loose on a 100 mph run, wouldn't be pretty! Safe travels my friend.
You're awesome Bill! I watch the 73 Riv video at least once a week! You have made my YEAR!! YOU should see if Peter would invest in your own Custom Classic auto lot! You were born for this material! You would have no problem selling the snowflakes a 70 Newport instead of a 2018 Prius!.
I'd like to see another one in person one of these days. I haven't seen much of these since childhood!
... So do I. The only one I ever saw in real life, I bought. The fact it's rare here in Germany is kinda cool, no question. But honestly, I wish I could share my enthusiasm about this car with others once in a while...
The original owner of that car, Marvin McKinley Colbert passed away in 1983. He was an interesting guy. He served in WW2 and was part of the Normandy invasion. Later he worked for RJ Reynolds Tobacco for over 30 years. I love your videos, Bill!
My Cousin worked for the competition, used to get cartons of cigs by the box...and yes hes still alive.
This reminds me of my 75 Regal which was the first car I owned. This beautiful Century would be a great cruiser.
My father owned a white '74 with a 350-4, red top, black leather interior. My first date car. Great video. Love the sarcasm. More sarcasm, please. I was born with sarcasm terrets, so I need more sarcasm. The world needs more sarcasm. Dripping, unapologetic sarcasm. So if you reply, please reply with sarcasm. Thank you. Do I honestly have to repeat that for God's sake? 🙄😂
You just keep doing what your doing. Love your videos even if I'm not in the market for a car. I have a 1990 Oldsmobile 88 Royale Sedan. It only has 74,000 miles. It will most likely be the last car I own. It has the reliable 3.8 liter V6 engine. I keep regular maintenance on the car so it will not let me stranded somewhere. Cars are machines and they will leave you stranded at some time. Can not predict what might quit working. Anyways I only drive about fifty miles in a month if that. The car is in great shape. It does have a couple of flaws that I will tend to at a later time. Love how you go into detail about the cars. I would not change a thing. Do love the what they would call the vintage cars. Keep them coming...
Hey Bill, Thanks again for the mid 70's memories. Wow check out that speedo....it has a real cable driving it....GM even "clocked the screw heads correctly. Wowser.... Fun fact....GM had three assembly plants cranking these things out. 1973-1977
Assembly Flint, Michigan, United States
Framingham, Massachusetts, United States
Lakewood Heights, Georgia, United States Also Centurys were also used as pace cars at Indy....in the mid 70's. That seat material though could give a young couple "paisely burn" in some wrong places though....LOL
I'm new here. Just stumbled onto your channel. I'd normally skip past videos this long but I'm sure glad I didn't. Kept me attention the whole time. Can't wait to see what you bring next.
Thanks for the video...
I always wanted the Kojak Century sedan, what a cool car that is! Keep ‘em coming Bill!!