1972 V8 BUICK CENTURION: BETTER THAN A BARN FIND.
History: It is 50 years ago, that David purchased this rather rare Centurion, new from the Buick Dealer, on the 19th of May, 1972. The 2 door hardtop Centurion, with its powerful V8-455 x 4 engine and sleek design and 2 tone paint scheme, had been David’s dream car. That day the car’s VIN Number, 4P47T2Y218253, was handwritten written on the ‘Buick New Warranty document’, together with his first and last name. He was proud of his purchase and kept all the original documents, such as the “Auto Owner’s Maintenance Folio” that also displayed his name, containing 1972 owner’s manual, the ‘ 1972 Emission Control Systems Information’ and ‘1972 Consumer Information for Your Buick’. (See Pictures).
David cherished his Centurion and always carefully garaged it; only to take it out for a spin on special occasions between 1972 and 1987 averaging 3,468 miles per year. Regretfully he then fell ill and for the next 17 years only some 507 miles/ year were driven on average, essentially to the change the oil, lubricate the systems and keep the State Inspection and insurance current. Having the Centurion by his side was his comfort according to the family. By 2005 the Centurion (with 62,281 original, documented miles on the odometer), would not be driven again and remain in the old garage where it always had been, as the family could not bring themselves to part from this fine reminder of David, his beloved Centurion.
Today: Already a classic Buick owner myself (e.g. 1975 Buick Le Sabre Convertible), I was able to quality to ‘rescue’ the Centurion and was permitted to become its second owner in September 2015. Since then $12,454.19 care has been lavished on the car for repairs to this, by now, CLASSIC CAR (fully documented). Nothing major but standard upgrade maintenance that one can expect after an extensive rest period in David’s (air-conditioned) barn-garage. (Repairs such as but, not limited to : New fuel tank, fuel lines, water pump, fuel pump, front and rear shocks, manifold gasket, rotor, calipers, starter motor; all the expensive bits). The Centurion was, and is, back in great shape and the half-century Centurion continues to be fully garaged. For the next 6.5 years only 4,750 glorious miles were recorded on average by me. (After all how many classic Buicks can you drive all at once?). The Centurion’s thrill is its V8-455 engine, which does not disappoint passing cars on two lane roads. This Centurion has, naturally, passed State inspection as it has every year; its current State Inspection is valid through April 2023 (See pictures).
Are you ready to become only the third owner of this 1972 BUICK Centurion? Then I like you to know the following:
The value of any classic car is its authenticity. This unique “Barn-like-find “ half-century Centurion can be celebrated as authentic as can be, with all its VIN Numbers matching everywhere (i.e. chassis, engine block, transmission; see pictures).
Some Classic Cars are fun to look at, but difficult to maintain. Mechanical parts for this Centurion are readily available and I found it easy to drive and maintain.
Enjoy the 50th year anniversary this year!