To Be OFFERED AT AUCTIONEstimate:
$35,000 - $40,000
- Arguably the original American muscle car
- One of just 1,018 produced, a very rare body style
- Elegant year-correct Trouville Blue livery
- A turning point in American performance
It is easy to forget today just how revolutionary the Buick Century
was at the time of its introduction for the 1936 model year.
Combining the larger, more powerful 320-cu. in. straight eight of
the larger Roadmaster with the smaller Special platform resulted in
a car with memorable performance, 165 bhp sustaining speeds of 100
mph, hence the Century name. Besides offering the best performance
of any car in its price class, combined with traditional rock-solid
Buick engineering and quality, the Century innovated the idea of
combining an automaker's hottest engine with its lightest platform.
It was an idea that other General Motors brass would revisit over a
quarter-century later to create the modern American muscle car.
The inaugural Century was surprisingly rare even when new,
especially the two-door body styles. The sport coupe with rumble
seat, known familiarly by its style no. 66S to Buick aficionados,
sold only 1,018 examples. While the number of survivors is not
known, it remains seldom seen even on the show circuit, making the
offering of this example simply, well, special! It was restored
some years ago in this striking year-correct color, Trouville Blue,
and features a correct and very attractive wool cloth interior with
leather accents and handsome woodwork. The Art Deco finishes of the
dashboard are particularly lovely.
Every Buick enthusiast should own and enjoy a Century, and among
the most historic and beautiful would be a 1936 model - truly the
car that started it all, a new era of American automotive
performance at achievable prices.
Please note that this car does not include a restoration book.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/0520.
