455ci 4bbl V8/Power Top/TH400 3-Speed Auto/Factory Dual Exhaust

1973 Buick Centurion Convertible

The Buick Centurion is a full-size car built from the 1971 through 1973 model years. Replacing the Wildcat as the sporty iteration of Buick's three full-size car lines, it slotted between the LeSabre and Electra in the lineup. The car's emblem was not the traditional Buick tri-shield, but a side profile of a centurion (a Roman Soldier).

For consignment, a mere 3 year run for this classic Buick, which replaced the Wildcat. Several details that were quintessential Buick were omitted with this car trying to look as if the company was moving forward…these aspects being a lack of any hood venting, and the loss of the tri shield badge, now replaced by the Centurion. Progress? Well I can say this is one cool piece of early 1970 Detroit iron in need of some TLC. Purchased by our consignor in 1986 and with recent brake work, a partial tune up and a new fuel tank this big Buick is almost ready to go. Isn't it time you considered a full size drop top to add to your collection?

Exterior
The large steel slab sided vehicle is bathed in Carmine Red and shows some signs of underlying rust bubbling and previous rust repair and overspray. This rust is kept to the lower body and the upper panels, while rust free, are showing cracking, crazing, and rather large paint blister on the driver's side of the hood. Even with its flaws this big cruiser still has the pizzaz and styling that modern cars cannot replica. From the large chrome front bumper to the vertically barred grille to the chrome bezel headlights and ancient Roman Centurion hood ornament this car oozes class. A black canvas top is on and is power actuated. While working properly, it does need replacement due to large tears and the rear glass being shattered. A vinyl top boot as well as a factory parade boot are included with the car. The gaps are fairly well minded with just slight misalignment noted on the thin body side moldings. 455 emblems on the fenders give a hint of some performance under the hood and horizontally chrome ribbed taillights are integrated into the large rear bumper. 15-inch Buick rally style wheels are on all 4 corners and are wrapped in older but good treaded rubber.

Interior
A swing of the massive door and we are greeted with miles of white vinyl covering which mates up with some chrome trimmings, wood applique, window toggles, side view mirror joystick, and door actuator. The panels are lightly soiled and have yellowing but remain intact. Slipping inside we can snuggle up to the multi-patterned white vinyl with some sections a very close match for actual leather. These are buckets forming a bench in the front and in back a sprawling bench with room for 3 or more. All are original material, and we note some repairs, aging and light color fade. A splayed out V shaped dash in black with wood appliqué accenting, lays out all the features right in front of the driver in a panoramic view. All original gauges, levers, knobs, and controls are present and accounted for as is the original steering wheel fronting this dash. A factory AM/FM radio is seen and heavily worn brown carping floods the floors and is in usable but poor condition.

Drivetrain
Residing under the long heavy hood is an original 455ci V8 topped by a 4-barrel carburetor which has had new points and a new condenser recently installed. This is backed up by a numbers matching TH400 3-speed automatic which pushes power rearward to a 10-bolt 2.93 gear ratio rear axle. The engine bay is unrestored and shows some dust and light rust but still is wearing a nice coating of Buick red engine paint.

Undercarriage
Some heavy surface rust and a few lightly invasive areas of rust are seen but overall remaining structurally sound underneath. We note original flooring showing some area of rust repair with a yellow sealer and also a metal patch done from above on the passenger's front floor. Black undercoating has chipped off to reveal heavy surface rust bordering on invasive on a few of the body hangers. Power brakes in disc form are in front and power drums for the back. Dual exhaust with stock style muffler and resonators is seen with the passenger's resonator being blown out. We see a new fuel tank, also, under the engine we note a very slight leak from the water pump, indicating the need for a new gasket or pump all together.

Drive-Ability
Hopping inside one of these early 1970's classics I cannot help but harken back to my high school days and driving these large and in charge cars. This skate lit right up and leapt at the chance to handle the test track. Idling is smooth albeit a bit loud with failed resonator and a few other exhaust leaks. This big Buick handled our test track with cat-like reflexes, had good solid acceleration from the 455 cubes, and the only mechanical issue we noted was a fuel gauge not reading.

Make your arrival a big one with some large and in charge steel with this 1973 Buick Centurion. Modern clean lines to usher in the 1970's, but needing some TLC on the metal working front as well as the top. Nonetheless a great runner and she's a looker for sure!