Buick Century

Buick Century
Overview
ManufacturerBuick (General Motors)
Model years
  • 1936–1942
  • 1954–1958
  • 1973–2005
Body and chassis
Class
Body style
Layout
Chronology
Predecessor
Successor

Buick Century is the model name that was used by Buick for a line of upscale full-size cars from 1936 to 1942 and 1954 to 1958, as well as from 1973 to 2005 for mid-size cars.

The first Buick Century debuted as the Series 60 then renamed in 1936 as a shorter and lighter model featuring the same engine as the bigger Roadmaster and Limited series giving it more performance while using the shorter wheelbase body of the Buick Special.[1] During the 1930s and 1940s it was Buick's companion to the top level Roadmaster and was offered as a 2-door and 4-door sedan and convertible. The Century name was used on six generations of cars of varying sizes as well as performance and trim levels. In 1969, Buick developed a concept car known as the Century Cruiser. In the 1970s, the Century Regal became a separate model and market positioning between the two products changed from year to year depending on sales. The Century was updated to front wheel drive in 1982 and was Buick's 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and station wagon, with regular updates and feature upgrades as customer preferences changed over time.

Series 60 (1930–1935)

[edit]
Series 60
1933 Buick Series 60 Model 68C Convertible Phaeton
Overview
Model years1930–1935
AssemblyBuick City, Flint, Michigan, United States[2]
DesignerHarley Earl
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size car
Body style2-door coupe
2-door convertible
4-door phaeton
4-door sedan
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive[2]
PlatformGM B platform
RelatedMcLaughlin-Buick
Powertrain
Engine331.4 cu in (5.4 L) Buick Straight-6 engine OHV I6
220.7 cu in (3.6 L) Buick Straight-8 engine OHV I8
230.4 cu in (3.8 L) Buick Straight-8 engine OHV I8
278 cu in (4.6 L) Buick Straight-8 engine OHV I8[2]
Transmission3-speed synchromesh manual[2]
Dimensions
Wheelbase114 in (2,896 mm)
119 in (3,023 mm)
124 in (3,150 mm)[2]

Originally, the Series 60 had the 331.4 cu in (5.4 L) OHV Buick Straight-6 engine from the Series 70, developing 99 bhp (74 kW) at 2,800 rpm. It had, at the beginning of the generation, a full-length running board denoting the top model for Buick at the time, shared with the short wheelbase, entry level Series 40. In 1930, GM built 38,180 cars. The bodystyles available were torpedo, sedan, coupe, and roadster convertible, using GM's "B-body" platform.[2] Starting with this generation, all GM cars shared a corporate appearance as a result of the "Art and Colour Section" headed by Harley J. Earl and modest yearly changes were introduced to freshen the appearance.[2]

In 1931, the running board was reduced and the OHV 220.7 cu in (3.6 L) Buick Straight-8 engine was introduced that developed 90 bhp (67 kW). Aesthetically, the Series 60 remained almost unchanged, and the same fact occurred also in the following year. In 1931 and 1932, a total of 55,135 were produced.[2]

In 1933, the length of the body increased and the radiator was now concealed behind a façade with a grille. The engine power increased to 97 hp (72 kW), and 1933 was the first year all GM vehicles were installed with optional vent windows which were initially called “No Draft Individually Controlled Ventilation” later renamed "Ventiplanes". In 1934, the appearance was changed to a more rounded appearance, with a new OHV 278 cu in (4.6 L) eight-cylinder engine and 100 hp. In 1935, the model remained almost unchanged while the body style selections were similar to larger Buicks but more affordably priced. Six choices were available to include both 2- and 4-door convertibles using the term "phaeton" for the 4-door convertible with a listed price of US$1,675 ($37,224 in 2023 dollars [3]). Total production from 1933 to 1935 was 31,385. In 1936, the model changed its name to "Century".[2]

  • 1931 Buick Series 60 Sport Coupe
    1931 Buick Series 60 Sport Coupe
  • 1933 Buick Series 60 Sedan Model 67
    1933 Buick Series 60 Sedan Model 67
  • 1934 Buick Series 60 Victoria Coupe Model 68
    1934 Buick Series 60 Victoria Coupe Model 68
  • 1935 Buick Series 60 Sedan
    1935 Buick Series 60 Sedan
  • 1936 Buick Series 60 Sedan
    1936 Buick Series 60 Sedan

First generation (1936–1942)

[edit]
First generation
1937 Buick Century Series 60 Model 64 4-Door Touring Sedan
Overview
Model years1936–1942
Assembly
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size car
Body style2-door coupe
2-door convertible
4-door phaeton
4-door sedan
LayoutFR layout
PlatformB-body
Related
Powertrain
Engine320 cu in (5.2 L) Fireball I8 OHV
Transmission3-speed synchromesh manual
Automatic Safety Transmission (1938 only)[2]
Dimensions
Wheelbase122 in (3,099 mm) (1936)
126 in (3,200 mm) (1937-42)
Length197 in (5,004 mm) (1936)
204 in (5,182 mm) (1937-42)

Buick renamed its entire model lineup for the 1936 model year to celebrate the engineering improvements and design advancements over their 1935 models, introducing a "streamlined" appearance. Buick's Series 40 model range became the Special, the Series 60 became the Century, the Series 80 became the Roadmaster, and the Series 90, Buick's longest and most luxurious vehicles, became the Limited. The terminology "Series 60" and "Series 70" were shared with Cadillac, while "Series 60", "Series 70", "Series 80" and "Series 90" were shared with Oldsmobile.

The basic formula for the 1936 to 1942 Century was established by mating the shorter wheelbase Special bodies to the Roadmaster's larger displacement straight-eight engine. The Century offered four different types of 2-door body styles to include convertibles and only one 4-door Sedan, with the ratio remaining coupes over sedans until 1938 when there were three coupe and three sedan choices.[2] The 1940 Series 50 Super combined the longer Roadmaster body with the smaller displacement Special engine.

While the Special was powered by Buick's OHV 233 cu in (3.8 L) straight-8 engine, rated 93 hp (69 kW) at 3200 rpm, Centurys produced between 1936 and 1942 were powered by the OHV 320 cu in (5.2 L) straight-8 producing 141 hp (105 kW),[4] making them the fastest Buicks of the era and capable of sustained speeds of 100 mph (161 km/h), hence the name Century (100), earning the Century the nickname "the banker's hot rod".[2] Prices listed for the 2-door Victoria Coupe started at US$1,055 ($23,164 in 2023 dollars [3]) to US$1,135 ($24,861 in 2023 dollars [3]) for the 2-door Convertible. By 1940 prices rose to US$1,175 ($25,554 in 2023 dollars [3]) for the Sport Coupe to US$1,620 ($35,232 in 2023 dollars [3]) for the 4-door Convertible Phaeton.[2]

The Century was discontinued at the end of the abbreviated 1942 model year due to World War II, when production of passenger vehicles stopped on February 4, 1942, during which total model production only accounted for about 10% of Buick's total output.

  • 1938 Buick Century Series 60 Touring Sedan Model 61
    1938 Buick Century Series 60 Touring Sedan Model 61
  • 1938 Buick Century Series 60 Sport Coupe Model 665
    1938 Buick Century Series 60 Sport Coupe Model 665
  • 1939 Buick Century Series 60 Touring Sedan Model 61
    1939 Buick Century Series 60 Touring Sedan Model 61
  • 1941 Buick Century Series 60 Touring Sedan Model 61
    1941 Buick Century Series 60 Touring Sedan Model 61

Second generation (1954–1958)

[edit]
Second generation
1955 Century Riviera
Overview
Model years1954–1958
Assembly
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size car
Body style4-door sedan
2-door coupe
2-door convertible
4-door hardtop Estate station wagon
LayoutFR layout
PlatformB-body
RelatedOldsmobile 88
Powertrain
Engine322 cu in (5.3 L) Fireball V8 OHV[5]
364 cu in (6.0 L) Fireball V8 OHV
Transmission2-speed Dynaflow automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase122 in (3,099 mm)[5]
Length206.3 in (5,240 mm) (1954)
206.7 in (5,250 mm) (1955)
205.1 in (5,210 mm) (1956)
208.4 in (5,293 mm)(1957)[5]
211.8 in (5,380 mm) (1958)
Width76 in (1,930 mm) (1954–55)
Height60.5 in (1,537 mm) (1954)
59.8 in (1,519 mm) (1956)[5]
Chronology
SuccessorBuick Invicta

Buick reintroduced the Century using the same formula of mating the smaller, lighter Buick Special body to its largest and most powerful 322 cu in (5.3 L) "Fireball" OHV V8 engine mated with a Dynaflow automatic transmission, with the intent of giving Buick a performance vehicle. Included in the model lineup during this period was a station wagon model, a body style that had been unavailable during the Century's first production period of 1936 until 1942. In 1953 The Buick-Berle Show introduced product placement commercials on TV, and later in 1955 The Honeymooners was one of the sponsors.

Introduced in the middle of the 1955 model year, the four-door Buick Century Riviera along with the four-door Special Riviera, the four-door Oldsmobile 98 Holiday, and four-door 88 Holiday, were the first four-door hardtops ever produced. For the first time, the Century was repositioned below the C-body Buick Super and priced lower. It continued to feature four "VentiPorts" on the front fenders like the larger Buick Roadmaster indicating its status equal to the Super, denoting it was a junior level Buick using the shorter B-body. It also introduced the "Panoramic" one-piece wrap around windshield on all GM cars for 1955.

In 1955, the California Highway Patrol placed a large fleet order for 270 Century two-door sedans, a body style unavailable to the general public. It combined the Special two-door sedan body shell with Century powertrain, of which 135 were Dynaflow automatics and 135 were manual transmissions. Broderick Crawford was shown driving a two-door Century sedan during the first season of his popular syndicated TV series Highway Patrol. These Century two-door sedans were actual police vehicles owned by the California Highway Patrol and were loaned to the TV production company, the CHP door emblems were changed to a generic highway patrol emblem. (In later seasons, he drove a four-door Century but these were not California Highway Patrol owned vehicles.) Power brakes were optional.[6] Tubeless tires were new.[7]

The Century remained Buick's performance line, with engine power rising from 200 hp (149 kW; 203 PS) (SAE gross) in 1954, to 236 hp (176 kW) in 1955, to 255 hp (190 kW) in 1956, and topping out at 300 hp (224 kW) from a bored-out 364 cu in (6.0 L) engine in 1957 and 1958, the last model years for the full-sized Century line.

In 1956, the Century's base price was US$2,963 ($33,206 in 2023 dollars [3]). Power windows were standard in the convertible. A padded safety dash became optional.[8]

For 1957, Buick styling was notable for its three-piece rear window design. This was a feature in all series fixed-roof body-styles, (excluding wagons and convertibles). Oldsmobile also used this 3-piece rear window design that year, marketed as the “Twin-Strutted Rear Window.”

Because the Century was considered the senior "small Buick", the model received a version of GM's hardtop station wagon, the Century Caballero Estate for the 1957 and 1958 model years and was not continued for 1959.

For 1959, Buick renamed the Century the Invicta.

  • 1954 Buick Century convertible
    1954 Buick Century convertible
  • 1955 Buick Century 4-door Riviera
    1955 Buick Century 4-door Riviera
  • 1955 Buick Century 2-door Riviera
    1955 Buick Century 2-door Riviera
  • 1956 Buick Century 2-door Riviera
    1956 Buick Century 2-door Riviera
  • 1957 Buick Century Riviera convertible
    1957 Buick Century Riviera convertible
  • 1958 Buick Century 4-door Riviera
    1958 Buick Century 4-door Riviera
  • 1958 Buick Century Caballero Estate hardtop station wagon
    1958 Buick Century Caballero Estate hardtop station wagon

Third generation (1973–1977)

[edit]
Third generation
1973 Century Gran Sport
Overview
Model years1973–1977
AssemblyFlint, Michigan, United States (Buick City)
Framingham, Massachusetts, United States (Framingham Assembly)
Fremont, California, United States (Fremont Assembly)
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size car
Body style2-door coupe
4-door sedan
4-door station wagon
LayoutFR layout
PlatformA-body
RelatedOldsmobile Cutlass
Pontiac LeMans
Chevrolet Chevelle
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission3-speed manual
4-speed manual
3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase116 in (2,946 mm)
Length212.4 in (5,395 mm)

The Buick Century nameplate was revived for the 1973 model year on the rear-wheel drive intermediate A-body platform, which was redesigned for this year. The name replaced Skylark for Buick's mid-sized cars. The Century Regal coupe was added at the top of the model range and later became a separate series, dropping the Century name for 1976. It was available with two- and four-barrel versions of the Buick 350, putting out 150 and 175 hp (112 and 130 kW), respectively. The 225 hp (168 kW) 455 was also an option. The base Century and Century 350 coupes had a fastback roof with large rear quarter glass, while the Century Luxus featured a more formal notchback roofline with narrow opera windows. The Century Estate replaced the Buick Sport Wagon.[9]

By replacing the Skylark, the Century inherited the Gran Sport performance option. The package was available with any engine and included upgraded suspension, additional instrumentation, and unique appearance treatment. Dual exhaust increased output of the four-barrel 350 to 190 hp (140 kW). While the Stage I 455 was somewhat diminished from its performance heyday due to emission controls, output was competitive for the era at 270 hp (201 kW) and 390 lb⋅ft (529 N⋅m). A Saginaw three-speed manual was standard with either 350 engine. A Muncie M-21 four-speed was available with either 350 or with the regular 455, while the Stage I required a Turbo-Hydramatic 400.[10]

1973 Buick Century Gran Sport

The 1974 Buick Century and Regal were introduced with HEI (High-Energy Ignition systems) instead of points and ignition coil. The 1974 Buick Century Gran Sport was still, "Available only as a Hardtop Colonnade Coupe, it carries the Rallye ride and handling suspension with stabilizer bars, front and rear. Plus a specialized blacked-out grille and head lamp doors, an accent stripe on the rear deck, special tail lamps and Gran Sport grille ornamentation. And if you go for the Gran Sport, you can add the Stage 1, the high performance engine."[11]

For 1975, the Luxus was renamed Century Custom. The new 110 hp (82 kW) 231 V6 was installed as standard equipment along with a three-speed manual transmission on coupes and sedans, and the big-block 455 was no longer available. The four-barrel 350 V8 became standard on station wagons. A new landau top became available for fastback coupes that partially covered the rear quarter glass, giving an appearance similar to the formal-roof Century Custom. A Century Special coupe was added to the lineup, using the fastback roofline. The Special was marketed as an economy variant of the Century and was only available with the V6 engine.

In 1975, the US government legalized rectangular headlights and Buick added them to the Century for the 1976 model year, positioned side-by-side on coupes, and stacked vertically on sedans. Sedans received a taller, more-formal grille, while coupes got an angled, body-colored front end along with new bodyside sheet metal that lacked the traditional "sweepspear". The Gran Sport option was discontinued with the 455 engines and only 231 V6 or 350 V8 were available on the last 1,288 made vehicles merely with appearance and suspension option package.

1975 Buick Century "Free Spirit" Indy 500 pace car replica with 350 v8 standard engines. One of 1813 made.
1976 Buick Century "Free Spirit" Indy 500 Pace Car replica with standard 231 v6 engines. One of 1290 made.

Buick Centuries were used in the 1975 and 1976 Indianapolis Motor Speedway as pace cars. Buick introduced a 1975 Buick Century "Free Spirit" edition replica based on the Indy Pace Car for the public with patriotic graphic decals and the Buick Hawk on the hood. This 1975 vehicle had a transmission shifter on the floor with bucket seats and "Hurst Hatch" T-tops installed. The white exterior and blue/white interior were based on the 1975 two-door sheet metal. The engine was a 350 V8, as opposed to the 455 V8 used on the actual Indy 500 Pace Car. Alternatively, in 1976, Buick introduced the "Free Spirit" edition of the Indy Pace Car; it was downsized to the 1976 Special facelift sheet metal with a 231 V6. The original Indy Pace Car had the turbocharged 231 V6. The replica featured a silver, black, and red paint with a black interior. The vehicle included a positive-traction differential.

1976 Buick Century Estate station wagon

To commemorate the Bicentennial of the United States, the standard colors available on all Buicks were Judicial Black, Liberty White, Pewter Gray, Potomac Blue, Continental Blue, Concord Green, Constitution Green, Mount Vernon Cream, Buckskin Tan, Musket Brown, Boston Red and Independence Red, with specially available colors on select models Congressional Cream, Revere Red, Colonial Yellow and Firecracker Orange.[9]

In 1977, the V6 engine was revised to be even-firing, and a 403 cu in (6.6 L) Oldsmobile V8 was added as an option for station wagons.

Production Figures:

Buick Century Production Figures (Gran Sport and Free Spirit are included in Coupe counts and Regal are plus counted for totals years):[12] [13] [14]
Coupe Sedan Wagon Gran Sport Free Spirit Regal Coupe Regal Sedan Yearly Total
1973 127,866 60,640 18,405 6,637 N/A (None) 91,557 N/A (None) 287,468
1974 78,096 34,015 11,651 3,355 N/A (None) 57,512 9,333 190,607
1975 72,522 32,070 11,207 1,288 1,813 56,646 10,726 183,458
1976 93,484 53,360 16,625 N/A (None) 1,290 124,498 17,118 #
1977 73,698 42,710 19,282 N/A (None) N/A (None) 174,560 17,946 #
Total 445,666 222,795 77,170 11,280 3,103 504,773 55,123 1,305,528

Fourth generation (1978–1981)

[edit]
Fourth generation
Overview
Model years1978–1981
AssemblyFlint, Michigan, United States (Buick City)
Framingham, Massachusetts, United States (Framingham Assembly)
Fremont, California, United States (Fremont Assembly)
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size car
Body style2-door fastback coupe
4-door fastback sedan
4-door sedan
4-door station wagon
LayoutFR layout
PlatformA-body
Related
Powertrain
Engine196 cu in (3.2 L) Buick V6
231 cu in (3.8 L) Buick V6
265 cu in (4.3 L) Pontiac V8
301 cu in (4.9 L) Pontiac V8
350 cu in (5.7 L) Oldsmobile diesel V8
Transmission3-speed THM200, 250, 350 automatic
3-speed manual
4-speed Saginaw manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase108.1 in (2,746 mm)
Length196 in (4,978 mm)
Curb weight3130-3425 lb

GM downsized its intermediate line, reducing wheelbase by 4 in (102 mm) and curb weight by nearly half a ton. The Century was initially offered as an "aeroback" fastback two-door coupe and a fastback four-door sedan along with a station wagon model (sharing bodies with the Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon). The car was over a foot shorter, several inches narrower, and several hundred pounds lighter than its predecessor. Big-block engines were discontinued and the new base powerplant was Buick's new 196 cu in (3.2 L) V6 introduced specifically for the Century and Regal. The 231 cu in (3.8 L) V6 and the Chevrolet 305 V8 were options. The Pontiac 265 cu in (4.3 L) and 301 cu in (4.9 L) replaced the Chevrolet engine for 1979.

One of the more rare models of this time was the 1979 to 1980 Century Turbo Coupe, powered by a turbocharged version of the 3.8 L V6, which offered V8-like performance with more reasonable fuel consumption and reduced emissions. The Turbo Coupe was not nearly as popular as the similar Regal Turbo Sport Coupe of the time, and total production is estimated to be less than 2,500.

The two fastback models (along with the Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon) proved unpopular. For 1980, the fastback four-door sedan was dropped in favor of a conventional notchback four-door sedan. After 1980, the Century fastback coupe was discontinued. With the introduction of the new front-wheel drive Century in 1982, the existing notchback sedan and wagon models were transferred to the Regal line.

Production Figures:

Buick Century Production Figures:[9]
Coupe Sedan Wagon Turbo Coupe Yearly Total
1978 23,252 30,894 33,600 N/A 87,746
1979 5,626 17,045 31,513 1,653 55,837
1980 N/A 129,740 17,615 1,074 148,429
1981 N/A 127,119 17,148 N/A 144,267
Total 28,878 304,798 99,876 2,727 436,279
  • 1980 Buick Century four-door sedan, rear view
    1980 Buick Century four-door sedan, rear view
  • 1980 Buick Century Estate Wagon
    1980 Buick Century Estate Wagon

Fifth generation (1982–1996)

[edit]
Fifth generation
1984 Buick Century Limited Sedan
Overview
Also calledChevrolet Century (Venezuela)
Buick Regal (Japan)
GM Century Limited (México)
Model years
  • 1982–1996
  • 1984–1996 (Mexico)
Assembly
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size car
Body style
LayoutTransverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
PlatformA-body
Related
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase
  • 104.8 in (2,662 mm) (1982–1990)
  • 104.9 in (2,664 mm) (1991–96)
Length
  • 189.1 in (4,803 mm) (sedan & coupe)
  • 190.9 in (4,849 mm)
(wagon)
Width69.4 in (1,763 mm)
Height
  • 53.7 in (1,364 mm) (sedan & coupe)
  • 54.1 in (1,374 mm) (wagon)
1986–1988 Buick Century Estate Wagon

In January 1982, GM debuted the downsized fifth generation Century, using the front-wheel drive A platform, in coupe and sedan forms.[16]

The fifth generation Century shared the front-wheel drive A platform with the Cutlass Ciera, Pontiac 6000 and Chevrolet Celebrity, and together the A-bodies became enormously popular — as well as synonymous with GM's most transparent examples of badge engineering, highlighted almost indistinguishably on the August 22, 1983 cover of Fortune magazine as examples of genericized uniformity, embarrassing the company and ultimately prompting GM to recommit to design leadership. [17][18] [19]

In October 1983, a station wagon was added to the lineup to replace the discontinued Regal wagon.[20][21] The 1984 model year also had an Olympic version of the Buick Century, commemorating the 1984 games in Los Angeles, California. In 1985, all 1986 versions were "freshened" with a new, more angular front fascia. Wheelbase was 104.9 in (2,664 mm), with 189 in (4,801 mm) overall length. Both four-cylinder gasoline units and diesel V6 engines were offered in this generation, although neither became popular. Performance versions of several Buick models, including the Century coupe, were marketed in the mid-1980s under the T-Type name. With Buick's 181 cu in (3.0 L) V6 producing 110 hp (82 kW), the Century T-Type's performance was modest, but the Buick 3.8 V6 SFI engine, producing 140–150 hp (104–112 kW), offered performance in this comparatively lightweight vehicle.

For 1985 and 1986, Hess & Eisenhardt/Car Craft of Lima, Ohio converted 124 finished Buick Century coupes into coachbuilt convertibles. Although these convertibles were sold as new cars through Buick dealerships, these conversions were not factory authorized. In 1986, the engine distributor was replaced by a coil-pack ignition system that proved to be far more reliable than the system that it replaced. The "Chevrolet Century" were sold in South America and the Caribbean. In Mexico, it was sold as the Century Limited (with no brand, although it wears the Buick logos). Introduced for 1984, it was the top model for General Motors Mexico, and it survived the import car wave from 1991 (previously new car importations were forbidden in Mexico) and continued in production until the 1996 model year. In Japan it was sold as the Buick Regal because of the Toyota Century limousine.

The Century received a facelift in late 1988 for the 1989 model year,[22] gaining a new more-rounded roofline, but continuing on the A-body platform. Black plastic inserts with the Buick tri-shield emblem replaced the rear quarter windows. The front end received flush headlamps and a rounded grille, and the stand-up hood ornament was now standard. All sedan models were easily distinguished by their full-width taillights that followed a Buick tradition of big taillights. The 3300 was introduced in 1989 as a replacement for the 3800 cc engine, offering an increase of 10 horsepower, but a loss of 15 lb-ft of torque. The smaller engine featured multiport fuel injection, waste spark distributor-less ignition controlled by the ECM after startup, but had no balance shaft. An interior refresh came in 1989 for 1990 models.[23]

The 1989 model had seatbelts mounted on the b-pillar, for 1990-1996 the seatbelts were mounted on the door. From 1989 to 1992, the Century had a black bumper and side trim, and from 1993 to 1996 the Century had a bodycolored trim.

Originally for 1990, the Century, as with the rest of the A-body range, was intended to be phased out in favor of the more modern W-body line of midsized cars. However, the Century, as well as its sister the Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, continued to remain popular nearing the end of their initial runs. Thus, it was decided that the older Century and Cutlass Ciera would instead continue production alongside their proposed replacements, the Regal and Cutlass Supreme respectively, as lower priced alternatives.

1991 facelift

[edit]

For the 1991 model year,[24] the Century received another slight facelift featuring a bigger radiator grille and different headlamps. The interior featured new door panels with the window switches and door lock switches relocated to a more convenient configuration found on more modern cars, where the switch location corresponds with the window location in the car body. This feature never appeared on its sibling the Oldsmobile Ciera, which retained the inline switch bank mounted flush with the door panel, the rear switch being the driver's door window. The Century windows switches were not backlit, but illuminated by a small bulb in the door panel trim above the switch bank. Other interior changes included new seat covers, and relocating the front outboard seat belts from the A-pillar into the door, functioning as "automatic" seat belts so that the belts could be buckled and the door opened and closed while still buckled. The driver and front passenger could enter and exit the vehicle while the seat belt was still fastened.

For 1993, the 2.5 L I4 was replaced with a new 115 hp 2.2 I4. For 1994, the slow-selling coupe model was dropped (603 sold for 1993, or 0.5% of overall Century sales[25]), and all models received a standard driver's-side airbag. Also in 1993, the 160 hp (119 kW) 3.3 L Buick V6 was replaced with a 3.1 L V6 with the same power rating, and power on the 2.2 L I4 was up to 120 hp (89 kW) with the introduction of MFI. Midway through the 1994 model year, a round speedometer replaced the wide rectangular one, but the car still carried on with the original dash.

Despite its dated design, the Century and its sibling the Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera still sold well during the 1990s and proved both reliable and profitable to GM since their tooling costs had been monetized.

  • 1982 Buick Century sedan
    1982 Buick Century sedan
  • 1984 Buick Century Limited Sedan, rear view
    1984 Buick Century Limited Sedan, rear view
  • 1985 Buick Century coupe
    1985 Buick Century coupe
  • 1986–1988 Buick Century sedan
    1986–1988 Buick Century sedan
  • 1989–1990 Buick Century sedan
    1989–1990 Buick Century sedan
  • 1991–1993 Buick Century sedan
    1991–1993 Buick Century sedan
  • 1994 Buick Century Special wagon
    1994 Buick Century Special wagon
  • Japanese market 1994–1996 Buick Regal wagon (Toyota was already using the Century marque)
    Japanese market 1994–1996 Buick Regal wagon (Toyota was already using the Century marque)

Production

Buick Century Production Figures[9]
Coupe Sedan Wagon Yearly Total
1982 19,715 83,250 - 102,965
1983 13,483 114,443 - 127,926
1984 15,429 178,454 25,975 219,858
1985 13,043 215,928 28,221 257,192
1986 14,781 229,066 25,374 269,221
1987 7,262 159,785 17,404 184,451
1988 2,449 101,351 9,458 113,258
1989 6,953 139,120 9,419 155,492
1990 1,944 123,557 7,220 132,721
1991 1,600 102,435 6,500 110,535
1992 627 111,819 6,041 118,487
1993 603 110,795 9,163 120,561
1994 - 122,326 8,364 130,690
1995 - 102,773 7,498 110,271
1996 - 85,625 6,843 92,468
Total 97,889 1,980,727 167,480 2,246,096

Engines

[edit]
Years Engine Power Torque Notes
1982–1988 2.5 L (151 cu in) Tech IV TBI I4 90 hp (67 kW) 134 lb⋅ft (182 N⋅m) Also with 92 hp[26]
1989–1992 2.5 L (151 cu in) Tech IV I4 110 hp (82 kW) 135 lb⋅ft (183 N⋅m)
1993 2.2 L (134 cu in) LN2 I4 110 hp (82 kW) 130 lb⋅ft (176 N⋅m)[27]
1994–1996 120 hp (89 kW) 130 lb⋅ft (176 N⋅m)[28]
1982–1985 3.0 L (181 cu in) Buick V6 110 hp (82 kW) 145 lb⋅ft (197 N⋅m)
1986* 2.8 L (173 cu in) LE2 V6 112 hp (84 kW) 145 lb⋅ft (197 N⋅m)
1987–1988 2.8 L (173 cu in) LB6 V6 125 hp (93 kW) 160 lb⋅ft (217 N⋅m)
1989–1993 3.3 L (204 cu in) LG7 V6 160 hp (119 kW) 185 lb⋅ft (251 N⋅m)
1994–1996 3.1 L (191 cu in) L82 MFI/SFI V6 160 hp (119 kW) 185 lb⋅ft (251 N⋅m)
1984–1985 3.8 L (231 cu in) LG3 V6 125 hp (93 kW) 195 lb⋅ft (264 N⋅m) MFI[26]
1986–1988 150 hp (112 kW) 200 lb⋅ft (271 N⋅m) SFI
1982–1985 4.3 L (262 cu in) LT7 Diesel V6 85 hp (63 kW) 165 lb⋅ft (224 N⋅m)
  • - Buick Centuries sold in Canadian market had 2.8 litre LE2 V6 available from 1982-1986.

Sixth generation (1997–2005)

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See also: Buick Regal (fourth generation)
Sixth generation
2003 Buick Century Limited
Overview
Also calledBuick New Century (China)
Production
  • 1996–October 2004
  • 1998–2000 (China)
Model years1997–2005
Assembly
DesignerWayne Cherry (chief: 1993)
Wayne Kady (1993)[29]
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size car
Body style4-door sedan
LayoutTransverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
PlatformW-body 2nd Gen
Related
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase109.0 in (2,769 mm)
Length194.6 in (4,943 mm)
Width72.7 in (1,847 mm)
Height56.6 in (1,438 mm)
2000 Buick Century Custom
Rear View (2003 Century Limited)

The Century was redesigned for the last time in December 1996.[30] The four-door sedan was the only body style offered (the station wagon was dropped due to decreasing sales) and in North America was exclusively offered with front-wheel-drive and a V6 engine; a four-cylinder engine was only available in China. Plainer "Custom" and fancier "Limited" trim levels were carried over from the previous generation. The redesign moved the Century to the W-body platform, rejoining its former Regal sibling for the first time since the 1981 model year.

The Century and Regal were nearly the same cars, distinguished only by seating configurations, trim, and engine differences. While the Regal had more performance and luxury features, the lower-priced Century kept a more traditional image, and was equipped with a front bench seat and column shifter as standard, a softer suspension, monotone interior colors, and less-powerful engines. The Regal only came with a console-mounted shifter and bucket seats, and although bucket seats and a fixed center console were optional on the Century, the column shifter was retained, and the Century lacked a tachometer.

After the 1998 discontinuation of the Skylark, the Century became Buick's entry-level car for the first time. For 2003, the Limited trim was eliminated, leaving one standard model. As a result, many features standard on the Limited became options, such as anti-lock brakes, OnStar, driver side-impact airbag, rear glass antenna and a cassette player. Additionally, the "Century" nameplate on the front doors was removed, and only seen on the vehicle's taillights.

A Special Edition option package was produced for 2005 that included dual-zone automatic climate control, 16-inch chrome-plated aluminum wheels, touring tires, anti-lock brakes, a chrome grille with revised tri-shield and a rear Special Edition emblem. Only four exterior colors were offered with the Special Edition option package, Sterling Silver Metallic, Cashmere Metallic, Cardinal Red Metallic and Glacier Blue Metallic.

The 2005 Buick LaCrosse was introduced in late 2004 to replace both the Century and Regal, and was based on the third-generation W platform. The last Buick Century was assembled at GM's Oshawa plant on October 25, 2004.

China

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Buick "New Century" (China)

The Buick Century was produced in China as the New Century from 1998 to 2000. The engine was the 3.0 liter LW9 V6 engine which was also used in the first-generation Buick GL8. A four-cylinder model was also available paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Century was replaced by the Buick Regal due to poor sales.[31]

After the discontinuation of the model in 2000, the New Century name was used as a trim level of the Buick Regal, sold until at least 2005.[32] 2,986 cc (182.217 cu in)

Engines

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  • 1997–1999 L82 3.1 L (191 cu in) "3100" V6 160 hp (119 kW), 185 lb⋅ft (251 N⋅m)
  • 2000–2005 LG8 3.1 L (191 cu in) "3100" V6 175 hp (130 kW), 195 lb⋅ft (264 N⋅m)
  • 1998–2000 L34 2.0 L (121 cu in) "E-TEC II" I4 120 hp (89 kW), 126 lb⋅ft (171 N⋅m) – Chinese market only
  • 1998–2000 LW9 3.0 L (182 cu in) "3000" V6 170 hp (127 kW), 185 lb⋅ft (251 N⋅m) – Chinese market only

Usage of the name in China (2023)

[edit]
Main article: Buick GL8
Buick GL8 Century (China)

In China, the fourth generation Buick GL8 minivan was marketed as the Buick Century.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Severson, Aaron (23 June 2008). "One Hundred from Zero: The 1936–1942 Buick Century". Ate Up With Motor. Retrieved 12 November 2019.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Kimes, Beverly (1996). Standard Catalog of American Cars 1805-1942. Krause publications. pp. 161–193. ISBN 0-87341-478-0.
  3. ^ a b c d e f 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  4. ^ "1939 Buick brochure". oldcarbrochures.com. p. 15. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  5. ^ a b c d Flory Jr., J. "Kelly" (2008). American Cars, 1946-1959 Every Model Every Year. McFarland. ISBN 978-0-7864-3229-5.
  6. ^ "1955 Buick brochure". oldcarbrochures.com. p. 26. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  7. ^ "1955 Buick brochure". oldcarbrochures.com. p. 24. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  8. ^ "1956 Buick brochure". oldcarbrochures.com. p. 29. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  9. ^ a b c d Flammang, James M. (1999). Standard Catalog of American Cars 1976-1999 (3rd ed.). Krause Publications. pp. 43–134. ISBN 0-87341-755-0.
  10. ^ Fitzgerald, Craig (June 2004). "1973-1974 Buick Gran Sport". Hemmings Muscle Machines. American City Business Journals.
  11. ^ Gran Sport. Standard features
  12. ^ Craig Fitzgerald. (September 23, 2018). 1973-1974 Buick Gran Sport Hemmings
  13. ^ 1973 Buick Century Specifications
  14. ^ Production Numbers: 1973 Century
  15. ^ "1984 Buick Century Custom 4 Door Station Wagon Prices, Values & Century Custom 4 Door Station Wagon Price Specs". NADAguides. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  16. ^ Holusha, John (14 September 1981). "New Cars Coming Gradually". The New York Times. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
  17. ^ Daniel Strohl (February 3, 2021). "How a single magazine cover photo changed the course of auto design at GM in the Eighties". Hemmings.
  18. ^ Amy Wilson (September 14, 2008). "Can't tell the Pontiacs from the Buicks? That's the problem". Automotive News.
  19. ^ Paul Niedermeyer (November 17, 2012). "1983 Fortune: Will Success Spoil General Motors?". Curbside Classics.
  20. ^ "1984 Buick Century Estate Wagon 2.5L offered since October 1983 for North America U.S." automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
  21. ^ Witzenburg, Gary (October 1983). "Detroit '84 - General Motors Lays on the Luxury". Popular Mechanics. 160 (4): 111. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
  22. ^ "Hutchinson News Newspaper Archives, Oct 14, 1988, p. 61". 14 October 1988.
  23. ^ Koblenz, Jay (November 1989). "1990 Auto Guide". Black Enterprise: 102. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
  24. ^ "Syracuse Herald Journal Archives, Sep 24, 1991, p. 111". 24 September 1991.
  25. ^ Gunnell, John (2004). Standard Catalog of Buick, 1903–2004 (Third ed.). Krause Publications. p. 279. ISBN 0873497600.
  26. ^ a b Lösch, Annamaria, ed. (1984). World Cars 1984. Pelham, NY: L'Editrice dell'Automobile LEA/Herald Books. p. 271. ISBN 0-910714-16-9.
  27. ^ Gunnell 2004, p. 280.
  28. ^ Gunnell 2004, p. 285.
  29. ^ Childs, Charles (23 September 1996). "Cherry: GM Design Plan is Driven by Customers". Automotive News. Retrieved 24 February 2021.
  30. ^ "Cutlass, Century More Functional in New Duds". Chicago Tribune. 11 August 1996.
  31. ^ de Feijter, Tycho (October 22, 2019). "Spotted in China: Buick New Century". carnewschina.com. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
  32. ^ "The Buick New Century Is A Piece Of China's Automotive History". carnewschina.com. June 12, 2018. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
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