Vehicle Description
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 applique
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!
VIN DECODE
4P67T3Y199192
4-Buick
P-Centurion
67-2 Door Convertible
T-455ci V8 4bbl
3-1973
Y-Wilmington, DE Assy Plant
199192-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
ST 73 4BP67-1973 Centurion Convertible
BDY Y168236-Wilmington Body #
TR 444 AM6-Neutral Vinyl Split Bench
PNT 74T-Burgundy, Sandalwood Top
03C-3rd Week March Build
B79-Ornamentation Group
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
