Long-time Centurion owner / enthusiast here. My parents traded in their '65 Wildcat coupe during December 1970 for a new '71 Centurion coupe. When they bought a new downsized '77 Electra coupe, they passed the Centurion along to me, and I owned and drove the car until the fall of 2021. This was an excellent, supremely reliable car, and we drove it to 167,000-miles. When I sold it to a young enthusiast who was eager to acquire one, I still would have felt comfortable driving the car anywhere, including cross-country. Seriously, there were never any mechanical problems with the car. The Buick 455 was the paragon of smooth and powerful performance. I believe that I replaced an alternator along the way, but that was all. And the car had the best air conditioning I have ever experienced in any car. . . . Buick never really promoted the Centurion series, appearing to rely on former Wildcat owners to generate sales. I recall being disappointed by the '73's, however. Without the standard 455, the cars had grown increasingly similar to the LeSabre series, so it was not surprising that the model disappeared after '73. . .. . After selling the Centurion, I acquired a fine, original '65 Wildcat coupe, appreciating all over again the unique virtues of the 1960's-era Buicks -- before the more "corporatized" '71's with chassis design shared by all divisions.
Hey Brian, you sold the Centurion, huh? Yeah, I just saw your '65 Buick Wildcat. Very sharp and sleek. Do you miss the Centurion? I bet you do, and you replaced it with the Wildcat? Hey I love it.
Always had a soft spot for this era of full sized Buicks. The long running Buick rallye style wheels truly set them off! Thanks for putting this together for all us! Keep up your great work!
@@bigblockelectra I completely agree. You know you’ve got a great wheel design when it looks as good on a Century Sport Coupe as it was on a fancy-foo Riviera.
@@kcindc5539 my favorite vintage wheels are the Buick Rallye and the polished forged aluminum wheels that Lincoln started using in the mid 1970s. Though unlike the Buick wheels, the Lincoln wheels only look good with whitewall tires. The Buicks will work with any type of sidewall.
@@bigblockelectra I totally agree. The Buick Rallye wheels could make even white letter tires a bit more adult. And it was rare for a wheel not to require whitewalls in order to finish the look. The Lincoln polished wheels were sharp but I wasn’t a big fan of whitewalls (they only looked good if you kept them scrupulously clean - thanks to SOS pads).
A brown Centurion convertible was the car in the opening scenes in the movie "Used Cars" with a young Kurt Russel. After setting the odometer back, Kurt lures the customer from the dealer across the street with a fishing pole with a $10 bill attached to the line. Kurt also attached the sagging rear bumper with a piece of gum. If you have never seen it, it is WELL worth watching! One of the funniest movies ever, especially if you are a car person!
One of the funniest movies ever. Jack Warden played dual roles, himself and his brother's dealership across the street. Lenny and Squiggy stole the laughs with the yard dog that would wake up Scatman sleeping on his creeper by pissing on him.
Ha! Thanks for the memories! I owned a '71 Centurion. Even though the engine was detuned there was no shortage of power, though gas mileage was awful 😂. It really was a comfortable and quiet riding car. Mine was well optioned with power windows and seats. One of my favorite features of the GM full size cars of the era was the cockpit like dashboard. All of the controls were in easy sight and reach.
Sadly, today's Buick lineup includes no coupes or sedans, only 3 models (Encore, Envision, Enclave), two of which are manufactured in China. My wife drives a Verano, but I don't expect another new Buick in our household.
Yeah, Buick’s lineup right now is sad… Their vehicles aren’t very competitive or compelling, just SUVs - and everyone makes those now. We had a 2013 Regal Turbo and that was an amazing car, drove nothing like you’d expect a Buick to drive. I expect that’s because it’s actually an Opel and built in Germany - the Regal TourX wagon that came out a few years later was great too. But nonetheless, I hear the regular Encore is going away after 2023. Then we’ll get the Envista crossover, which is also likely to be built overseas. There’s a new Enclave coming I hear, but it’s the last Buick built in America. None are even built in Flint anymore (Enclave is built in Lansing, MI). Sales for the Buick brand were down a whopping 40% last year… Sadly, I smell another Oldsmobile and Pontiac coming soon if the ship isn’t turned around.
@@ATRichard Buick exists these days because they sell roughly millions of cars in China, something to do with local brand prestige going all the way back to the days of the Chinese emperor. By sheer accident Buick is doing just fine in one of the most critical markets there is.
Adam you never stop to entertain and educate me. I never heard of the Centurion. Just love the the brown one in the 'Northshore' showroom. I agree the front end grill is very nice. I have said it before and it still amazes me how many versions and options of cars were available in those days. It's truly mind boggling. Engineering at its best and without computers. Safety aside, no one today would have the vision nor the will to imagine these cars. Everything is so bureaucratic in our society today it's a wonder even the slightest thing gets done. Sad but true. I hope you find yourself a Centurion for your collection. Cheers 😊
I drive a modern 3 model years only Buick - a 2018 Regal TourX. I have owned it for almost 4 years and have only seen 2 others on the road in my city of over 1 million. Yes - I know it’s really an Opel but it was built by GM at that time. Most likely the last ever Buick wagon. Thanks, Adam, for using the correct name “ventiports”. So many so called “car guys” on TH-cam incorrectly call them portholes. 👍👍
I'm over here in southeast Michigan by the GM tech center and have only ever seen 2 as well. Good looking car but very sparse. Coming from a guy who drives Saabs. Lol
My father had a 72 - fire engine red, black vinyl top, 455-4 and man did that car fly. My older brother embarrassed a number of his friends who thought they had fast cars. Maybe 5-6 mpg.
I have my late father’s 1973 Centurion convertible with the 455 engine. Dad had a ‘63 Le Sabre convertible, ‘66 wildcat convertible, ‘69 wildcat convertible, ‘72 centurion convertible. The dealer Balch Pontiac Buick in East Windsor Connecticut called in ‘73 to tell him they were no longer making the centurion convertible he started searching for a ‘73 with black top and interior with the 455 and no air conditioning. Pre internet he found the car at a Buick dealer in Oneida NY. He never wanted to be without a convertible. He kept the ‘72 until he passed away in 1994. He gave me the choice of either the red ‘72 or the blue ‘73 in 1993 which I have. My cousin bought the ‘72 from my Mom. Dad loved convertibles. He had all new ‘46, ‘49 and ‘50 Mercurys; ‘53 red Lincoln capri; ‘57 olds 98, ‘62 VW, ‘63 Le Sabre, as mentioned ‘66 and ‘69 wildcats, and ‘72 and ‘73 Centurions. So when they stopped manufacturing he always had a convertible until he passed away. He had 11 convertibles
@@williammacdonnell6965 My dad's best friend bought new a 1966 white Wildcat convertible. with black top, red interior. Only had it 2 years. I was just a young child then but remember how awesome it was.
I had a 72 in 1988. I loved that car. It was huge. I could fit me and 7 of my skinny high school guy friends in it. Four across the front and 4 across the back.
As a 12 year old getting a ride to our boy scouts meeting from a neighbor in a centurion she showed me the tilt wheel and I was totally amazed especially while moving
I have one Centurion memory. While in Cub Scouts in the early '80's, our troop leaders somehow arranged for a monster truck to perform for us in the local rec center parking lot. You guessed it; one of the doomed cars was a green 1973 Centurion sedan. I know the year and model because I may have liberated the owners manual from this machine (and still have it stashed somewhere). The other big memory was that they forgot to let the air out of the Buicks tires, and check to see if it was in park. Let's just say it was exciting as the monster truck tried to climb over it, and that old Buick shot off in our direction! Luckily nobody got squished that day...
My dad worked at Odonnell Buick in morristown nj he sold 425 buicks in 1970 these cars were great 455 4v in 70 had 360 hp 51pounds of torque we loved our buicks!
Enjoyed the posting. The green 73 Centurion convertible you show is a car I actually own. The same actual car as I notice the slight defect in the rubber trim on the front bumper. This particular car was special ordered with the Stage One 455 that was a GS engine but could be special ordered in the Centurion. I have recovered the original build sheet which was attached to the top of the gas tank which confirms. Currently has 39,000 miles.
Back in the day, I bought a '71 Centurion 2-door hardtop from a "friend". I wasn't aware he had beat the snot out of it. Oh, it ran and drove. My old beater's heater never worked, but this one did so I bought it. Thought I got a nice price....until the oil pump went out. Took it to Dad's mech, who told me it only had two qts of oil in it. But it ran pretty smooth and quiet, so I got fooled. After a new oil pump and the first oil change in at least a few years [mech told me], it went back to being a smooth, quiet runner! Trans went bad, guy I got it from used to abuse this poor car every day. But for a few hundred more bucks, drove it for a year and a half. Sold it and got my 2nd Electra ever. I did like that car but liked the Electra better. Still have Dad's '73 Limited that he bought new and gave to me before he passed about 9 years ago. Those Buick 455 engines really are legendary!!
My father drove a 1972 Buick Centurion 4 door hardtop. The top and interior was black while the exterior was white. Gorgeous car and SMOOTH going down the highway.
I’ve never heard of this! My Grandmother,Dad and uncles all swore by Buicks from Wildcats to Electra 225 to Skylarks! Love your channel keep the great cars coming
You pointed out the weaker frame and cheaper interiors starting in 1971 (and sadly lower compression ratios, too)... I must commend you on mentioning the oil pumps as that's what killed my 1970 455 CID Estate Wagon Engine. I cried a LOT losing that car! If you have a Buick 455 get it changed before it kills your beautiful engine, Please! The interior at 145K miles (7 years of which were in Hot, Sunny Florida) still looked new as I watched her being towed-away for the last time! Another issue on the 1971-1973, although probably minor to some, was the AM/FM Stereo. I was told the radio was not well supported in the back and that solder joints or something failed inside causing one channel to die then eventually the other. And I fully agree that the ride quality in post 1970 Buicks suffered from the weaker frame structure. Friends had a 1971 Olds 98 and at about 80k miles the windshield started leaking. Well, turns out I could see the windshield MOVE as the car drove down the road! There was so much flex at the firewall and A pillar that the tar-like sealer eventually broke from the glass and the entire windshield would move with frame flex! Never saw such a thing on the 1970 and before models. If only GM could stick with a sure bet instead of rolling the dice and getting snake eyes far too often! Lest we forget GM's decision to buy Nippon Steel starting in 1973. I wouldn't touch a GM Product of 1973 - 1975 with a hundred foot pole! I might poke a hole in the sheet metal even from 100 feet away it rusted so quickly in Winter and Oceanside climates. I seem to recall in 1974 or 1975 GM even screwed the Pooch on Rubber Vacuum Lines: The Cheap Bastards used recycled rubber that quickly broke down! Screw me Harder, General!
There was also a problem that, from what I've heard over the years, hit Buicks harder than most brands. It started when the U.S. banned the use of whale oil in 1972 and carmakers scrambled to reformulate their ATF fluids without whale fat. The first new Dexron formulation was not good enough to prevent the corrosion that caused the coolant to mix with the ATF fluid in the radiators and both engine and transmission problems ensued. I assume that most of the cars affected have either been fixed or scrapped, and that the formulations of ATF fluid have been perfected to prevent such corrosion.
My daily driver for nearly twenty years; the Centurion convertible was comfort and grace at any legal speed (as long as spirited cornering was not your desire; though it was much better than my Lincoln Continental on cornering)!
Well done video, you did a nice job covering most of the main strengths and weaknesses of the 71-76 B-C body cars and the Buick specific issues. I’d add a few points, first was the sense of size of those cars. Even people who had a 65-70 B-C body car found the 71-76 to be too big and the 73-74 5mph bumpers added to the sense of it. Not sure how much bigger they really were than a 70 but they felt so wide. Another oddity was the low placement of the steering column, sort of felt like it was in your lap. On the plus side the thin pillars and roof shape gave them a wonderfully open sense from the front seats. Made the car seem “light” despite the big heft. Perhaps this contributed to the giggle problem. The body rigidity did improve over the years with 75-76 being much better. Ironically their excess size turned out to be good for GM because the decision to downsize the next generation was made well before the 73 oil crisis so GM got a 2-3 year jump on the competition in the fall of 76 with more reasonably sized B-C bodies.
That, in my opinion, was a disaster. It would have been great for the Chevy, small Pontiac, and maybe the small Olds, but Buicks and Cadillacs, and maybe Olds 98s, should have been left alone. Also, GM abandoned their division-specific chassis when they did this, making the Pontiac, the Olds 88, and the Buick LeSabre the exact same car as the Chevrolet, except, at first, engines, and of course, the price. Destroyed the prestige of the Cadillac and the Buick.
It just wasn’t realistic, Michael. Gasoline had gone up from .36 in ‘72 to .86 by ‘79. ($1.61 to $2.35 in today’s dollars). At around 11 mpg to 14 mpg for the large engines it cost a small fortune just to fill up. I drove a thirsty ‘68 Olds 455 in 1981 in college, gasoline was $1.31 by then ($3.01). Dad bought it for me, I wish he had picked something smaller.
Centurion was an attempt to replace Wildcat. The name Wildcat could never have been applied to a post-1970 model, which with its detuned and low compression engine could never have matched the performance of the first year 455 with 370 gross horsepower and over 500 lb/ft of torque. The '71-'72 Centurions did have 455's standard equipment, but by '73 the pretense was over and the name just became a trim option on the LeSabre.
I remember going to a Buick dealership with my dad . They had a Beautiful Centurion convertible in showroom !!!! I wished that he purchased it !!! Instead he went with a new Fury 3 … which was beautiful too !!!!
Interesting commentary, thanks Adam! We vaguely remember reading somewhere that Buick had to pay for the use of the name Centurion. Apparently some ambulance conversion company was using it, although we haven't been able to confirm.
A back-up camera in 1956! There was hardly any transistor technology around at the time, and nothing was miniature. Amazing, especially considering what TV was like back then.
My first car was a 1973 Centurion sedan that I bought for $250 from a friend's dad back in 1992. It was olive green with a light beige vinyl roof. My friends and I called it The Green Monster, the only car I've ever bothered to give a name to.
@@taguer261 mine also had a dent in the rear driver's side door, so that door wouldn't open. Didn't have the car a year when an F-150 rear ended it and crushed the trunk.
When I was a kid back in the 80s/90s, I had a neighbor that had a '73 Centurion coupe; metallic brown with white vinyl interior. It was a nice looking vehicle and sounded good when he fired it up in his garage. It's the only car I remember him having, All the way up until he died in the late '90s.
The 71 Centurion, particularly as a convertible, is my pick for being the most svelte of the redesigned 71 GM full size lineup. Buick styling was really 10/10 through the 60s and into the early 70s. That 70 wildcat in particular with the twin sweep spear side trim is just a gorgeous full size muscle car, really, with the 455. The 71 Centurion was a nice followup, a long with the rest of the Buick lineup. Unfortunately, I think the front 5MPH bumpers hurt full size Buick styling more than it did any other GM line, with the 73 front end always looking kinda goofy compared to the earlier cars.
@@michaelbenardo5695 As a general rule, I think the 5MPH bumpers looked pretty good to okay, and were well integrated in many of the designs (more so full size cars than smaller cars). That being said, it was the overall look of the 73 buick front end that I think just was a downgrade over the 71 and 72. Compare to a same year Pontiac, Cadillac, Olds or Chevy. All had a more well integrated design, in my opinion.
@@Sedan57Chevy the five mile per hour bumper was no more, and in many cases, less effective than the previous years bumpers. It was all about overreach and control by these 3 letter agencies and their activist appointees.
Great video- two corrections. First, in 1970, the Estate Wagon also had the 455 cubic inch 370 hp V-8 as standard. Also, the real reason for the sales increase for the 1972 Centurion over the 1971 was a strike in late 1970, which affected sales numbers of all 1971 GM models.
My Dad owned a 71 Buick Centurion. He got a great deal on it when it was 2 years old because he knew the guy that bought it new and could never get it to run right and was continuously in the shop with low power and fouling plugs. My Dad took it to a tech that was good at diagnosing and he found the problem the dealer couldn't-The double wall exhaust pipe had collapsed inside causing restriction. New exhaust pipe fixed it and we drove it for years until it was retired and used as a fishing car and loaned to family members. The TH400 finally went out at about 200K and it was hauled to the scrap yard.
I had the '71 Centurion and loved that car! It had the big block 455 c.i. 4 bbl. engine with the hardtop. My friend had a '71 Le Sabre with the 350 c.i. engine and when accelerating, that car couldn't get out of its own way. I learned the luxury of a big bore engine for driving pleasure.
I was a “lot boy” at a local used car dealer in 1987. We had a yellow with white interior 1973 Centurion coupe that was traded in. It had the optional 455. It had the rally wheels with whitewall tires. Wish I could have snagged it, or at least used it to run errands for the car lot.
In 1975 it turned into a Skylark. My buddy in high school back in the early 1990's had a 1974 Apollo 4 door with a 350 2 barrel. That was one tough motor, he drove it like he stole it.
I like the Centurion - when ordered without the bodyside molding it had a neat 'dechormed' look about it, and in 71-72 the hood chamfer accentuated it. According to some books the 4600/BP series Centurion also had a modified high performance 455 that was not available on the LeSabre. The interior though, while it was trying to be 'sport' vs. the LeSabre with the inset stichted 'strips' on seat back and cushion arguably didn't look that much better than LeSabre optional trim and the door cards were a little plain. They never seem to come up anymore except for the convertibles which of course look great with the top down but don't always make sense depending on your climate and intended driving. In 71 & 72, you got a slightly different ('formal') roofline treatment on the coupe vs. LeSabre + standard vinyl roof. Gone for 73.
For several yrs in the mid 80's I owned a 72 4 door. I put a good set of shocks on the car fixed the exhaust and AC and had a remarkably terrific car. The ride and handling were really good as were the brakes. I loved this big boat and would love to have one now as a weekend toy for my and my lady to enjoy, take to car shows, and relive nice memories.
I knew a small woman from the UK, moved to Canada, always drove a big car. she bought a centurion, she got rear ended in Burnaby one morning. she went out and bought a 72 caddy. lol.
One of the most beautiful Buicks of the 1970s. I got to drive my Grandmother's 1972 LeSabre on a regular basis when we vacationed with her. She had 1963 and 1967 Electras previously but before my Grandad passed he made the last Buick a LeSabre so it would be easier and less expensive for her to maintain if he passed before her, as he did. Wonderful memories. Great post!
During the years that these cars were made, I was working in a Buick dealership. You missed a few things... First thing is the engines. Starting in 1971, GM lowered the compression ratios on ALL of the Buick V-8 engines. That made for a drastic drop in performance. Adding to that, 1973 was the first year that Buick engines used EGR. There was simply no way to get one of the 1973 models to run right. They bogged and hesitated. I saw this as I was doing new car preps. RIGHT OFF THE TRUCK, they ran lousy! One other thing. I did more shortblock replacements and valve jobs on the 350 V-8s than I could even remember. They got towed in right and left with rods hanging out the sides of the block. The 455 was a BIG disappointment performance wise. I thought they were dogs right off the truck. I was there when these were new!
There is a Centurion at the beginning of the Kurt Russell moving "Used Cars". The styling of the Centurion is near perfect and one of my favorite cars. Sleeker than the Le Sabre and Electra. I never see them though.
Today, 1973 Centurion convertibles are quite readily found, but any other Centurion year and body style is seldom seen. An older fan told me that in 1973, there was already a rumor that that year's convertibles would be GM's last.
You mention rattles. When I was in high school I always scanned the want ads in the newspaper of our town of 14,000 looking for a part time job. I distinctly remember the Buick dealer having a want ad for a mechanic that could locate rattles. Now I know why. This was sometime around 1971-1973.
I love the era of big cars. We used to drive them from the LA auction to my friend's dad's car lot in San Diego. I was barely 16. 16! 10 bucks a car. What a hoot that was. We got fired when my friend decided to throw a Cadillac Seville into reverse on the freeway. Kids.
Love Buicks, first car was a 1969 Buick LeSabre 400 at 15 years old.. I'm 33 now, and I should have never sold that car, even if our Wi winters got to it a little too much. There isn't anything I disliked that Buick made from the 50's all the way to the mid 70's, been my favorite brand. Favorite year probably has to be '67. So many good looking cars that year. Skylark/GS, Wildcat, Riviera... I have a G-body Grand Prix right now. I like it, as i love all G-bodies, but it has lost something for me not being at least a Buick Regal. Eventually I'll have a classic Buick back again. Love your channel/work, Adam, keep it up!
Would love a loaded 1973 Centurian two door hardtop with the 455 (standard on 1971 and 1972, but optional on 1973). Unfortunately only the convertibles have been preserved. For some reason, I actually LIKE the 1973 5mph bumpers on the LeSabre, Electra and Centurians. But not on the 1974-1976 models.
My parents gave me their 1972 Centurion when a dealer refused to take it in trade. It was our second car for a few years until I gave it to a friend. The interior was huge and comfortable - I took four college students in it for a week long mission trip to Appalachia. There was no difference in the ride at 80mph on the Interstate than at 40. That said, the side windows (4 door hardtop) never met without adjusting by hand, and it got a whopping 9 miles per gallon. It was a bloated, comfortable, fast, and utterly absurd boat.
As I recall, Buick did not own the rights to the name "Centurion" and had to buy those rights from a company that manufactured station wagon-based ambulances (yes, back in the 1960's most ambulances were station wagons, not vans).
The first time I saw a Centurion was at the New York International Auto Show in 1973 . There was a red convertible with white interior up on a turntable . My 10 year old self was particularly impressed with the 3 swimsuit clad acessories adorning the hood and back seat . In my teen years I reaffirmed on many occasions that a convertible full of girls is a wonderful thing .
For 73 the lesabre convertible was dropped and the centurion was buicks only option if one wanted a convertible for that year. Love the front of the 71 and 72. The front of the 73 also looks nice but less than the 71/72. As i kid i always prefered the rear of the 73 year but i have learned to appreciate the rear of the 71 and 72 just as much.
Thanks for the very interesting and objective review on the Centurion, was my email to you on the topic the trigger for this, if so I’m really impressed ! One thing that could be added about these cars is the exactness of the steering that I think you mentioned on a 70 Electra review, the 73 C I had was way above average compared to other cars in that era when it comes to that, especially at higher speeds
These Centurians definitely fit the "beautiful brute" category. These cars were stunningly beautiful, had tons of power and rode like a dream. Best of all these were tough, well-made cars that were reliable, comfortable and really held their resale value. A friend of mine in the late 70s had a 1973 Buick Century Luxus and referred to it as her baby Centurian.
I loved the Centurions, especially the 1971 and 1972. My aunt and uncle had a new 1971 Centurion coupe. I always loved that car. The manager of my bank back in those days bought a 1973 convertible that had been used for a golf outing. It had every option offered by Buick that year from Max Trac to cornering lamps, lamp monitors and an illuminated visor mirror. Unfortunately the car rusted badly in 4 years. The front of the hood where you would grab to open it was good for tetanus as the chrome molding had fallen off and the first 3” of hood rusted away. I suspect that maintenance was lacking!
These were awesome cars. Coolest full sized convertible Detroit ever produced. Sadly most lived short, hard lives and also rusted out badly. Nice job on this piece.
I always liked the 72 Centurion grill. Like the vertical bars. The problem was it wasn't different enough from LeSabre. They should have really improved the luxury of the interior and given the coupe a different roofline in the rear. The door panels and seats should have been more like the Electra 225 Custom. They could have put the extra wide rocker panel moldings on it too like so many Electra's have.
Gary, the Centurion DID have a different roofline than LeSabre in the coupe versions. The wraparound in the LeSabre was different than the flat roof on the Centurion. Now, I am not sure if this was just a cap and vinyl roof or the stampings were different so that non vinyl roof coupe cars still had the flatter and more formal-ish roof. I believe Grand Ville had this as well.
My ol' bud has a 71 Buick GSX. We all had or knew friends with muscle cars in the 80's. The GSX suspension is what I found the game changer from others. It squated, gripped and shotguned of the line.
When I was in high school in the seventies one of my buddies dad, a doctor, bought a new 73 Buick Centurion!!! I thought that it was a gorgeous car & big improvement over the car he traded in, a 70 Riviera that I always thought looks rather strange with the fender skirts!!! Thanks for sharing another interesting video!!! 👍👍🙂
![[UNCUT] ที่นี่ที่แรก ปู - หาญส์ พูดถึงมหากาพย์หนี้สิ้น I คนดังนั่งเคลียร์ I 10 ก.ค.67](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/KDNA9DZ0p4U/mqdefault.jpg)
![แฉ [2/4] 11 ก.ค. 67 ‘ขวัญ อุษามณี’ เผยความจริง 16 ปีที่แล้วเกิดอะไรขึ้น? | GMM25](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/K4pXnUiObbk/mqdefault.jpg)
Long-time Centurion owner / enthusiast here. My parents traded in their '65 Wildcat coupe during December 1970 for a new '71 Centurion coupe. When they bought a new downsized '77 Electra coupe, they passed the Centurion along to me, and I owned and drove the car until the fall of 2021. This was an excellent, supremely reliable car, and we drove it to 167,000-miles. When I sold it to a young enthusiast who was eager to acquire one, I still would have felt comfortable driving the car anywhere, including cross-country. Seriously, there were never any mechanical problems with the car. The Buick 455 was the paragon of smooth and powerful performance. I believe that I replaced an alternator along the way, but that was all. And the car had the best air conditioning I have ever experienced in any car. . . . Buick never really promoted the Centurion series, appearing to rely on former Wildcat owners to generate sales. I recall being disappointed by the '73's, however. Without the standard 455, the cars had grown increasingly similar to the LeSabre series, so it was not surprising that the model disappeared after '73. . .. . After selling the Centurion, I acquired a fine, original '65 Wildcat coupe, appreciating all over again the unique virtues of the 1960's-era Buicks -- before the more "corporatized" '71's with chassis design shared by all divisions.
I had a 1973 lesabre it was a great car, my grandmother's then mine. I'd really like to find a convertible Centurion now!
@@lanemcreynolds9894 I saw one for sale at New Deal Motors.
Hey Brian, you sold the Centurion, huh? Yeah, I just saw your '65 Buick Wildcat. Very sharp and sleek. Do you miss the Centurion? I bet you do, and you replaced it with the Wildcat? Hey I love it.
Okay, Centurion fans, I give you this gift:
th-cam.com/video/ZQiTRQTiMGY/w-d-xo.html
@@TheRealDrJoey New Deal Used Cars?
Always had a soft spot for this era of full sized Buicks. The long running Buick rallye style wheels truly set them off! Thanks for putting this together for all us! Keep up your great work!
Those wheels are perfection. When I think of 70’s era pre-downsized Buicks those wheels are always there.
The rallye wheel looks good on all of the cars from the small up to the Electra.
@@bigblockelectra I completely agree. You know you’ve got a great wheel design when it looks as good on a Century Sport Coupe as it was on a fancy-foo Riviera.
@@kcindc5539 my favorite vintage wheels are the Buick Rallye and the polished forged aluminum wheels that Lincoln started using in the mid 1970s. Though unlike the Buick wheels, the Lincoln wheels only look good with whitewall tires. The Buicks will work with any type of sidewall.
@@bigblockelectra I totally agree. The Buick Rallye wheels could make even white letter tires a bit more adult. And it was rare for a wheel not to require whitewalls in order to finish the look. The Lincoln polished wheels were sharp but I wasn’t a big fan of whitewalls (they only looked good if you kept them scrupulously clean - thanks to SOS pads).
A brown Centurion convertible was the car in the opening scenes in the movie "Used Cars" with a young Kurt Russel. After setting the odometer back, Kurt lures the customer from the dealer across the street with a fishing pole with a $10 bill attached to the line. Kurt also attached the sagging rear bumper with a piece of gum. If you have never seen it, it is WELL worth watching! One of the funniest movies ever, especially if you are a car person!
One of the funniest movies ever. Jack Warden played dual roles, himself and his brother's dealership across the street. Lenny and Squiggy stole the laughs with the yard dog that would wake up Scatman sleeping on his creeper by pissing on him.
@@stevespatola763 One of my favorite movies and my first ever DVD! The commentary track on the DVD is great!
Great movie!
Ha! Thanks for the memories! I owned a '71 Centurion. Even though the engine was detuned there was no shortage of power, though gas mileage was awful 😂. It really was a comfortable and quiet riding car. Mine was well optioned with power windows and seats. One of my favorite features of the GM full size cars of the era was the cockpit like dashboard. All of the controls were in easy sight and reach.
Sadly, today's Buick lineup includes no coupes or sedans, only 3 models (Encore, Envision, Enclave), two of which are manufactured in China. My wife drives a Verano, but I don't expect another new Buick in our household.
Yeah, Buick’s lineup right now is sad… Their vehicles aren’t very competitive or compelling, just SUVs - and everyone makes those now. We had a 2013 Regal Turbo and that was an amazing car, drove nothing like you’d expect a Buick to drive. I expect that’s because it’s actually an Opel and built in Germany - the Regal TourX wagon that came out a few years later was great too. But nonetheless, I hear the regular Encore is going away after 2023. Then we’ll get the Envista crossover, which is also likely to be built overseas. There’s a new Enclave coming I hear, but it’s the last Buick built in America. None are even built in Flint anymore (Enclave is built in Lansing, MI).
Sales for the Buick brand were down a whopping 40% last year… Sadly, I smell another Oldsmobile and Pontiac coming soon if the ship isn’t turned around.
@@ATRichard Buick exists these days because they sell roughly millions of cars in China, something to do with local brand prestige going all the way back to the days of the Chinese emperor. By sheer accident Buick is doing just fine in one of the most critical markets there is.
Great history lesson. My 1970 455-4 is an unforgettable motor. It had SO much torque, even for such a big heavy car.
Adam you never stop to entertain and educate me. I never heard of the Centurion. Just love the the brown one in the 'Northshore' showroom. I agree the front end grill is very nice. I have said it before and it still amazes me how many versions and options of cars were available in those days. It's truly mind boggling. Engineering at its best and without computers. Safety aside, no one today would have the vision nor the will to imagine these cars. Everything is so bureaucratic in our society today it's a wonder even the slightest thing gets done. Sad but true. I hope you find yourself a Centurion for your collection. Cheers 😊
I owned a 1972 Buick Centurion with a 455 what a pleasure it was to get on the freeway and drive so comfortable and smooth.
I drive a modern 3 model years only Buick - a 2018 Regal TourX. I have owned it for almost 4 years and have only seen 2 others on the road in my city of over 1 million. Yes - I know it’s really an Opel but it was built by GM at that time. Most likely the last ever Buick wagon. Thanks, Adam, for using the correct name “ventiports”. So many so called “car guys” on TH-cam incorrectly call them portholes. 👍👍
I'm over here in southeast Michigan by the GM tech center and have only ever seen 2 as well. Good looking car but very sparse. Coming from a guy who drives Saabs. Lol
There's one for sale 40 miles north of me. Never seen a Tour-X on the road. Which means parts availability are like Merkur rare.
One where I work in SW Michigan. Good looking cars
Opel
I was impressed when I saw it at the auto show. I wanted one but couldn't afford it at the time.
My father had a 72 - fire engine red, black vinyl top, 455-4 and man did that car fly. My older brother embarrassed a number of his friends who thought they had fast cars. Maybe 5-6 mpg.
I have to admit, this is a model I rarely think about, but this reminds me that it is a damn good looking car.
I have my late father’s 1973 Centurion convertible with the 455 engine. Dad had a ‘63 Le Sabre convertible, ‘66 wildcat convertible, ‘69 wildcat convertible, ‘72 centurion convertible. The dealer Balch Pontiac Buick in East Windsor Connecticut called in ‘73 to tell him they were no longer making the centurion convertible he started searching for a ‘73 with black top and interior with the 455 and no air conditioning. Pre internet he found the car at a Buick dealer in Oneida NY. He never wanted to be without a convertible. He kept the ‘72 until he passed away in 1994. He gave me the choice of either the red ‘72 or the blue ‘73 in 1993 which I have. My cousin bought the ‘72 from my Mom.
Dad loved convertibles. He had all new ‘46, ‘49 and ‘50 Mercurys; ‘53 red Lincoln capri; ‘57 olds 98, ‘62 VW, ‘63 Le Sabre, as mentioned ‘66 and ‘69 wildcats, and ‘72 and ‘73 Centurions. So when they stopped manufacturing he always had a convertible until he passed away. He had 11 convertibles
My favorite was his 1966 Wildcat convertible white black top black interior the 401
@@williammacdonnell6965 My dad's best friend bought new a 1966 white Wildcat convertible. with black top, red interior. Only had it 2 years. I was just a young child then but remember how awesome it was.
I had a '73 Centurion Convertible with a 455 Engine. It was dark brown with a white top, with chrome plate wheels. It was a great looking car.
I loved it was vert well made and lot of infomation to know better this model
2:10 I see the influence this car's rear-end styling had on the 1959-60 Buick, as well as on the 1971-73 Riviera.
Check out the 57 Roadmaster and Super two door Rivieras if you want to see show car styling put on the road 😀.
I had a 72 in 1988. I loved that car. It was huge. I could fit me and 7 of my skinny high school guy friends in it. Four across the front and 4 across the back.
As a 12 year old getting a ride to our boy scouts meeting from a neighbor in a centurion she showed me the tilt wheel and I was totally amazed especially while moving
I would get a ride to scouts in an Oldsmobile Delmont.
My mom’s coworker had a ‘73 Buick Centurion convertible in steel gray, black top and black leather interior. Very stylish.
I have one Centurion memory. While in Cub Scouts in the early '80's, our troop leaders somehow arranged for a monster truck to perform for us in the local rec center parking lot. You guessed it; one of the doomed cars was a green 1973 Centurion sedan. I know the year and model because I may have liberated the owners manual from this machine (and still have it stashed somewhere). The other big memory was that they forgot to let the air out of the Buicks tires, and check to see if it was in park. Let's just say it was exciting as the monster truck tried to climb over it, and that old Buick shot off in our direction! Luckily nobody got squished that day...
if I had money I'd love to own a classic Buick again.the style ove the cars were the best.
My dad worked at Odonnell Buick in morristown nj he sold 425 buicks in 1970 these cars were great 455 4v in 70 had 360 hp 51pounds of torque we loved our buicks!
Enjoyed the posting. The green 73 Centurion convertible you show is a car I actually own. The same actual car as I notice the slight defect in the rubber trim on the front bumper.
This particular car was special ordered with the Stage One 455 that was a GS engine but could be special ordered in the Centurion. I have recovered the original build sheet which was attached to the top of the gas tank which confirms. Currently has 39,000 miles.
Wow. That’s awesome. Love it!
I always liked the Buick centurion models.
That show car - Wow!
I like that body line swooping from the grill all the way back to tail light.
Back in the day, I bought a '71 Centurion 2-door hardtop from a "friend". I wasn't aware he had beat the snot out of it. Oh, it ran and drove. My old beater's heater never worked, but this one did so I bought it. Thought I got a nice price....until the oil pump went out. Took it to Dad's mech, who told me it only had two qts of oil in it. But it ran pretty smooth and quiet, so I got fooled. After a new oil pump and the first oil change in at least a few years [mech told me], it went back to being a smooth, quiet runner! Trans went bad, guy I got it from used to abuse this poor car every day. But for a few hundred more bucks, drove it for a year and a half. Sold it and got my 2nd Electra ever. I did like that car but liked the Electra better. Still have Dad's '73 Limited that he bought new and gave to me before he passed about 9 years ago. Those Buick 455 engines really are legendary!!
My father drove a 1972 Buick Centurion 4 door hardtop. The top and interior was black while the exterior was white. Gorgeous car and SMOOTH going down the highway.
This was the car in the opening of the movie "Used Cars" :)
Yes!
I had a friend who had a 455 Centurion convertible. Nice car.
My buddy had a Centurion convertible 455 what a fun car to drive when I was 18-19 I remember it having the speed buzzer
Those were great looking cars
My dad had a 1973 Centurion.
I was sad when he got rid of it.
It was great to drive or even ride in.
I still remember Kirt Russell in Used Cars sticking the bumper back on a Centurion with gum lol
Great movie.
My uncle had a 1971 Electra 225 with the 455, and I had zero problems smoking the tires.
This car was the star of my favorite comedy ever, Used Cars. Dented door and chewing gum bumper repairs sold me.
Do we write it up Stan?
The 72' model year really is a striking automobile. Keep the history coming Adam. Bravo.
A great overview of a little-known car, Adam.
I’ve never heard of this! My Grandmother,Dad and uncles all swore by Buicks from Wildcats to Electra 225 to Skylarks! Love your channel keep the great cars coming
I drive a newer Buick that’s a trim only made for 2 years. The Buick LaCrosse Super. 5.3L LS4 V8 under hood, I love it
You pointed out the weaker frame and cheaper interiors starting in 1971 (and sadly lower compression ratios, too)... I must commend you on mentioning the oil pumps as that's what killed my 1970 455 CID Estate Wagon Engine. I cried a LOT losing that car! If you have a Buick 455 get it changed before it kills your beautiful engine, Please! The interior at 145K miles (7 years of which were in Hot, Sunny Florida) still looked new as I watched her being towed-away for the last time! Another issue on the 1971-1973, although probably minor to some, was the AM/FM Stereo. I was told the radio was not well supported in the back and that solder joints or something failed inside causing one channel to die then eventually the other. And I fully agree that the ride quality in post 1970 Buicks suffered from the weaker frame structure. Friends had a 1971 Olds 98 and at about 80k miles the windshield started leaking. Well, turns out I could see the windshield MOVE as the car drove down the road! There was so much flex at the firewall and A pillar that the tar-like sealer eventually broke from the glass and the entire windshield would move with frame flex! Never saw such a thing on the 1970 and before models. If only GM could stick with a sure bet instead of rolling the dice and getting snake eyes far too often! Lest we forget GM's decision to buy Nippon Steel starting in 1973. I wouldn't touch a GM Product of 1973 - 1975 with a hundred foot pole! I might poke a hole in the sheet metal even from 100 feet away it rusted so quickly in Winter and Oceanside climates. I seem to recall in 1974 or 1975 GM even screwed the Pooch on Rubber Vacuum Lines: The Cheap Bastards used recycled rubber that quickly broke down! Screw me Harder, General!
There was also a problem that, from what I've heard over the years, hit Buicks harder than most brands. It started when the U.S. banned the use of whale oil in 1972 and carmakers scrambled to reformulate their ATF fluids without whale fat. The first new Dexron formulation was not good enough to prevent the corrosion that caused the coolant to mix with the ATF fluid in the radiators and both engine and transmission problems ensued. I assume that most of the cars affected have either been fixed or scrapped, and that the formulations of ATF fluid have been perfected to prevent such corrosion.
My daily driver for nearly twenty years; the Centurion convertible was comfort and grace at any legal speed (as long as spirited cornering was not your desire; though it was much better than my Lincoln Continental on cornering)!
Well done video, you did a nice job covering most of the main strengths and weaknesses of the 71-76 B-C body cars and the Buick specific issues.
I’d add a few points, first was the sense of size of those cars. Even people who had a 65-70 B-C body car found the 71-76 to be too big and the 73-74 5mph bumpers added to the sense of it. Not sure how much bigger they really were than a 70 but they felt so wide. Another oddity was the low placement of the steering column, sort of felt like it was in your lap.
On the plus side the thin pillars and roof shape gave them a wonderfully open sense from the front seats. Made the car seem “light” despite the big heft. Perhaps this contributed to the giggle problem. The body rigidity did improve over the years with 75-76 being much better.
Ironically their excess size turned out to be good for GM because the decision to downsize the next generation was made well before the 73 oil crisis so GM got a 2-3 year jump on the competition in the fall of 76 with more reasonably sized B-C bodies.
That, in my opinion, was a disaster. It would have been great for the Chevy, small Pontiac, and maybe the small Olds, but Buicks and Cadillacs, and maybe Olds 98s, should have been left alone. Also, GM abandoned their division-specific chassis when they did this, making the Pontiac, the Olds 88, and the Buick LeSabre the exact same car as the Chevrolet, except, at first, engines, and of course, the price. Destroyed the prestige of the Cadillac and the Buick.
It just wasn’t realistic, Michael. Gasoline had gone up from .36 in ‘72 to .86 by ‘79. ($1.61 to $2.35 in today’s dollars). At around 11 mpg to 14 mpg for the large engines it cost a small fortune just to fill up. I drove a thirsty ‘68 Olds 455 in 1981 in college, gasoline was $1.31 by then ($3.01). Dad bought it for me, I wish he had picked something smaller.
Love this vintage of full size buicks, and the centurions were very cool
another great viewing. Love your content. Hated them at the time. Appreciate them now. Thanks for the memories!
Centurion was an attempt to replace Wildcat. The name Wildcat could never have been applied to a post-1970 model, which with its detuned and low compression engine could never have matched the performance of the first year 455 with 370 gross horsepower and over 500 lb/ft of torque. The '71-'72 Centurions did have 455's standard equipment, but by '73 the pretense was over and the name just became a trim option on the LeSabre.
Loved my 72 Centurion great car!
I remember going to a Buick dealership with my dad . They had a Beautiful Centurion convertible in showroom !!!! I wished that he purchased it !!! Instead he went with a new Fury 3 … which was beautiful too !!!!
Interesting commentary, thanks Adam!
We vaguely remember reading somewhere that Buick had to pay for the use of the name Centurion. Apparently some ambulance conversion company was using it, although we haven't been able to confirm.
Good stuff loved the older cars
A friend of mine had a '73 Centurion Coupe in a dark green with a black vinyl top. I loved that car. Something about the overall look inside and out.
A back-up camera in 1956! There was hardly any transistor technology around at the time, and nothing was miniature. Amazing, especially considering what TV was like back then.
I had the 70 buick Le Sabre 455 , great big arse boat 🚢, lots of torque & HP .
My first car was a 1973 Centurion sedan that I bought for $250 from a friend's dad back in 1992. It was olive green with a light beige vinyl roof. My friends and I called it The Green Monster, the only car I've ever bothered to give a name to.
I sold one years ago in Nashville that had a dent in the door. Pitiful gas mileage boring to drive but got you there
@@taguer261 mine also had a dent in the rear driver's side door, so that door wouldn't open. Didn't have the car a year when an F-150 rear ended it and crushed the trunk.
Great video!
When I was a kid back in the 80s/90s, I had a neighbor that had a '73 Centurion coupe; metallic brown with white vinyl interior. It was a nice looking vehicle and sounded good when he fired it up in his garage. It's the only car I remember him having, All the way up until he died in the late '90s.
Well done.....so agree!
The 71 Centurion, particularly as a convertible, is my pick for being the most svelte of the redesigned 71 GM full size lineup. Buick styling was really 10/10 through the 60s and into the early 70s. That 70 wildcat in particular with the twin sweep spear side trim is just a gorgeous full size muscle car, really, with the 455. The 71 Centurion was a nice followup, a long with the rest of the Buick lineup. Unfortunately, I think the front 5MPH bumpers hurt full size Buick styling more than it did any other GM line, with the 73 front end always looking kinda goofy compared to the earlier cars.
Totally agree! that bumper was hideous on the 73 Buick!
I like the big convertibles. They're like speedboats. Like the use of the word "svelte" in a car comment. 👍
I, perversely, liked the 5 MPH bumpers. Made cars look more rugged.
@@michaelbenardo5695 As a general rule, I think the 5MPH bumpers looked pretty good to okay, and were well integrated in many of the designs (more so full size cars than smaller cars). That being said, it was the overall look of the 73 buick front end that I think just was a downgrade over the 71 and 72. Compare to a same year Pontiac, Cadillac, Olds or Chevy. All had a more well integrated design, in my opinion.
@@Sedan57Chevy the five mile per hour bumper was no more, and in many cases, less effective than the previous years bumpers. It was all about overreach and control by these 3 letter agencies and their activist appointees.
The 71-73 Buick brings back good memories, thanks for posting this video.
Great video- two corrections. First, in 1970, the Estate Wagon also had the 455 cubic inch 370 hp V-8 as standard. Also, the real reason for the sales increase for the 1972 Centurion over the 1971 was a strike in late 1970, which affected sales numbers of all 1971 GM models.
My Dad owned a 71 Buick Centurion. He got a great deal on it when it was 2 years old because he knew the guy that bought it new and could never get it to run right and was continuously in the shop with low power and fouling plugs.
My Dad took it to a tech that was good at diagnosing and he found the problem the dealer couldn't-The double wall exhaust pipe had collapsed inside causing restriction. New exhaust pipe fixed it and we drove it for years until it was retired and used as a fishing car and loaned to family members. The TH400 finally went out at about 200K and it was hauled to the scrap yard.
When I was a kid my best friend's parents had a `73 Centurion. I remember it. If I ever rode in it, I don't remember, though I probably did.
Great vid, really enjoyed!!
I had the '71 Centurion and loved that car! It had the big block 455 c.i. 4 bbl. engine with the hardtop. My friend had a '71 Le Sabre with the 350 c.i. engine and when accelerating, that car couldn't get out of its own way. I learned the luxury of a big bore engine for driving pleasure.
I was a “lot boy” at a local used car dealer in 1987. We had a yellow with white interior 1973 Centurion coupe that was traded in. It had the optional 455. It had the rally wheels with whitewall tires. Wish I could have snagged it, or at least used it to run errands for the car lot.
The Apollo was only 2 model years, which my aunt had a ‘74 example. Great video as always Adam.
In 1975 it turned into a Skylark. My buddy in high school back in the early 1990's had a 1974 Apollo 4 door with a 350 2 barrel. That was one tough motor, he drove it like he stole it.
I like the Centurion - when ordered without the bodyside molding it had a neat 'dechormed' look about it, and in 71-72 the hood chamfer accentuated it. According to some books the 4600/BP series Centurion also had a modified high performance 455 that was not available on the LeSabre. The interior though, while it was trying to be 'sport' vs. the LeSabre with the inset stichted 'strips' on seat back and cushion arguably didn't look that much better than LeSabre optional trim and the door cards were a little plain. They never seem to come up anymore except for the convertibles which of course look great with the top down but don't always make sense depending on your climate and intended driving. In 71 & 72, you got a slightly different ('formal') roofline treatment on the coupe vs. LeSabre + standard vinyl roof. Gone for 73.
I remember my dad had a 73 Centurion, with a 455. I just remember it was fast.
For several yrs in the mid 80's I owned a 72 4 door. I put a good set of shocks on the car fixed the exhaust and AC and had a remarkably terrific car. The ride and handling were really good as were the brakes. I loved this big boat and would love to have one now as a weekend toy for my and my lady to enjoy, take to car shows, and relive nice memories.
I knew a small woman from the UK, moved to Canada, always drove a big car. she bought a centurion, she got rear ended in Burnaby one morning. she went out and bought a 72 caddy. lol.
One of the most beautiful Buicks of the 1970s. I got to drive my Grandmother's 1972 LeSabre on a regular basis when we vacationed with her. She had 1963 and 1967 Electras previously but before my Grandad passed he made the last Buick a LeSabre so it would be easier and less expensive for her to maintain if he passed before her, as he did. Wonderful memories. Great post!
During the years that these cars were made, I was working in a Buick dealership. You missed a few things...
First thing is the engines. Starting in 1971, GM lowered the compression ratios on ALL of the Buick V-8 engines. That made for a drastic drop in performance. Adding to that, 1973 was the first year that Buick engines used EGR. There was simply no way to get one of the 1973 models to run right. They bogged and hesitated. I saw this as I was doing new car preps. RIGHT OFF THE TRUCK, they ran lousy!
One other thing. I did more shortblock replacements and valve jobs on the 350 V-8s than I could even remember. They got towed in right and left with rods hanging out the sides of the block. The 455 was a BIG disappointment performance wise. I thought they were dogs right off the truck.
I was there when these were new!
Nice looking car
I drove Chrysler products during those years…there were door issues for sure with Dodges, Plymouths,etc.
Back in high school my cousin had a 71 Centurion 2dr coupe. He later sold it to his cousin and bought a 72 Electra 225.
There is a Centurion at the beginning of the Kurt Russell moving "Used Cars". The styling of the Centurion is near perfect and one of my favorite cars. Sleeker than the Le Sabre and Electra. I never see them though.
Great movie.
Today, 1973 Centurion convertibles are quite readily found, but any other Centurion year and body style is seldom seen. An older fan told me that in 1973, there was already a rumor that that year's convertibles would be GM's last.
You mention rattles. When I was in high school I always scanned the want ads in the newspaper of our town of 14,000 looking for a part time job. I distinctly remember the Buick dealer having a want ad for a mechanic that could locate rattles. Now I know why. This was sometime around 1971-1973.
I love the era of big cars. We used to drive them from the LA auction to my friend's dad's car lot in San Diego. I was barely 16. 16! 10 bucks a car. What a hoot that was. We got fired when my friend decided to throw a Cadillac Seville into reverse on the freeway. Kids.
Love Buicks, first car was a 1969 Buick LeSabre 400 at 15 years old.. I'm 33 now, and I should have never sold that car, even if our Wi winters got to it a little too much. There isn't anything I disliked that Buick made from the 50's all the way to the mid 70's, been my favorite brand. Favorite year probably has to be '67. So many good looking cars that year. Skylark/GS, Wildcat, Riviera... I have a G-body Grand Prix right now. I like it, as i love all G-bodies, but it has lost something for me not being at least a Buick Regal. Eventually I'll have a classic Buick back again. Love your channel/work, Adam, keep it up!
Would love a loaded 1973 Centurian two door hardtop with the 455 (standard on 1971 and 1972, but optional on 1973). Unfortunately only the convertibles have been preserved. For some reason, I actually LIKE the 1973 5mph bumpers on the LeSabre, Electra and Centurians. But not on the 1974-1976 models.
My parents gave me their 1972 Centurion when a dealer refused to take it in trade. It was our second car for a few years until I gave it to a friend. The interior was huge and comfortable - I took four college students in it for a week long mission trip to Appalachia. There was no difference in the ride at 80mph on the Interstate than at 40. That said, the side windows (4 door hardtop) never met without adjusting by hand, and it got a whopping 9 miles per gallon. It was a bloated, comfortable, fast, and utterly absurd boat.
As I recall, Buick did not own the rights to the name "Centurion" and had to buy those rights from a company that manufactured station wagon-based ambulances (yes, back in the 1960's most ambulances were station wagons, not vans).
In 🇨🇦 Canada as a mid-teen car design guy, I thought the name Centurion very classy and the no-frills styling quite elegant.
The first time I saw a Centurion was at the New York International Auto Show in 1973 . There was a red convertible with white interior up on a turntable . My 10 year old self was particularly impressed with the 3 swimsuit clad acessories adorning the hood and back seat . In my teen years I reaffirmed on many occasions that a convertible full of girls is a wonderful thing .
Cool cars and videos. Thumbs Up !
For 73 the lesabre convertible was dropped and the centurion was buicks only option if one wanted a convertible for that year. Love the front of the 71 and 72. The front of the 73 also looks nice but less than the 71/72. As i kid i always prefered the rear of the 73 year but i have learned to appreciate the rear of the 71 and 72 just as much.
This was very interesting. I recall the Centurion as a kid, but never knew the marketing strategy.
I remember thinking it was a bit blah . but now it looks great. I bet they drove really nice.
Thanks for the very interesting and objective review on the Centurion, was my email to you on the topic the trigger for this, if so I’m really impressed !
One thing that could be added about these cars is the exactness of the steering that I think you mentioned on a 70 Electra review, the 73 C I had was way above average compared to other cars in that era when it comes to that, especially at higher speeds
1963-1973 is the best decade for American cars
Centurion must have shared tons with delta 88 looks very similar lines to my 72 delta 88 glass and roof.
Back then ,used to laugh at grandma in there old GM boats , now I wish I had one.
These Centurians definitely fit the "beautiful brute" category. These cars were stunningly beautiful, had tons of power and rode like a dream. Best of all these were tough, well-made cars that were reliable, comfortable and really held their resale value. A friend of mine in the late 70s had a 1973 Buick Century Luxus and referred to it as her baby Centurian.
I loved the Centurions, especially the 1971 and 1972. My aunt and uncle had a new 1971 Centurion coupe. I always loved that car. The manager of my bank back in those days bought a 1973 convertible that had been used for a golf outing. It had every option offered by Buick that year from Max Trac to cornering lamps, lamp monitors and an illuminated visor mirror. Unfortunately the car rusted badly in 4 years. The front of the hood where you would grab to open it was good for tetanus as the chrome molding had fallen off and the first 3” of hood rusted away. I suspect that maintenance was lacking!
Good lookin' car. Very clean look.👌🏻
Informative thanks Adam , GM have lucky Diced any time they throw.
These were awesome cars. Coolest full sized convertible Detroit ever produced. Sadly most lived short, hard lives and also rusted out badly. Nice job on this piece.
I always liked the 72 Centurion grill. Like the vertical bars. The problem was it wasn't different enough from LeSabre. They should have really improved the luxury of the interior and given the coupe a different roofline in the rear. The door panels and seats should have been more like the Electra 225 Custom. They could have put the extra wide rocker panel moldings on it too like so many Electra's have.
Gary, the Centurion DID have a different roofline than LeSabre in the coupe versions. The wraparound in the LeSabre was different than the flat roof on the Centurion. Now, I am not sure if this was just a cap and vinyl roof or the stampings were different so that non vinyl roof coupe cars still had the flatter and more formal-ish roof. I believe Grand Ville had this as well.
My ol' bud has a 71 Buick GSX. We all had or knew friends with muscle cars in the 80's. The GSX suspension is what I found the game changer from others. It squated, gripped and shotguned of the line.
Centurion ❤
When I was in high school in the seventies one of my buddies dad, a doctor, bought a new 73 Buick Centurion!!! I thought that it was a gorgeous car & big improvement over the car he traded in, a 70 Riviera that I always thought looks rather strange with the fender skirts!!! Thanks for sharing another interesting video!!! 👍👍🙂