Vehicle Description
1972 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 1972 Buick Centurion convertible showing 43,188
miles which are not actual and it has a matching numbers
transmission. 110,539 Centurions were produced over those three
years with 10,296 being convertibles. Of note, Centurions had one
of the shortest runs in Buick model history.
Exterior
Two stage Fire Red adorns this big convertible glistening just a
little bit better than new, its long slab sides reflecting light
from every angle. The front fenders dip into the shoulder line
which then runs straight all the way across the C-pillar where a
blip in the line leads to the long rear deck over an extended
overhang. Both the front and rear are instantly recognizable as
Buick, like an old friend you haven't seen in a while but who still
looks familiar. There's a gentle curve to the windshield which is
framed in polished trim and attaches to a white canvas roof with
clear rear glass window. Most of the metalwork is in great shape,
including the substantial front bumper and contoured rear piece
while the 15-inch Buick Rallye wheels are in place with one missing
a center cap. We could not find any glaring exterior
imperfections.
Interior
A white interior begins with the door panels, a combination of
stitch patterned vinyl over plastic showing just a touch of patina
on the armrests, not uncommon with white interiors. And the white
vinyl seats bear that out as well, with the split bench showing a
bit of age but in generally good shape with no tears while the back
bench presents with patina but also intact. Black and woodgrain
adorn the dash beginning with the steering wheel, a three spoked
unit common at GM and this has remnants of the Buick name, now
mostly faded. The A/C control panel is to the left in this car with
some wear on the frame and an arching speedometer is front and
center displaying its 120 mph top speed. An AM/FM/8 track radio is
to the right with Elvis staged to perform his Gold Record hits! The
passengers can look at the rare Centurion logo on their side of the
dash while a nice black carpet covers the vast floor with Buick
rubber mats to protect. The trunk shows some use but is otherwise
clean and partially covered with a GM branded rubber mat.
Drivetrain
A clean, driver quality 455ci V8 is under the hood, wearing a
Holley 4-barrel carburetor and rated at 260 horsepower. It's mated
to the numbers matching TH400 3-speed automatic which sends power
to the 10 bolt rear axle. A power brake booster sits next to the
red engine and assists the front discs and rear drums.
Undercarriage
Driver quality, clean and dry underneath with dual exhaust that
flow through stock style mufflers before dumping discretely before
the rear bumper. Suspension is one of the standards with coil
springs up front and a 4 link with coil springs in the back.
Drive-Ability
We saw this car driving in and were immediately struck by the red
paint and impressive side. When it was our turn to take it for a
spin, we put the top down for the full effect and if you've never
ridden in a big ragtop, it's quite the experience! Now, the engine
delivers impressive power, the ride is soft, and the car tracks
well. But we have a list of items that will need attention. The
horn, passenger power locks, wipers, and radio do not work. Sorry,
Elvis. The top doesn't fully close without assistance and the rear
windows also need help to go up. The passenger door has to be
opened from the inside actuator. The A/C does not work as there is
no belt present, and we do note exhaust leaks. Beyond those items,
everything else worked as expected. While Classic Auto Mall
represents that these functions were working at the time of our
test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at
the time of your purchase.
There's no way to know how many of the original 10,296 Centurion
convertibles are left in the world, but we're guessing it's not
that many. This is a unique Buick having been produced for only
three model years and if not for emblems, it would make for a great
trivia question or subject for discussion at car shows. But it's
not at car shows where this will shine best, it's at your town's
local cruise night. Up and down Main Street in a full sized
convertible is the way to go, there's simply no two ways about it!
When fellow cruisers ask what you're driving, you can respond,
"This...is....Sparta!" and speed off with your 455!
4P67W2X134680
4-Buick
P-Centurion
67-2 Door Convertible
W-455ci V8 4bbl Stage 1
2-1972
X-Fairfax, KS Assy Plant
134680-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
ST 72 46667-1972 Centurion Convertible
BDY X-00480-Fairfax Body #
TR 475 A65-White Vinyl Split Bench
PNT 75A-Fire Red, Black Top
11B-2nd Week November
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
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