'73 formal coupe 455

[kungphuphil]

http://www.americandreamcars.com/1973centurion070804.htm

[Smartin]

Looks like a nice one...

[Centurion]

Keep in mind that only the '71 and '72 Centurion 2-door models were "Formal Coupes". The '73 lost the unique rear window treatment and roof moldings, and adopted the LeSabre roofline, glass, and trim.

[The German]

... to the link of kungphuphil :

http://www.americandreamcars.com/1973centurion070804.htm

<<--------------->>

This offer is older than half a year; I saw it in summer 2006 when I was searching for a Centurion!

Rolf

[kungphuphil]

not to use the phrase 'formal coupe' without really understanding it. You'd think the absence of tie and tails would have tipped me off. :rooleyes2:

I figure if the superior stylings of the '73s front-ends don't set them apart from their Chevy-like predecessors what's the point of making a distinction?

[Centurion]

figure if the superior stylings of the '73s front-ends don't set them apart from their Chevy-like predecessors what's the point of making a distinction?

The point of making a distinction is that Buick Motor Division made a distinction. It may seem a minor point, but we're here because we're Centurion addicts; I figure it's okay to handle the details with precision.:)

You'll find that the '71 and '72 Centurion frontal styling is a logical evolution of the "Buick look" that was developing during the 1961 - 1964 period. No one has ever mistaken my Buick for a Chevy of the early '70's.

[kungphuphil]

I'm just havin' some fun with you guys;) . I guess I ought to make more use of the little smiley fellers :confused4: :D :xyxthumbs: :user: :rolleyes:

Actually I find the little distinctions intersting too, and I like to make fun of myself and others for our fervent love of the car that wears the helmet. Why else would I even bother to trumpet the looks of the '73 over the others? I'm a nut! :confused2:

I'd like to see some side-by-side photos of the differences between 'formal' coupes and other 2-dr hardtops (obviously I wasn't aware there's a difference):Dou: . Do they come with vinyl tops or tophats? ;)

[Bob Alberini]

The vinyl roofs were mandatory with the 71 and 72 formal coupes. In 73, with the change in body style, the vinyl roof became an option.

[kungphuphil]

"In 73, with the change in body style" Is there a side-by-side comparison anyone can post? Thanks!

[Centurion]

Regarding the 2-door hardtops and Formal Coupes, perhaps these photos can help illustrate the difference.

The first car is a '72 Formal Coupe. As mentioned previously, the vinyl roof covering was standard equipment. The car has smaller blackglass, with roof moldings that are painted to match the color of the vinyl roof, except for a narrow, bright ring of trim around the rear window itself.

The second car is a '73 2-door hardtop. This one is equipped with a vinyl roof, which was now an option. The larger rear window was shared with the LeSabre, and all rear roof moldings are bright moldings -- again shared with the LeSabre.

http://www.buickcenturion.com/1972/tom_r/'72-Buick.jpg

http://www.buickcenturion.com/1973/green_gold_coupe1/e0_1_b.jpg

[Robroy]

I’ve been wondering about the difference between the 2-door hardtops and Formal Coupes. This thread got a lot of the answers, and some really nice pictures too:) :)

[EEE]

I've seen that car before on craigslist, it's located in Inglewood, which is near the LAX airport in Los Angeles. I could check it out if someone is interested in buying it. There's also a 73 Centurion in San Francisco's craigslist right now.

[The German]

I've seen that car before on craigslist, it's located in Inglewood, which is near the LAX airport in Los Angeles. I could check it out if someone is interested in buying it. There's also a 73 Centurion in San Francisco's craigslist right now.

... and here are the links :
http://marksusedcars.com/showad.cgi?1070&1973310156CA_50_15844.dat

http://jimmyjax.com/BUICK/1973_centurion_15844.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/car/287004938.html

---------------------------
Rolf

[EEE]

Guess there's a few blue ones out there right now..