1976 Buick Century Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Edition & Engine Sound My Car Story with Lou Costabile
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ย. 2024
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On "My Car Story" we're in Rosemont IL on 3-4-20 at the World of Wheels car show.
We're looking at a 1976 Buick Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Edition in Grey Paint. The car is equipped with a V8 engine.
The car's Owner is Alan Oldfield. Alan’s had this car since 2000. Alan shares he likes the unusual Buick and this car is something different that you don’t see every day.
If you’re interested in attending a World Of Wheels Car Show, here is the link to see the dates and show schedule autorama.com
ENJOY!
Thank you sir for saving a piece of history. I drive trucks for a living. Today, our overcrowded roads are jam full of Nissan junk. Sickening. Great job Lou.
Hi George, Happy to read you appreciate the effort to keep this one to share with us :-) Appreciate the kind encouraging words on this video, Lou
Only Nissan junk?
Holy cowsef brosef!!! That's an absolutely beautiful piece of rolling art!!!
Hi Zach Diecast Mansur, High praise for this car :-) Lou
Exquisite beauty, Lou! Thanks for sharing. My high school chorus teacher had the basic version of this car, with the V6. It was a beautiful dark blue color. That car stood out as one of the hottest in the teacher’s parking lot. He traded it in on a 1980 model, that car was a huge disappointment for him, and very plain by comparison. Thanks for bringing back great memories. Yes, that 70s sound is the best! Like yesterday. Love that instrument panel! Especially the AC control, speedometer and large fuel gauge. And the horseshoe shifter. My sister bought a spanking new 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme in November 1976. Love that shifter on the floor and bucket seats. Thanks again, Lou! You rock it down with these glorious videos.
Hi Joseph, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your High School Chorus Teachers car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing, and you're welcome, Lou
Neat car. I remember when they were new. Miles of vacuum hoses and almost silent exhaust thru the pellet converter! I was already looking at pre emissions stuff as a kid!
the things were pieces of junk. And they didn't last long. I think that era of cars probably ended up in junk yards faster than any other. Which makes this one all the more amazing.
Hi drippinglass, Happy to read this car brings back memories when this one was new :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou
Something different. I have not seen one those since the early 80's.
Thanks Lou.
Hi Gary, You're right. This one is "Something different" :-) Glad to read this one brings back memories. Thank you for viewing, sharing, and you're welcome, Lou
What a great Car Story. Love his determination to follow the car.
Hi Jeff, Happy to read you enjoy the passion for the "brand" -) Lou
I had a 1976 Century Custom, 4dr, Auto, air, cruise, and SO MUCH LEG ROOM - I’m 6’5”, and I loved the car for that.
Hi Jim, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
I had this car in 1976. I purchased it at the Buick dealer in Evanston, IL. The T tops were a curse for me. It began when a thief attempted to steal them and damaged them in the process. After replacing and repairing the roof the glass tops never sealed again (rain and air). The stainless steel bandeau roof trim needed constant attention as it began to peel in places. And to add to my misery while driving on a local highway, the a/c compressor locked up and caught the fan clutch on fire, that lit up the entire engine compartment and was an insurance total ! I saw the car and had to have it !
P.S. My girlfriend ( now my wife of over 40 years) loved that car !
Hi Myron, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
That is unique, and completely preserved, my first vehicle I bought for myself was a 93 Silverado pace truck, also 4500 pounds with a 350 and tons of stickers
Hi David, Happy to read you appreciate the uniqueness of this car :-) Thanks for viewing and sharing the details on your Pace Truck, Lou
Thank you Lou for bringing this car to light and to Alan for sharing his car with us. The car is beautiful. That engine sound really healthy. I first saw one on Nick's garage but it wasn't as complete like this car with the decals. For car people : There's something about a car that we see and like and it stays on our mind until we buy it. Congrats to the owner for seeking the car out for so long.
Hi jay kay, Happy to read you enjoy this car & episode :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing, and you're welcome, Lou
Lou, There were cars in the 70s with interiors more garish than the exterior decals of this Buick. I wish the trunk treats included a few pastel colored leisure suits from 1976 ;)
Hi Right Lane Hog, Ahhh, the leisure suit :-) Lou
@@loucostabile Take your channel to the next level with 'period correct' wardrobe.
@@rightlanehog3151 Good news! There are no more leisure suits in my closet, however that's a good idea :-)
Awesome to see this. I was a 70's and 80's Buick fanatic and lusted after one of these. It is great to be in the hands of a collector. Another great video Lou!
Hi Geovanni InUSA, Happy to read this Buick is one you enjoy :-) Appreciate the kind words on this video. Glad you're along for the ride, Lou
Lou , Lou you are just " THE BEST GUY TO DO THESE" what you said completely terrible about the key ignition noise thank you!!! Brought me back to my Mom and grandmother going absolute bonkers when I used to torment them with the key noise every chznce I got. God Blesd the great 70s.Excellent car and yes replaced speed with decals and lots of options.As always Mr C. Youre the best thank you Sir
Hi Kevin C
, The "Key Buzzer" had an amazing ability when it sounded to make you feel like you were getting zapped with electricity :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing, and you're welcome, Lou
3:30 - My first cousin owned a team and several cars in the Indy-500 in the 80s, and early 90s. They ran Buick engines, and generally were very happy with the tech at the time.
Hi Jim, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your 1st Cousin's Team cars :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou
Lou you are just a bloodhound for details.
You ask very good questions and bring out the peculiarities of every vehicle you have a video for, that's really cool.
Thanks again as usual for the eye candy.
Hi bill, Happy to read you appreciate the details :-) Thank you for the kind words on the video, it's encouraging, Lou
Niiiice. I miss driving a 70's car. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Big Charlie's Model Garage
, Happy to read this one brings back memories of driving a 70's car :-) Lou
This was the first car I worked on when I was around 14. My neighbor had it beat up and broken down in his garage. My sisters boyfriend and I brought it back to life. That thing was a burn out machine. The early 90’s were awesome. I don’t know if the engine was replaced at one time but it had a small block in it.
Hi Reek Z, Happy to read this car brings back memories of the 1st car you worked on around 14 :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
Uh, who gave a thumbs down?
I'm a mopar only owner but this car is tough looking big 🇺🇸 auto & I appreciate it .
Hi Korie, If someone doesn't like this car, that is ok. Let's not focus on the MANY more people like you and I who enjoy this one :-) Lou
Yes, Alan always brings the best stuff to a show. I think I’ve seen this car in person, and it really does get your attention!! Incidentally, the spark plugs on the passenger side can be reached by removing the wheel and going in from underneath. That’s how I do it on my 350 Buick. Thanks Lou, for another great car story! And thanks to Alan too!
Hi Fred and Debra MacDonald, Happy to read you enjoy seeing Alan's car :-) You're welcome, Lou
Such a rare beauty! Never seen that before- great review, Lou! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Hi George, Happy to read you appreciate the rarity of this find in this condition. Looking forward to seeing you again, Lou
Me yelling at fellow commenters; "TYPE SOFTLY FOR PETE's SAKE! WE ARE IN THE PRESENCE OF ROYALTY HERE! SHOW SOME RESPECT" I mean - wow this car is like a visiting dignitary or sumpin! An awesome feature today, Lou! The T-Top is the icing on the proverbial wheeled cake.
Hi ImTheDaveman, Happy to read this one T Top'ed the morning off right :-) Lou
Ah, fond memories from the 70s when our cars were all show and no go!
Hi Donald, Happy to read this one brings back fond memories for you :-) Lou
I love it! Some may not care for the decals, but they are period correct and you definitely get a nice interior, too. Best of all is that "70's sound" so you won't forget your keys. It's part Buick, part time machine & an overall fun car to drive, own, or admire. Thanks, Lou!
Hi TheGunfighter45acp, High praise for this car :-) You're welcome, Lou
Love the t-tops on these 70's cars 😍
Hi Phil, Happy to read "Love the t-tops on these 70's cars" :-) Lou
What a sweet ride! For me personally, the T-tops are what set this car above others. I know other GM cars had T-tops, but they were the next best thing to convertibles. So cool to see this Buick in original condition. Thanks Lou & Alan for a great showing!
Hi Rusty, I like the T Tops too. Thank you for viewing, sharing, and you're welcome, Lou
My 82 C10 does that key buzz . If it didn't , I'd think there was something wrong with it . Nice car . Thanks for posting .
Hi Bud Lee, Happy to read you 82 C10 reminds you the keys are still in the car with that sound :-) Glad you enjoy this car, and you're welcome regarding the post. Lou
I ordered a 1977 Buick century, white red interior, split bench with armrests, v8 , Positraction, Air, Tilt, good Radio and the chrome wheels, sunroof. Great car for the time. Paid $5,500 retail thru, Dubiose Buick in Richmond, Va.
Hi Tim Sager, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your 1977 Buick Century :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
I worked at a small Buick dealership when these were new. I remember the leaky T-Tops. Everyone who bought a Century Custom or Regal with them I’m sure regretted it soon after.
HI Dave, Happy to read this car brings back memories :-) Lou
Awesome 😀 I wish Buick's were still similar to this kind of car.
Hi Michael, Happy to read you think this car is "Awesome" :-) Lou
@@loucostabile 😀
Lou I love the Buicks, I have a '86 Century setting in the garage bought new for my mom in October '85 has 103k still a good driver but alot smaller, thanks for sharing and as always "Howdy 😃"!!
Hi Greg from TX, Happy to read you have an 86 Century since new, very nice :-) Lou
T- tops need to make a come back.....luv em!
Hi blackscotydog
, That's a good idea. Thank you for viewing & sharing, Lou
Lou Costabile yes, though my 1977 Hurst Hatch leaked a lot etc.( ordered in Oct 76, for 77 SPECIAL ED TRANS AM.....)
blackscotydog - I wholeheartedly agree with you on T-tops making a reappearance. However, I would probably say that will not happen in our lifetime. Too many SUV’s and the like, and less & less cars, and even less that could & would look good & function with T-tops. Nice thought though. I’ve had that same thought for years & years myself especially after having my 2001 Z28 (with T-tops) of which I do not have any longer.
sweet 1976 buick century free spirit pace car!
Bicentennial 1776-1976 Beauty!!
Hi Ralf Bond, Happy to read you appreciate this "sweet" car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
6:25 - that glove box door is a BEAST. You could hide from a nuclear blast behind it.
:-)
Hi Lou! Cool looking car! Like the t-tops.
Hi Joseph! Happy to read you enjoy the T-Tops :-) Thank you for viewing & sharing, Lou
It'd be interesting to know how many boxes of MEL-MAC dishes and BELL BOTTOM CORDUROY SLACKS this this car has had in the trunk over it's life!! LOL
A very "sticker worthy" beauty.
GREAT VIDEO LOU
Hi TCT9MM, Ohhhh I'm sure when this one was new those Bell Bottoms were the only think that touched those seats for awhile :-) Happy to read you enjoy this episode, Lou
Wow ...what a beauty ... Love me a buick ... Great work as always Lou ...
Hi Marcus, Happy to read "Love me a buick" :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing, and appreciate the kind words on the video, Lou
Nice find, I would love to see that v6 turbo version can't believe this one doesn't have dual exhaust
Hi Tojo2go, Happy to read you appreciate this find :-) The V6 turbo is a fun idea for this car, Lou
"They replaced speed with stickers!" LOL! I've also heard it phrased as "paint-on performance". But it is super cool and sure to grab attention on the road, and basically I love all the GM "Colonnade" intermediates (1973-1977), which I saw a lot of growing up.
Buick began marketing a V-6 in the 1962 Special and continued to offer it through 1967, then turned it over to Kaiser Jeep. After the OPEC oil embargo, Buick then bought it back from AMC (which had acquired Kaiser Jeep in 1970), and began using it in the 1975 Century in an effort to give it better gas mileage and dispel the public's perception of Buicks being gas guzzlers. The full slogan in 1976 was "Dedicated to the Free Spirit in just about everyone", which fit with the bicentennial.
BTW, I'm wondering if Alan is related to Barney Oldfield, the legendary auto racer of the early 20th century.
Hi iswc27, Happy to read you enjoy this stickered attention getter :-) Lou
That's a nice one. I was watching Nick's Garage and one of his customers also has a Buick Century Free Spirt .
Hi John, Happy to read you think this is a "nice one" :-) Thank you for sharing a tip about Nick's Garage, Lou
I was 11 years old in 1977 and living in Vegreville Alberta same time Canada took in Vietnamese refugees called boat people. I lived in an apartment complex next to Vietnamese who were given free Housing and free cars and free money to stay in Canada. The government gave this Vietnamese family a brand new 1976 Buick Century "free spirit" for a car. I remember this very well because I liked to look at the decals on the car and the spoilers the T-top roof the paint job and the wheels I thought it was a rare cool car.
Hi The Treasure Guard, Like this one? Lou th-cam.com/video/dL6HgckyHb4/w-d-xo.html
@@loucostabile Hi Lou it's the same as the pace car but GM sold replicas of the pace car if you go back to this video at 4 minutes and 15 seconds into the video when you guys were inspecting the trunk and the brochures it even says on the brochure that GM has a limited amount of replica cars for sale in 1976. These boat people had one of those 1976 Buick Century replica cars Decked Out just like the pace car except a bit different. GM Canada perhaps had a limited amount of cars in the Canadian version but looked exactly like this car in the video except for the pace car decal. The replica car in Vegreville was Canadian made and it did not say official pace car, however it had the exact same decals scheme.
@@loucostabile Just like this one Lou, it has no pace car saying on the decal. www.virtualparking.net/post/702/1976-buick-free-spirit-official-pace-car#702-3
Beautiful
:-)
They had one of these on Nick's Garage earlier this week. It didn't have the lettering on the doors, though. Some more '70's wildness!
Hi Red 13, Happy to read there is another one out there being shared :-) Thank you for viewing & sharing, Lou
😎 that this car was used during the race!!
I don't think so, however it might have been used at the race for driving people around, and maybe even driving VIP's a lap around the track.
My dad has the same kind of car he loves it it's a 1976 g body Buick century
Hi Shayne, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Dads car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
Gotta 💘 the graphics on this baby!!
I don't think so. I was used probably at the race, but maybe just for promotion with the other pace car editions.
Nick at Nick’s Garage just had one of those Free Spirit Buick’s on his show, it wasn’t a pace car but it was a rare free spirit car. Very cool Lou, very cool, as always buddy!
Hi Hensley’s Hobbies, Glad to read you think this one is "Very cool" :-) Thank you for viewing & sharing about Nick's garage, Lou
Lou Costabile - yes sir Lou, you’re mighty welcome buddy!
What a great car and the owner is awesome too. Love his history story on this car and his love of his Buick. I would much rather have the v/8 instead of the v/6. I loved the decals and the flag stands and the interior. Noticed no rear defog or cruise control or tilt wheel very surprised at that as the car was well optioned in the begining. Very nice unit Lou liked it very very much! Thanks for sharing this fine unit!!
Hi Steve, Happy to read you enjoy this episode :-) Thank you for viewing & sharing the details you enjoy, Lou
Delicious irony that the owner's wife, after dissing the car for years as being "garish," drove it to Bowling Green behind the owner in his Grand National....and she got so much attention from guys on the road!
Hi Anthony C, Hmmmm, a woman changing her mind.....NAH, never happens :-) Lou
@@loucostabile I'm shocked, I tell ya! But really, she STILL could have thought the car is garish but got stuck being to one to drive it, lol. That's the irony of it. And then, the attention from the guys may have made her change her mind. "Hmm, maybe this isn't so bad!" But I'd better cut out the joking because I certainly don't want to offend the car owner or his wife. Just having a little fun here.
The second one is in my grandfathers garage, he is Johnny Rutherford.
Hi Grant, Happy to read your Grandfather is Johnny Rutherford. Share with him the Channel and hope you both see many cars you enjoy and subscribe, Lou
Thanks I will. I've always been. Interested in his 80s trans am pace car and his 76 pace car, but could never find any videos on the 76. Thanks for this video.
A nice set of headers and a turbo would wake this thing up nicely , then again just drop in a 455 Stage 1 or 2 and have fun taking pink slips
Hi Chris Buchaniec, Thanks for sharing some fun ideas :-) Lou
Thanks. Being from Warsaw Indiana & INDY500 high Interest, do remember ( maybe one came thru my Bledsoe Buick Pontiac Dealer for an (apparently Appearance only(??)). Back in the day, we used to flock to,new Car Releasres in Fall, and even get the CAR BROCHURES WITH GREAT PHOTOGRAPHY....Anyways,I ordered In OCT 76, from BLEDSOE BUICK, the 77 TRANS am Hurst Hatch( always leaked) SPECIAL EDITION , GETIING Model in March 77 ( advertised as Pontiacs’ RARE BIRD!)......
Hi Opera, Happy to read you this one is familiar to you :-) Thank you for viewing & sharing, Lou
Great video as always Lou love watching your channel. You never disappoint.
Hi PlymouthDuster 225, Happy to read you enjoy this episode :-) Thank you for the kind words, they are encouraging, Lou
I hated that key buzzer. This 1st thing i did on those cars was to pull out the relay in the fuse panel and throw it in the glove box.
Hi Karl Moltzan
, The "Key Buzzer" had an amazing ability when it sounded to make you feel like you were getting zapped with electricity :-) Lou
Very cool car, love the T-top. Would really be nice to see that turbo version!!!
Hi Hobiemarty, Glad to read you enjoy this car & thank you for viewing & sharing, Lou
i also have a 1976 buick century with t tops not a pace car though found it parked in a shelter belt for 30 yrs
Hi Matt, Nice car :-) Sounds fun! Lou
Even though it isn't a tire burner, it is still an interesting and good looking car. By the way Lou, I like how you rebelled against social distancing in this video with your arm around Alan LOL! You proved Dr. Dan Erickson (California medical doctor) correct when he said it is okay to get back out there about a month ago LOL! Your motto should be "give me cars or give me death".
Hi Kevin, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Lou
Beautiful Buick 👌
Hi motorTranz, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this Buick :-) Lou
😎 that he was able to find literature on this.. I bet it is rather scarce and hard to come by...
Trunk & treats are nice when the Care Taker finds & saves them :-)
With 165hp that car couldn't have done much "pacing". Back in the day pace cars had to be able to do 120mph.
Hi Rock, I believe the actual pace car might have had a bigger motor, however this one was a "Pace Car Edition" with the regular motor, Lou
At least a hint of Muscle in the exhaust sounds too!!
That's nice sounds :-)
Hi I'm just wondering if it's ok to use royal purple products engine oil and automatic transmission fluid...and can I use e3 diamond spark plugs in the engine to ..and where can I look to get parts for the same kind of car
Hmmm, I'm not sure. Hoping a Viewer with knowledge can share.
Rare !
Happy to read you appreciate the rarity of this find :-)
MY Sster in law in NM Owned one What a Beauty I WANT ONE
Hi Debby, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Sister In Laws car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
Lou keeps putting out great content. Show your appreciation by taking a minute to watch the ENTIRE ads!
Hi X K, Thank you for the kind words, and appreciate the support sharing with Viewer to watch the ads too :-) Lou
kojak wouldn't be kojak, without his lollipop (formerly cigarette,) as well as his century coupe! i recall the spirit hawk emblems!, ..wow.
HI Scott, Ahhh the "Spirit Hawk" :-) You're right, Lou
That 350 V8 was all over the road back then, you almost couldn't buy a new car (from GM) without one. They're not fast by today's standards, but they sure were smooth...
Hi mitchlu, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Hope you see many more cars on this TH-cam Channel you enjoy. Lou
Is it the 2bbl or 4bbl? The 2bbl was rated at 140hp and the 4bbl at 165hp.
Hi David, Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Hmmm, I don't ask about the carburetor so I'm not sure, Lou
This was the ORIGINAL Buick GNX.....
Nice :-)
Hello there Lou, is there anyway to reach you in regards to the pace car other than TH-cam?
Hello Rico Z, I'm on TikTok too. Lou
Like l’ve said before, approximately 10% of Buicks from that 68 era were AC delete
Hi Palidicio Vermingagurainia, Thank you for viewing & sharing your knowledge, Lou
Lou what a lucky man Allen is to have a wife that let him buy a Gem 💎 of a Ride like that.
All I can say is lucky, lucky, lucky 🍀, Lucky 🍀, man. I’m pretty sure he thanked his wife.
Sincerely Yours Truly
Ivan I J😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎
Hi Ivan I J, Nice ride to take her out in, Lou
Most of these were v6's..Cool to c an 8.
Hi Sirk Dopsah, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Hope you see many more cars on this TH-cam Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
Good Point that with 70s Muscle Cars the graphics replaced the speed..
Yes.
I have the same car but my gear shifter is up buy the steering wheel not on the ground
Happy to read you have a cool car too.
T bar roof to boot not bad
Nice :-)
Like it, but would rather have '73-'74 Stage 1 with 455.
...like this one? th-cam.com/video/aAOsts2hLIs/w-d-xo.html
At least the interior looks fast...
You're right :-)
Two or Four Barrel?
Hmmm, not sure, but I think 2.
✌👍
Happy to see you enjoy this car :-)
I bet more than 50% of 70s Muscle Cars had T Tops...
Thank you for viewing & sharing.
I have 1 for sale
Hi Jay Lee, Hope you receive the asking price you're looking for, Lou
What is a good price for a car like this in fair condition that runs?
What is a good price for a car like this in fair condition that runs?
Wow no RPM gauge?
Hi Jorge, Thank you for viewing and sharing what you notice, Lou
@@loucostabile Thanks for sharing it Lou, you don't see too many of these cars, for a Pace Car I was shocked their was no RPM gauge? I guess Buick cut corners by using the Decal package and didn't use the RPM gauge? Have a good night. God Bless you and your family.