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.