Buick Century

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Buick Series 60
Buick Century Series 60
Buick Century
Production period: 1930-2004
Class : Upper class (1930–1958)
Upper middle class (1973–2004)
Body versions : Touring car , roadster , limousine , Pullman limousine , station wagon , coupé , convertible
Previous model: Buick series 129
Successor: Buick Invicta , Buick LaCrosse

The Buick Century was a series of passenger cars manufactured by the American car brand Buick from 1930 to 1942 and then between 1954 and 1958 as the successor to the 121 series in the USA.

Until 1935 the series was only called Series 60 , from 1936 the name Century was added. From 1973 to 2004, the Century reappeared as a mid-range car, but without the serial number 60.

Model history

Series 60 (1930)

1st generation

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Production period: 1930
Body versions : Touring car , roadster , limousine , Pullman limousine , coupé
Engines: Otto engine :
5.4 liters (73 kW)
Length:
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase : 3353 mm
Empty weight : 1819-2027 kg

The new six-cylinder models for 1930 had a top-controlled engine having a displacement of 5431 cc and a power of 99 HP (73 kW) at 2800 min -1 . The wheelbase of the cars, available with seven different two- and four-door bodies, was a uniform 3353 mm. The 60 series was the brand's top model. Compared to the previous model in the 129 series , the cars were 50 mm lower and more elegant.

In the following year, all six-cylinder models were discontinued and replaced by vehicles with in-line eight-cylinder engines. In the only year of production, 38,180 Buick 60 series were built.

Series 60 (1931–1932)

2nd generation
Buick 66S Sport Coupe (1931)

Buick 66S Sport Coupe (1931)

Production period: 1931-1932
Body versions : Touring car , roadster , sedan , coupé , cabriolet
Engines: Otto engine :
4.5 liters (66 kW)
Length: 4445 mm
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase : 2997 mm
Empty weight : 1560-1803 kg
Buick Series 60 Roadster (1932)

In 1931 Buick offered the Series 60 as a medium model. The 14 "reduced wheelbase corresponded with 2997 mm which the series 40 of 1930. However, the new series was 60 equipped with a series of eight-cylinder engine with 4467 cc of a power of 90 HP (66 kW) at 3000 min -1 rendered - 3 bhp less than last year's model. In terms of styling, the vehicles were very similar to the vehicles from 1930. In addition to the two-door roadster and the two- and four-door Phaeton , there was a two-door coupé and a four-door sedan.

There were few changes in the following year. Only the windshield was tilted backwards by 10 °. In addition to two other coupé variants, there was a two-door Phaeton convertible and a two-door convertible.

In these two years 55,135 series 60 vehicles were produced, of which 39,678 four-door sedans and only 908 Phaetons.

Series 60 (1933–1935)

3rd generation
Buick Series 60 Phaeton (1934)

Buick Series 60 Phaeton (1934)

Production period: 1933-1935
Body versions : Touring car , limousine , coupé , convertible
Engines:
Petrol engines : 4.5-4.6 liters
(71-74 kW)
Length:
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase : 3226-3251 mm
Empty weight : 1785-1972 kg

In 1933 the Series 60 had grown back to almost its old size. With a wheelbase that has grown by 9 ″ to 3226 mm, it almost reached the value of 1930. Roadster, business coupé and Phaeton convertible were no longer available. The front view was also new, with a slightly V-shaped radiator grille sloping backwards, eye-catching vertical air intakes on the sides of the bonnet and more elegant fenders. The engine output rose to 97 hp (71 kW).

In 1934 the air inlets on the sides of the bonnet were again two horizontal stripes and the bowl-shaped headlights had taken on the shape of a rocket. The wheelbase again increased by 1 "to 3251 mm and there was a larger engine with 4557 cc capacity and full 100 horsepower (74 kW) at 3200 min -1 . A two-door sedan enriched the number of bodies available.

There were next to no changes in the following year. Only a fold-out armrest for the rear seats was added.

In three years, 31,385 series 60 cars were built.

Century Series 60 (1936–1942)

4th generation
Buick Century 64 4-Door Sedan (1937)

Buick Century 64 4-Door Sedan (1937)

Production period: 1936-1942
Body versions : Touring car , limousine , coupé , convertible
Engines: Petrol engines :
5.25 liters
(88–121 kW)
Length: 5004-5423 mm
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase : 3099-3200 mm
Empty weight : 1611-1920 kg

In 1936 the series 60 appeared completely revised. The wheelbase of the mid-range model fell again by 6 ″ to 3099 mm. The number of bodies was limited to five (a four-door sedan, three two-door coupés and a two-door convertible) and a new name came along: the 60 series was nicknamed Century . Neu was also a larger engine with 5247 cc capacity and a power of 120  hp (88  kW ) at 3200  min -1 . For the first time this year, all Buick were equipped with hydraulic brakes on all four wheels.

In 1937, the cars were given a newly styled radiator grille with a stronger V-shape and a central, vertical chrome strip. The wheelbase was lengthened to 3200 mm and there was again a four-door Phaeton and a two-door sedan as additional bodies. The engine output increased to 130 PS (96 kW) and the Century was the first Buick to exceed the magical 100 mph limit with a top speed of 162 km / h  .

In the following year, the engine output increased again to 141 hp (104 kW).

In 1939 there was a new styling of the front mask . The new “waterfall grill” split in the middle had vertical chrome bars and was raised in the middle towards the bonnet. There were no technical changes.

In 1940 there were completely new bodies without running boards and with headlights integrated into the front fenders. The radiator grille again had horizontal chrome bars, but its outlines corresponded to that of the previous year. The two-door sedan fell away.

In the 1941 model year, the headlight housings were completely integrated into the front fenders, which had increased in volume. The Phaeton accounted for the Cabriolet; there was again the two-door sedan. The engine output was increased to 165 hp (121 kW).

In 1942, the last year of pre-war production, the Century got a new face. The flat, horseshoe-shaped grille was now back on vertical chrome bars. In this short model year, after the coupé was discontinued, there were only two bodies to choose from: the sedans with two or four doors.

134,163 series 60 cars were built in the seven years. After the war the Century was initially not reissued.

Century Series 60 (1954–1958)

5th generation
Buick Century Riviera Series 60 Hardtop Sedan (1956)

Buick Century Riviera Series 60 Hardtop Sedan (1956)

Production period: 1954-1958
Body versions : Sedan , station wagon , coupé , convertible
Engines:
Petrol engines : 5.3–6.0 liters
(143–243 kW)
Length: 5207-5380 mm
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase : 3099 mm
Empty weight : 1719-2038 kg

At the beginning of 1954 the Century appeared with the completely new pontoon body of the Special . All fenders were integrated into the body and there was a small swing of the hips in the area of ​​the rear doors. The windshield was designed as a panoramic window . The V8 engine, which the Century shared with the Roadmaster of the same year, was also new . He drew from 5277 cm a power output of 195 hp (143 kW) at 4100 min -1 . From this model year, the Century series featured a two-door hardtop coupé and a five-door station wagon in addition to the four-door sedan and the two-door convertible.

1955 shows the Century with a large shark's mouth in front and small tail fins in the back. The engine output increased to 236 bhp (174 kW) while the displacement remained the same. In addition to the four body styles from the previous year, there was now a four-door hardtop sedan and a two-door sedan with B-pillars. Instead of the three ventilation openings on the sides of the front fenders, as they had on the Special, the Century had four openings.

In the following year, the shark's mouth became wider and all limousines with B-pillar were dropped. The engine's output rose slightly to 255 hp (187.5 kW).

While the front remained almost the same in 1957, the tail fins and the swing of the hips were significantly enlarged. The V8 engine was also enlarged to a displacement of 5965 cm³. The power increased to 300 horsepower (221 kW) at 4600 min -1 . On request, there was also a more powerful engine with 330 hp (243 kW). The four-door sedan with B-pillars returned. The station wagon was replaced by a five-door hardtop station wagon called Century Caballero - the only hardtop station wagon ever made by Buick.

The Buick Century was completely revised for the 1958 model year. As with the Special, instead of the shark's mouth there was a grille across the entire width of the vehicle. Double headlights were arranged next to each other above. The tail fins grew huge, and there were wide chrome strips on the sides of the rear doors and fenders. Technically, nothing changed in the last year before the model was replaced, only the more powerful engine variant with 330 hp (243 kW) was omitted. In the following year the Invicta replaced the Century.

By the end of 1958, 447,024 cars of the last 60 series had been built.

Century 350 / Century / Century Custom (1973–1977)

6th generation
Buick Century Coupe (1973)

Buick Century Coupe (1973)

Production period: 1973-1977
Body versions : Sedan , station wagon , coupé
Engines:
Petrol engines : 3.8-5.7 liters
(77-114 kW)
Length: 5321-5545 mm
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase : 2845-2946 mm
Empty weight : 1595-1976 kg

In the spring of 1973, a new Century appeared on the much smaller GM-A platform. At 2946 mm, the wheelbase was 6 ″ smaller than the last model in the 60 series.

The cars with the V-shaped nose, the rectangular radiator grille and the individual headlights installed next to them in rectangular frames were available as two-door hardtop coupé, four-door hardtop sedan and five-door station wagon. Also new was a V8 engine with a displacement of 5735 cm³ and a (net) output of 150 hp (110 kW). With its displacement of 350 cu.in. the series also got its name. The sister models Luxus and Regal were available in a similar configuration .

In 1974 there were hardly any stylistic changes, only the radiator grille stretched across the entire width of the vehicle. The hardtop coupé was given a shorter chassis with a wheelbase of just 2845 mm.

In 1975 the hardtop models were discontinued and replaced by body variants with B-pillars. Instead of the simple headlights, there were now double headlights arranged one above the other. In addition to the Century, there was the better equipped Century Custom and a more simply equipped Century Special . The engine output of the V8 fell to 145 hp (107 kW); in addition there was a new base engine, V6 with a 3785 cc and 110 hp (81 kW) at 4000 min -1 .

In the following year, the vehicle fronts were revised: There was a "Mercedes-like" radiator grille with a hood ornament and rectangular double headlights arranged next to one another with indicators and marker lights underneath. The engine output fell to 105 PS (77 kW) for the V6 and 140 PS (103 kW) for the V8.

Few changes (with the exception of a radiator grille divided into 2 × 3 fields) were made in 1977. There were also no technical changes, but a "high-performance V8" with 155 PS (114 kW) was added.

In five years 578,243 copies of the sixth Century series were built.

Century (1977-1981)

7th generation
Buick Century Coupé (1977-1981)

Buick Century Coupé (1977-1981)

Production period: 1977-1981
Body versions : Sedan , station wagon , coupé
Engines:
Otto engines : 3.2–5.0 liters
(66–125 kW)
Diesel engine :
5.7 liters (77 kW)
Length: 4978 mm
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase : 2746 mm
Empty weight : 1360-1552 kg

At the end of 1977 the cars in the Century series were downsized again. Their wheelbase was now a uniform 2746 mm. There was also a two-door coupe, a four-door sedan and a five-door station wagon. In addition to the simple Century Special , there were three sub-series: the Century Custom (in all three body styles), the Century Sport (only as a coupé) and the Century Limited (as a coupé and sedan). The front of the vehicles was shown with a radiator grille across the entire width of the vehicle, limited by individual rectangular headlights with indicators and parking lights attached to the left and right. Coupé and sedan were now provided with a hatchback.

There were three different engines to choose from: the small V6 had a displacement of 3212 cc and developed 90 hp (66 kW), the larger V6 delivered 105 hp (77 kW) from 3785 cc and the V8 had 4998 cc and 160 hp (118 kW).

In 1979 there were only cosmetic changes to the bodywork; All the more happened with the engines: the small V6 developed 105 PS (77 kW), the large V6 as a naturally aspirated 115 PS (85 kW). With a turbocharger, the 3.8-liter V6 developed 170 hp (125 kW). The 5.0-liter V8 was replaced by a slightly smaller model with 4933 cm³ and 140 hp (103 kW).

In 1980, the coupé and sedan were again manufactured with a classic notchback instead of a hatchback, although only the sedan was available from Century Limited . The Century Custom was now simply called Century and the Century Special was no longer available. The small V6 engine was omitted, the large one was still available as a naturally aspirated or turbo variant . The 4.9-liter V8 was also still available, and there was also a 5.0-liter V8, this time with 155 hp (114 kW).

In 1981 the coupé (and with it the sub-series Sport ) was completely eliminated . The Century “Estate Wagon” (not “Station Wagon”) became its own sub-series. The turbo engine was also omitted. Again there were three engines to choose from: the well-known 3.8 l V6 with 110 PS (81 kW), a V8 with 4342 cm³ displacement and 119 PS (87.5 kW) and, for the first time, a V8 diesel with 5735 cm³ displacement and 105 PS (77 kW).

During these four years, 382,413 Century (without Century Special) were created.

Century (1982-1996)

8th generation
Buick Century Sedan (1982-1983)

Buick Century Sedan (1982-1983)

Production period: 1982-1996
Body versions : Sedan , station wagon , coupé
Engines:
Otto engines : 2.2–3.8 liters
(81–118 kW)
Diesel engine :
4.3 liters (62.5 kW)
Length: 4803-4851 mm
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase : 2664 mm
Empty weight : 1179-1428 kg

At the beginning of 1982 the Century series was completely reissued. The new cars had a wheelbase of 2664 mm and front-wheel drive. It was available as a two-door coupe or four-door sedan. The front mask again showed the typical “Mercedes grill”, flanked by rectangular double headlights. The more simply equipped sub-series was called Custom , the better equipped Limited .

The V8 engines were a thing of the past. The basic engine was a transversely installed four-cylinder in-line engine with a displacement of 2474 cm³ and an output of 90 hp (66 kW). On request, there was a V6 with 2966 cm³ and 110 PS (81 kW) or a V6 diesel with 4302 cm³ and 85 PS (62.5 kW). With only cosmetic changes to the front of the vehicle and without any technical changes, the vehicles continued to be built in 1983.

At the end of 1983 only the radiator grille was revised. The sporty T-Type was added to the Custom and Limited sub -series . He had u. a. a black radiator grille, black paint below the belt line, an LED speedometer, etc. While the T-Type was only available as a coupé and sedan, the Custom and Limited were again delivered as a five-door station wagon. The four-cylinder engine increased its output to 92 hp (68 kW).

In early 1985, the radiator grille showed a "waterfall pattern" (thin, vertical chrome bars). Instead of the V6 engine with 3.0 l displacement, there were two new ones with 2835 cm³ and 112 hp (82 kW), or 3785 cm³ and 125 hp (92 kW). Inline four-cylinder and diesel were offered unchanged.

In 1986 the Century had a front sloping front with small, rectangular double headlights and a fine-meshed radiator grille with a vertical and a horizontal chrome strip. The larger V6 engine now delivered 150 hp (110 kW), the diesel engine was omitted without replacement.

In 1987 there were no changes to the bodywork. The large V6 engine, which had just been strengthened in the previous year, was omitted as the small 2.8-liter V6 already delivered 125 hp (92 kW). The four-cylinder engine developed 98 hp (72 kW) this year.

There were no external changes in 1988 either, but a new V6 engine with 3343 cc and 160 nhp (118 kW) output. The T-Type sports model was discontinued, but the Estate Wagon became its own sub-series again.

From the beginning of 1989 the grille consisted of a wide horizontal chrome strip on top and two smaller ones below. The flashing lights grabbed and the vehicle corners around. There were no technical changes. In the following year, the renovated Century was continued. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine achieved its greatest output with 110 hp (81 kW).

In the spring of 1991, the radiator grille was revised again (now it had a "waterfall design" again, although the upper chrome strip remained). The three sub-series were now Special (sedan only), Custom (coupé, sedan, station wagon) and Limited (sedan and station wagon). There were no changes in the following year. In 1993, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder was replaced by a unit with a displacement of just 2179 cm³ while maintaining 110 hp (81 kW).

In 1994, the coupé was completely eliminated, as was the luxurious limited sub-series and the station wagon of the middle custom sub-series. The four-cylinder engine increased to 120 hp (88 kW) and the 3.3-liter V6 was eliminated. Instead, a new V6 engine with a displacement of 3130 cm³ and an output of 160 hp (118 kW) came.

In 1995 the Limited returned as a sedan and the entire series was built unchanged until the end of 1996.

In those 15 years, 2,251,382 Buick Centers were built.

Century (1997-2004)

9th generation
Buick Century (1997-2002)

Buick Century (1997-2002)

Production period: 1997-2004
Body versions : limousine
Engines: Petrol engines :
3.2 liters
(118–129 kW)
Length: 4940 mm
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase : 2769 mm
Empty weight : 1511-1530 kg

At the beginning of 1997 there was a completely new Century for the last time.

The lines were designed significantly softer and the wheelbase of the new GM-W platform had increased to 2769 mm. The oval radiator grille was flanked by broadband headlights with integrated indicators. The four-door sedan was available as a Custom or Limited .

Buick Century (2002-2004)

The only possible drive source was the V6 engine known from its predecessor with a displacement of 3130 cm³ and an output of 160 hp (118 kW). After the Skylark was discontinued at the end of 1997, the Century was the brand's entry-level model.

In 2000 the engine output increased to 175 hp (129 kW). In autumn 2002 a slight facelift was carried out.

The last Buick Century was built on October 25, 2004. The Buick LaCrosse soon became its successor .

Web links

Commons : Buick Series 60  - collection of pictures, videos and audio files
Commons : Buick Century  - collection of pictures, videos and audio files

swell

  • Kimes, Beverly R., Clark, Henry A .: Standard Catalog of American Cars 1805-1942. Krause Publications Inc., Iola 1985, ISBN 0-87341-045-9 .
  • Gunnell, John (Editor): Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975. Krause Publications Inc., Iola 2002, ISBN 0-87349-461-X .
  • Flammang, James M., Kowalke, Ron: Standard Catalog of American Cars 1976-1999 . Krause Publications, Iola 1999, ISBN 0-87341-755-0 .