Vehicle Description
Solid, straight, handsome Centurion convertible. Powerful 455 cubic
inch V8. Loaded with options including A/C, power windows and
locks, tilt, and more. Recently serviced, runs great. A big
summertime cruiser with a small car price!Buick was definitely at
the top of their luxury car game in 1973, offering a half-dozen big
cruisers that delivered a uniquely American combination of
effortless power and smooth ride. The Centurion was a mid-level
entry that added a dash of sportiness to the recipe, making it a
full-sized convertible that thinks it's a muscle car. This handsome
1973 Buick Centurion convertible is a great way to enjoy that
old-school American luxury without a major investment, and it's a
solid car throughout. The two-tone paint isn't stock, but we
believe the lighter burgundy on the upper surfaces is the original
paint, with the darker, second color below the belt line added at
some time in the past. The result is striking, different without
being weird, and highlighting the dramatic body lines that define
the Centurion. A gold pinstripe separates the two colors, and works
rather well, making the car look a mile long. Panel gaps are quite
good and we can find no serious issues with the finish, just the
usual signs that it has been enjoyed on sunny days. There's also
nice chrome, including the massive bumpers, headlight surrounds,
and mirror housings, which always seem to get pitted on cars that
live in harsh climates. This is a clean cruiser.The tan interior
appears to be almost entirely original and in very good overall
condition. We believe the carpets have been replaced, but then
again, given the condition of everything else, they might just be
really nice originals. The wrap-around instrument panel puts all
the controls near the driver, and the big three-spoke steering
wheel at least implies a sporty ride. The power windows and locks
work, the A/C was recently serviced and blows cold, and all the
gauges and lights are operational and even the clock ticks away.
Nice! There are no rips or tears in the seats and the dash isn't
cracked. Look at the condition of the car and the price again! The
white power convertible top works like it should and stows under a
matching tan vinyl boot. The substantial trunk is finished with
black carpets and includes a full-sized spare and jack assembly.The
Centurion moves like a muscle car thanks to Buick's potent 455
cubic inch V8. Somewhat de-tuned for 1973, it still delivers the
kind of effortless performance for which cars like this were
justifiably famous. There's torque right off the line, so the big
ragtop steps out with enthusiasm and cruises easily at speeds
that'll get you arrested in most states. The engine bay isn't
detailed for show, but it's tidy and shows signs of maintenance,
including new belts and hoses plus a fresh tune-up, so it runs
great. There's also a newer radiator and master cylinder. It's
backed by a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission, which is one of
the toughest automatics ever invented, and it spins 2.73 gears, so
it just loafs along at highway speeds. The underside is a bit
grungy and has been undercoated, but we don't see any signs of
holes in the floors and the structural members are solid, so this
ragtop still feels good even on rough pavement. The dual exhaust
has a suitably muscular sound and it sits on steel wheels with wire
wheel covers and recent 225/75/15 Michelin radials.This car
delivers a surprising mix of performance, comfort, and value,
making it a great hobby car that's ready to enjoy. It's not
perfect, but it has a handsome look and no major vices. Just get in
and turn the key, it's ready to go. Call today!Harwood Motors
always welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle
in our inventory prior to purchase.
