Before becoming the owner of this car, I had drooled over pictures the previous owner had showed me after he bought it. He knew I would've loved to have it, but was unable to "secure" the funds needed to get it into my garage. At the time, I had owned a white 71 convertible that another registry member now owns, and is available for viewing on the registry. So, I didn't need another money pit to keep me occupied.
Fast forward two years, and in addition to the convertible, I now owned a 71 LeSabre 4 door sedan. It was a nice low-mileage car, but I had my sights set on getting this Formal Coupe. Upon selling the LeSabre, I immediately had thoughts of making a deal on the Coupe, but I knew it would put a strain on my budget, considering my intentions with the car. I made a deal on the Coupe, and drove it home in October of 2006. It was a very nice example of a mostly original car with 55,000 miles. The only thing that bugged me, was the ratty engine compartment. And, if I was going to tear into it to detail everything, I might as well pump it full of steroids!
My plan included a new cam, heads, carburetor, exhaust, ignition system, transmission modifications, and a continuing list of new "stuff" for it. Unfortunately, the money wasn't there. So, up for sale went the convertible! It sold in November 2006, and I got the money to finally build my 13-second stock appearing Formal Coupe.
Fast forward to Spring of 2007, I finally tore it apart, and cleaned, painted, and detailed every nut and bolt under the hood. I also installed a positraction rear, trans shift kit, 2500 stall convertor, and a couple other little goodies once I got the car running again. Most of the local car shows I attended during the show season were very successful for my car. Along with a freshly detailed engine compartment, the rest of the car was wet sanded, buffed, and polished to a mirror shine.
In August 2007, I took the car down the racetrack at National Trail Raceway in Hebron, OH. It was extremely hot, and didn't fare well with the racers. So, ET's were a little slower than normal. I managed to squeak out a best time of 14.29 that week. Later on in the Fall of 2007, I took the car to the track again in St. Louis. I was finally able to creep into the 13-second zone with a 13.90 and a 13.89. The only way I could get traction, was to install drag radials. Otherwise, I would not hook up on the starting line.
Currently, I don't have any major plans for this car, but I might do some work on the front end and replace some rubber parts this Winter.
Sound clip of the exhaust with the new cam:
Cowl Tag Info:
ST 71-46647X04532 BDY
TR 468 67-B PNT
06A
ST-71 = 1971 Model Year
4 = Buick Motor Division
66 = Centurion
47 = Formal Coupe
X = Fairfax KS GMAD (General Motors Assembly Division)
04532 = Body Number
TR 468 = Black Vinyl Notchback Interior
67 = Lower body color (Burnished Cinnamon)
B = Upper body color (Black Vinyl top)
06A = Built 1st week of June 1971
VIN: 466471X181033
4 = Buick Motor Division
66 = Centurion
47 = Formal Coupe
1 = Model year (1971)
X = Fairfax, KS Assembly Plant
181033 = basic sequential production number (100001 was first built)
Options:
Options Added:
Shipped To:
The Hocks Buick Co.
3330 & 3363 Reading Rd.
Cincinnati, OH
© Buick Centurion Registry 2005