1972 Buick Centurion Convertible For Sale [Archive]

The German

09-26-2007, 01:46 PM

... ... There was another on within the past year that is a decent looking car, but I don't have the details on it.

Here are some details of that car; I was interested too, but did not bid for it on ebay because I could not get more information about it early enough and when I contacted the seller, he told me that he would not sell that car to Germany. So I searched another one ... .

The details I still have about that car :
1972 Buick Centurion , Miles: 63000
Convert. Orange White Leather, Leather Seats
Power Windows, Power Locks
Interior Original
455 Engine, Auto Trans
Air Conditioned Power Steer
Power Brakes
63,000 Original Miles
Original Mag Wheels
Cream Puff
8 Track Radio (stereo)
VIN 4P67T24219185
Dealers Show Car
Item location:Glassboro, New Jersey, United States

... and some pictures are to be seen with the link given from Keith :
http://www.buickcenturion.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2818#post2818

I hope that is a good information for you Richard.
______________
Rolf

centurion 455 ragtop

09-26-2007, 08:45 PM

:Dou: Ugh I can't handle this. Way too many nice cars for sale and I want them all!!!!! Unfortunately my wife will crack me on the side of my head with one of my race cams if I even attempt to buy another one. I like this car too and it's about 2 1/2 hours from me. Damn now I go to go play lotta again.

Hey Keith it would be interesting on owning TWO of the same:Brow:
Rolf that's a tough one, when they won't sell it over the pond. I am sure you will find one.

Richard Dunn

09-26-2007, 09:16 PM

Thank you all for your help.
This just may be the car that the dealer has.
I called them today because the pictures will not load on their website.
But the options, price, etc. all sound right.
I may take a drive their on Saturday morning.
Thanks to everyone.
Rick

centurion 455 ragtop

09-26-2007, 09:19 PM

I may take a drive their on Saturday morning.
Thanks to everyone.
Rick

DO IT!!!!
It can't hurt to... drool...I mean take a look:Brow: Who knows you may end up buying it

Richard Dunn

09-26-2007, 09:39 PM

Anybody in the market for an old slightly used kidney? LOL

The German

09-27-2007, 03:51 AM

... ...
Rolf that's a tough one, when they won't sell it over the pond. I am sure you will find one.

Hey, Rick, it was last year when I was interested in that car - short before I found my car : the white convertible of Adam. You have seen my story :
http://www.buickcenturion.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71
Now I´m really happy with that car so that I´m not searching a second one now!
But my feelings are the same as yours:
I could buy more of those beauties :p if my wife would tolerate it.

The car was not in the hands of a dealer last year; the seller was the owner in Glassboro. So it´s possible that this dealer would sell it to foreign countries now. We will see how it ends ... .
(BTW: the price in 2006 was $7500 only !)
___________________
Rolf

Mickemustang

09-27-2007, 04:03 AM

Preferably the bamboo cream one. If so, Email me at
mickemustang@hotmail.com

regards
mikael
SWEDEN

I'm new here and I'm am a former owner of two Centurion convertibles.
1971 in teal mist gray and black.
1973 in bamboo cream and sandlewood.
I've recently decided to start the hunt for another one.
I just saw on a web site for a local dealer an ad for a 1972 In Flame Orange.
But the pictures weren't loaded yet.
Is this the same car as pictured here on this site???
That car is spectacular.
If it is I'm taking a ride to that dealer this week.

Thanks,
Rick

The German

09-27-2007, 08:54 AM

keeping in mind the car didn't meet reserve at $7500

Yes, Keith, the reserve of $7500 was not reached, the car remained unsold. But I don´t remember the highest bid on it - as I remember it was near to that price.
_____________
Rolf

dewbers

09-27-2007, 11:19 AM

You guys are killing me. I'm in DE, so this is only an hour drive for me. Richard, if you get it, let us all know. It's nice to hear some local boys are finally getting in the game. I just missed a "for sale by owner" 71 Centurion ragtop in the West Chester area two weeks ago. He sold it to a fella in Cecil County (yes Keith, right near the track) for $4200... I was prepared to buy it, but I missed it by a day b/c I was at the Jersey shore with my ride in a car show! Anyway, I am trying to track the new owner down to get him to join our Forum. Look forward to getting with you guys soon to take a cruise! If you don't buy this one in Jersey, let me know. I may. (though I'll have to live in one of them!!) Then I'll have the perfect set!!! An Orange one and a Black one....... reminds me of my favorite hockey team that just happens to play in PHILLY!!! :beers: God, I am getting excited just thinking about that possibility!!! :Brow: :Brow: :Brow:

The German

09-27-2007, 12:32 PM

Steve, do you have a garage for 2 huge cars now ? And you will not have problems with your wife when buying a second one ? ;)
__________________
Rolf

dewbers

09-28-2007, 09:15 AM

Two car garage... you think she'll mind parking her Envoy outside? :Brow:
If I bought another one, I'd have to find another garage for sure. One with a bed, a bath etc... I wonder if it would be worth it!?!?! :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

The German

09-28-2007, 10:07 AM

... ... I wonder if it would be worth it!?!?! ...

That´s the most important question !! :cool: I can´t help you with the answer, but I´m sure you will find the best decision and solution !
On the other hand: be carefully - cars can become magetically; I have a friend with 29 cars in his old farmers house and some halls around, but only 2 of them are ready for the road and he has not time and money enough to do all the work needed... .
I wonder how it ends.:rolleyes:
_____________________
Rolf

Bob Alberini

09-28-2007, 06:58 PM

I documented this car when it first appeared on ebay in June, 2004 and here is the information that I obtained at that time:

4P67T2Y219185 Body Y1017 Paint 65-A (verifies the SCO Flame Orange color) - Trim 475 (white vinyl Notch-back seat interior) - Built: 05B

Option List: 6way power seat, power windows, AM-FM Stereo 8 track, accessory group, power door locks, tinted glass, remote control mirror, front lamp monitors, protective side molding, bumper guards, protective bumper strips, whitewall tires, chrome wheels and factory air conditioning

Not long after this one surfaced, another verified one surfaced in Houston, TX. It was in pretty sad shape and was not highly optioned. Then in May, 2005, Keith purchased his car in Ohio and we know of one other Flame Orange 72 Centurion convert that was in Missouri in the early-mid 90s but the car has never been documented and we do not know if it even still exists as it hasn't surfaced in over ten years. But we do know of 4 of the 25 that were built.

Richard Dunn

09-28-2007, 10:18 PM

Well I have yet to see this car and I don't think I am going to get there tomorrow after all. Someone made plans for me and then changed the time so I am stuck for the day.
There are still no pictures on the dealer's website so I have a feeling the dealer is selling it for the owner.
I am off from work next Friday, the 5th. I was going to go to the Fall Carlisle show but I think I may go to this dealer in New Jersey and see if I can take a look at this car.

dewbers

10-01-2007, 11:12 AM

Richard Dunn

10-01-2007, 02:28 PM

That could be the dealer, the exchange for his phone is 856 but he's asking $15,000 for the Centurion not $5.000. If he'll take $5,000 for it consider it sold. The $15,000 is really a stretch for me. A big stretch.
I went to A.C. yesterday and on my way home this morning, coming up RTE 73 just south of the old Berlin Circle there is an auto repair shop.
They had a red Buick convertible. Either a '71 or a '72. It had a black top and a black interior and chrome wheels. I couldn't tell if it was a LeSabre or a Centurion. I was zipping by a wee bit too fast.....
A few month ago someone in that same area was adverising a '72 LeSabre convertible on an on line site. But that one was red with a white top and white interior and it looked to be in rough shape. It had chrome wheels.
Funny though, the picture wasn't too clear and it appeared to have Centurion fender scripts with a LeSabre hood. The VIN number he listed for the car was for a Centurion.

Richard Dunn

10-02-2007, 08:32 PM

Yep, that's the dealer.
I have to get over there somehow.
Also tonight I noticed on Ebay a new listing for a maroon 1973 Centurion.
Absolutley gorgeous.

Richard Dunn

10-02-2007, 10:20 PM

Ha Ha, I had read your note real fast and I thought you said you were going to purchase this one too. I thought I had lost my possible chance.
But I just got back and reread what you wrote.
It is gorgeous, but honestly I don't think I can afford something that high.
But I still want to see it in person.
Maybe I can do something or work a deal....
I think my big fear is spending a lot of money for something that won't run and will just end up sitting in the driveway rusting away.
Thanks so much for the link and the pictures. They are really twisting my arm...alot. The pictures on his website still won't load.

The German

10-03-2007, 03:54 AM

the $15,900 price is nearing half of what the owner wanted for it a couple years ago - after I had bid on it on ebay and was the high bidder, I called the owner and was informed the reserve was $29,900, after I got off the floor, (no I didn't faint, I was rolling on the floor laughing my ass off) I thanked him for the info and tried to get it out of my mind. Well, it took a couple years, but fate knocked and gave me the chance on the one I now own. This appears to still be a very nice car and it will and should bring a good price.

Compared to all I have seen in the last two years the price of this one is pretty high. On the other hand it´s the rare flame orange one; I guess some $1000´s are only to pay for that colour (?) !
It´s a beautiful car of course but not only the colour has to be good for such an amount of money.
BTW: the top seems to have a problem - no picture shows the car with top down and it looks like it could not be stretched as it should be when closed !

Richard, you might not have an easy decision now. Good luck !!!
_________________
Rolf

The German

10-03-2007, 07:42 AM

Thanks for sharing your thoughts regarding the price question, Keith. I guess you are right - also because I know about your good knowledge about these cars and the market for them.
Anyway - main thing is that Richard ,the potential buyer, got this information so that his decision could be made on a better basis. I hope he will reach that the dealer will lower the price and then will become a proud Centurion owner and member of our gang here !
___________________
Rolf

dewbers

10-03-2007, 03:41 PM

What a great looking car........ I have found two other cars that are for sale as well.

1 - In New Jersey. 1-856-321-9000 - ask for Mark - Not sure of the details as the guy I tried to buy one from in Pennsylvania referred me to him. We've played phone tag. He is not the same dealer selling this beauty... so it appears there are two for sale in NJ. Once I get more information, I'll post it, unless you all call them directly.... He just called back. It's a different car. 71 Centurion Convertible - Candy Apple red (not original) white top and interior. 455 4-bbl - "nicely optioned" - Does not know the miles. It is not a perfect car, needs work. He does not have photo's. Asking $5,000. Hope this helps guys!

2 - In the Hemmings Motor News (Nov 2007 issue) - they have two cars listed. One is fixer upper... 1972 Centurion Convertible - $1,500. 816-966-1330 or 816-522-9376 - located in Missouri

Here's the info on the other:
1972 Centurion Convertible - 70,000 original miles, original paint, top, chrome, interior, 455 4-bbl, new dual exhaust, cold a/c, nicely optioned, drive anywhere. $13,900. 803-644-7902 Cell- 301-641-5727. Located in South Carolina. This is on page 325 of the book.

As a guy who paid top dollar for his ride, I'll tell you that it hurts as first, but when you drive these babies, all your cares in the world get carried away. I probably paid too much. In fact, everyone on the forum says I did... but I'd do it again if I could find as clean a car as what I bought.
That's my two cents...

Smartin

10-03-2007, 06:15 PM

I'm diggin' the avatar, Steve!

Richard Dunn

10-03-2007, 08:03 PM

Typical of my life lately, I had an unfortunate incident and now I cannot go to Carlisle Friday morning. I now have to go to a funeral service. BUT since I already had Friday scheduled off from work and I will be here in the area I am going to try to get to that dealer in Jersey on Friday afternoon and look at the Flame Orange Centurion.
I am lusting after that car....is that a bad thing????

dewbers

10-04-2007, 11:19 AM

Thanks Adam... just following your advice on how to take pics. It's fun. Carry that damn digital with me so if I see an angle I haven't notice before, I snap one off. That's where this avatar came from. Will be sending you another shot for the calendar soon... just deciding which to use!

Richard - hate to be the bearer of bad news bro...... we all lust for our ladies! :p :p :p (one of the regulars on here referred to them as our mistresses... Keith or Rick maybe??) He hit it dean on. These damn things will consume you if you let them. Especially that Flame orange color. As Keith said, it will draw a lot of attention. (as you already know, and you haven't even bought it!!!) Good luck and sorry for your loss... (funeral)
Steve

Bob Alberini

10-04-2007, 02:00 PM

Richard,
If you are in contact with the dealer, the Flame Orange convert that we think this one is has a VIN of 4P67T2Y219185. If that is the car that Keith is telling you about, we first documented it off ebay in 2004 and it had 62k on it at that time. It sounds like the same car but if you have the VIN for it, you'll know for sure. If the VIN has a different number and you do happen to go look at it, the Centurion brotherhood would appreciate a full documentation. Also, be sure to check the body plate to make sure that Flame Orange is the original color. We have already done so on the one listed above and it is legitimate.

Boscoe

10-05-2007, 07:34 PM

As a guy who paid top dollar for his ride, I'll tell you that it hurts as first, but when you drive these babies, all your cares in the world get carried away. I probably paid too much. In fact, everyone on the forum says I did... but I'd do it again if I could find as clean a car as what I bought.
That's my two cents...

Gun collectors will tell you, "You didn't pay too much. You just paid it too soon." Prices will catch up.

Richard Dunn

10-05-2007, 08:31 PM

I copy and pasted this from the earlier post.
This is the same car. I checked the VIN.
4P67T2Y219185 Body Y1017 Paint 65-A (verifies the SCO Flame Orange color) - Trim 475 (white vinyl Notch-back seat interior) - Built: 05B

Option List: 6way power seat, power windows, AM-FM Stereo 8 track, accessory group, power door locks, tinted glass, remote control mirror, front lamp monitors, protective side molding, bumper guards, protective bumper strips, whitewall tires, chrome wheels and factory air conditioning

It does not have a tilt wheel or cruise control.

This afternoon I drove to the dealership in NJ.
I met with one of their employees and he let me drive it around their lot.
WOW. What a host of memories. It rides and handles just like my Buicks of yore. I Felt like I was driving an old friend.
It has all the options listed above. The white vinyl boot is in the trunk. But will need to be cleaned.
There is a chrome rim with the original (?) tire mounted on it.
The trunk has most of the original hardboard trim and carpet. The spare tire cover is still there. There are also some parts which I didn't recognize and a bag of eight track tapes.
It appears to be all original paint. I checked out the door jams and the inside of the trunk deck looks bright and new. And orange!
It is a mixture of the good and the not so bad.
She smells like an old car....of course. But not musty.
The interior vinyl is nice and bright. Quite impressive for white! The dash appears perfect. The carpeting needs replacing but it's really not in bad shape from what I could see. Just discolored a bit, maybe from too strong a rug cleaner. The power locks didn't work on the driver's side. The windows work but slowly. The radio works but I didn't play with. I did not check the air. The power seat works but slow. I can't remember now if the tilt features were working.
I did not try the top, never even thought to try it. I was so terrifed to be driving this car. Really, I was scared of it.
The top itself should probably be replaced at some point. The top frame did not rattle or squeak. The back window panel looks pretty secure and it is a glass pane.
The body has some issues. The paint needs to be professionally buffed. It looks okay but... There is some cancer at the bottom of the passenger door.
There is a dent along the bottom of the side panel beneath the driver's side back window.
She needs a power steering pump for sure. She will probably need suspension work especially in the rear. Maybe just a good set of shocks. She squeaked!
The sales person said they were planning on doing brake work on the car and I think I would agree. They seemed mushy.
I didn't pop the hood but the engine and exhaust sounded good and I really wanted to take her out on the road and open her up. There were no shifting problems.
All in all she might make a good investment for someone who has the money.
She's a tired old girl who needs a trip to the spa. LOL!
I think she's been sitting parked somewhere for a long long time.
I do plan on going back but I couldn't stay as long as I wanted today.
I am still considering possibly purchasing it, but I've had such bad luck with old cars in the past I can't think straight tonight. My head is spinning.
They said they would work with me....now that could be dangerous. LOL
I'm going to Carlisle tomorrow morning and check things out there.
Thanks to everyone here for their encouragement and support.

dewbers

10-08-2007, 11:43 AM

Hey Richard - what is the price of the car again? Sounds like a lady that does need some TLC, but WOW, what a chance to own a rare classic!!
Keep us posted!

Richard Dunn

10-08-2007, 07:22 PM

Hi Steve
Yes and I am like a kid in a candy store over this.
Part of me is screaming "DO IT DO IT!"
The other side of me is saying: "Walk away and look for something else. You can't afford this."

I went to Carlisle on Saturday.
The only contemporaries of this beauty were two 1972 Impalas.
One was triple black with air and power windows. GORGEOUS at $25,000.
The second one was a maroon repaint (incorrect color but actually quite elegant) and just air. $21,000.

So on a comparison basis the price on this may be dead on the money or maybe a wee bit high considering the work needed.

I am so torn.

The German

10-09-2007, 04:16 AM

Richard, I would do what Keith told you; that´s perhaps the way to get this fine car for a reasonable price ! To help you I looked for the phone number of the former owner of that Centurion - and I found it ! I´ll send you the number and his email address as well with a PM. The owner was an older man so that the email address is from his son. Perhaps you better call him by phone. You could ask for the history of that car and for the invisible weak points.
His price when the car was on ebay was only ca.$7500 ! It might be that the price was higher when the car was sold to the car-dealer who has it now but the lower ebay price could be an argument in talking with the dealer also.

Next is that I gathered some of the last offers of Centurions in a file which has nearly 3MB now. It could be of little help for you also but to be able to send it to you I need your email address. You could give it to me with a PM.
___________________________
Rolf

dewbers

10-09-2007, 05:31 PM

Hey Richard, I feel your pain bro... but Keith and Rolf are dead on. Don't over spend on a project. Listen, I am talking from experience. When I bought my car, I visited this site to let these fellas know what I had bought and to join the forum.... however, the guys on the forum were in the middle of tearing my new baby apart! :( :bawl: :( :bawl: :(
But they did it to point out that it was over priced not to knock me or the ride itself. And they did it without knowing I was snooping :Brow: around the pages trying to learn more about centurions and about the car I had just bought.

Man, I was devastated b/c I thought I got ripped off. Then the guys came through with emails of encouragement :beers: stating why they tore it apart. Same advice you got here from Keith and Rolf. Tearing the car apart will make you better prepared to offer a price that is fair. These guys loved my car, but tore it down b/c they wanted to ensure it sold for the fair market value. I did over pay, but as Boscoe pointed out in another thread... Gun collectors will tell you, "You didn't pay too much. You just paid it too soon." Prices will catch up. That made me feel a better. :xyxthumbs: I'll share this b/c I don't want you to take it in the ear.... I bought my car for a few hundred less than this guy is asking for the car. And my ride, though not perfect, didn't need much TLC as the one you're looking at. What I've done to her, I've done b/c I wanted to, not b/c she needed it...... Take your time and make sure you do what's right for you!

Sorry for the long thread guys :rolleyes: and Richard, I hope we've helped at least a little.....
:beers:

Smartin

10-09-2007, 06:48 PM

That had to be tough for you to read all that, Steve. I felt bad for you after I saw you post for the first time here:tonge2: There were some others that had contacted me a week or so earlier about inspecting the car, so I offered an extremist's view at the condition of said vehicle:o

You've got it looking mighty nice, though. I'd love to have a triple black convertible!!:beers:

Richard Dunn

10-09-2007, 07:58 PM

I really want to thank everyone here for their continued support.
Even though you don't know me personally you all obviously share my appreciation for a beautiful automobile.
I have always regretted selling mine, especially the '73.
If this orange one isn't the one, I may find me a flame red beauty of '71 or '72vintage or I could happen upon another bamboo cream '73.
I intend on going to see the car again and I really want to go over it from stem to stern. I plan on dragging a friend of mine with me who owns a classic Chevelle convertible ( a show winner in fact ). He's a truck mechanic by trade and knows his stuff.
The salesperson emailed me a few more pictures today and if they can reduce the price a bit I may still go for it. He's teasing me. It's like porn. LOL.
I told this salesperson that I would still be interested if something similar arrived in their possession. He told me that they had recently sold a red 1971.
Like you said eventually the price will catch up to it. Vintage Buicks can only go up in value. Especially convertibles. And I'm buying for emotional reasons not financial.
Anyone need a slightly diseased 54 year old kidney????

Robroy

10-10-2007, 03:39 PM

I think we all on this board share that same impulse every now and then to buy nice cars we really like. If we had no limit on the bank account and the garage space, most of us would surely be big time collectors :D :D . However the majority have a limit on both.:(

My philosophy when buying classic cars is to let both the heart and the wallet decide, that is finding out what you want…and then have the patience to wait until “the right one” comes along which sometimes can take years.
Patience and stubbornness is in my opinion the key to a good car deal.
There’s a big market out there just waiting, so stay cool and hang in there, “your car” will show up eventually :beers:

Bob Alberini

10-11-2007, 09:07 AM

For those of us with an affinity for vintage cars, this is seemingly a never ending debate and there's always something to light that fire somewhere around the corner. As Per has so rightly said, finances and spatial limitations fortunately keep most of us from going off the deep end too often though.

You've gotten some really sound advice from fellow members and the one thing I've learned after this many years is that if something is supposed to happen, it will and if it is not supposed to happen, it won't. So you'll just have to see how it all plays out and go from there. If it doesn't happen, you may always think with reservations about "the one that got away" but if it does, you'll know that it all worked out for a reason and you're armed with the right ammunition to see if this car and the price does work out for you. If it does, we'll be thrilled to see a second Flame Orange 72 Centurion convert in our midst. If not, then you're well equipped for the next one that comes along.

Boscoe

10-15-2007, 05:57 PM

Hi Richard,

I hope the Flame Orange beastie works out for you since you seem to have your heart set on it, but, if it doesn't, here's a few more to consider:

A blue `71 in TX asking $4200:
http://adcache.collectorcartrader.com/10/3/5/90055335.htm
(Has some mods)

A burnt orange `72 in CT asking $9500:
http://adcache.collectorcartrader.com/10/8/3/90062583.htm
(Looks nice. Add says "new power windows." I wonder if that means repaired, added from a donor car, or if there's an aftermarket set up that will work. I'd like to add them to my `71)

A black `73 in RI asking $14000:
http://adcache.collectorcartrader.com/10/3/8/90052838.htm
(Purty.)

A bamboo cream `73 in CA asking $4000:
http://adcache.collectorcartrader.com/10/3/9/90095139.htm
(This one's been advertised here for almost 2 years. Perhaps it has "issues.")

A dark red `73 in MN, call for price:
http://adcache.collectorcartrader.com/10/4/6/90103946.htm
(Love the color. Ad says "cheap." Hmm.)

Best of luck with your search.

Centurion

10-15-2007, 07:31 PM

Regarding the "burnt orange" '72 convertible Boscoe listed above, I'm curious regarding the color of that one. While it is probably just a repaint in an incorrect color, there was a '72 bronze color that was a Skylark/GS color. (Bob or Keith will recall the correct name for this color.) This car looks very much like that color. Could this be yet another Special Order car?

Probably a long shot, but I thought it worthwhile to bring up.

Bob Alberini

10-15-2007, 07:47 PM

My suspicion is that it is Riviera Burnished Bronze if it is legitimate. Keith tried to contact the owner for more details but could not even get a response so I don't know what kind of seller we have here. Without info off the body plate, there is no way to know for sure and I don't think it is copper enough to be the A body Burnished Copper. Obviously, we'd all love to know but it will obviously be a challenge to find out (with someone making a personal inspection our best chance).

Richard Dunn

10-15-2007, 08:07 PM

The Skylark color was called Burnished Copper. The Riviera color was called Burnished Bronze.
I saw the ad for the Copper color Centurion. Looks pretty in the color as shown.

dewbers

10-16-2007, 04:38 PM

Dear Lord above, PLEASE give me the strength NOT to buy another Centurion! I can not do this on my own and I know my wife would be less than pleased, :Blasting: so I ask for, no I beg for you to send my mind elsewhere, somewhere far far away...... AMEN. :rooleyes2: :rooleyes2: :rooleyes2: :rooleyes2: :rooleyes2: :rooleyes2: :rooleyes2: :rooleyes2:

Sorry if that offends anyone folks, it's meant to be tongue in cheek, though I am a believer.....

Steve

Centurion

10-16-2007, 05:29 PM

If Bob or Adam have their '72 production breakdown readily accessible, I would be interested to hear how many of the '72 Centurion convertibles were built in special order Burnished Copper and Burnished Bronze.

In fact, this would make for an interesting topic for all of the '71 and '72 colors. (We do not yet have the data for '73.)

Richard Dunn

10-16-2007, 07:53 PM

The only '73 I've personally seen in a special order color was a Centurion convertible with NY tags (or NJ tags) at The Carlisle show a few years back. I think I have a picture of it somewhere.
It was painted the special order Riveria Gold metallic with a sandlewood interior and it had the correct wire wheel covers.
Of course here on the site there are some in Apple Red which I think was the Buick Apollo color.
I know some '74 Le Sabre Luxus convertibles were done in apple red.

But I would love to see a color breakdown of the colors by year.
How many '71s were done in teal mist grey?
Mine was the only one I've ever seen.

Bob Alberini

10-17-2007, 06:16 AM

Richard,
In response to your inquiry about the number of 71 Centurion convertibles built in Tealmist Gray, there was a total of 51 built. And when you indicated you had never seen another, there is good reason. It was the least produced standard production color on the 71 "C" convertibles.

dewbers

10-17-2007, 12:18 PM

Hey Keith - man with friends like you........:beers: I am looking though. Hard. Parking two of these beasts would be a challenge. One of the links shown, had a dark blue ragtop as well. It was sharp. Between that and the Bronze, my appetite is wet.

Richard Dunn

10-17-2007, 10:15 PM

Looked at the link to the burgundy '73 Centurion and then looked up the web site for the dealer.
Here is the link: http://www.pantownclassic.com/images/showroom/73buick/73buick.html
The car looks nice but again it may need some work. The price is decent.
It has the 455, pwr windows and driver's seat.

Robroy

10-18-2007, 03:03 AM

If the rust isn’t too bad, the price sure seems decent. ;)

The German

10-18-2007, 03:43 AM

This car looks really nice; I like the Centurions with red / burgundy / orange color and white top! With this one you could get a beautiful car and compared to the flame orange you would have a lot of money left in your pocket to do the work needed. But first I would check it and do a list of the bad things, then calculate the costs for all needed work to come to a decision. Most problem could be the rust; it seems as if it needs new paint. And add a reserve to your calculation for the unknown ... . I´m sure you could press the price a little bit more down with such a listing also !

Good luck !!
_____________________
Rolf

Richard Dunn

10-18-2007, 07:14 PM

Boscoe

10-18-2007, 08:09 PM

The only problem is that this great looking '73 is half way across the country and I cannot take the time to travel that far.
And the color combination is perfect.
The '72 with all of its issues is an hour away from me.
So due to its close proximity the flame orange '72 is leading the pack.

Richard, I wouldn't give up on the burgundy `73 just because it's in Minnesota (or the bamboo cream `73 in CA, for that matter). Especially since the flame orange `72 is 3 times as much money and needs a bit of work. Hire someone to go check the car out. That's what I did when I bought my `71. He was able to verify that the car was in very good condition and tell me what repairs it needed. A couple of little things got missed because he didn't have access to a lift (it was a private party sale), but that shouldn't be a problem at a dealership. The inspector's fee was money well spent.

If the car checks out, buy it and have it shipped. Or, better yet, fly in and drive that bad girl home! That's what I did. The drive home was great.

Richard Dunn

10-18-2007, 10:47 PM

Well I thought about what you said.
SOooooo I emailed the dealership that has the '73 with some questions.
I'll wait to see their answers.
At half the price of the flame orange convertible it probably is the better deal.
And it does have some good options: 455 V8, power windows and seat, air conditioning, tilt wheel, chrome wheels and accessory package.
The front bumper needs some work and probably bumper guards. Plus it will need to be repainted. It may need a replacment boot. I didn't see one anywhere in the pictures.

When I bought my bamboo cream 1973 Centurion I really wanted a maroon one, but couldn't find one.

However I am still going to go see the 72 on Saturday and check it out thoroughly.

I attached pictures of my '71 and '73 convertibles.
I miss them......

buicks4ever

10-20-2007, 12:00 AM

Richard, that 73 in Minnesota has a lot of rot in it. I was interested in it myself and I had the dealer email some close ups. I didn't think the right quarter looked right and I was right. It's gonna need a lot of quarter work and the trunk is rusted too. There's a little here and there over the rest of the car from what I can see. You may be better off buying the flame orange one. Good Luck in your quest.

Robroy

10-20-2007, 05:55 PM

Hey Richard,
Here's another 72 convertible that just got listed on Ebay. Needs some work on the interior, but otherwise it doesn’t look that bad from the picts.
Buy it now is set to 5600 and the car is in NJ.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&sspagename=ADME%3AB%3ASS%3AGB%3A1123&viewitem=&item=160171146153

Richard Dunn

10-21-2007, 12:21 AM

Thanks for the heads up.
I've seen this car for sale before. I recognize the pictures.
I don't remember if it was the same seller.
But I remember the car being in the NJ-NY area.
I see that a certain '73 Centurion in maroon and black was relisted yesterday.

It's late and I will relay my tale about the flame orange convertible tomorrow.

Richard Dunn

11-16-2007, 11:28 PM

Keep us posted Richard - If this is truly a flame orange in decent shape, someone will snatch it up! On a side note, I got a call from a dealer in PA giving me a # of a dealer in NJ that is selling a 72 Centurion Ragtop. He couldn't give me much info, but told me to call the guy. I've misplaced my note, but when I find it, I'll post to see if it's the same guy. Pretty sure it's an 856 exchange..... said the car should probably go for $4500. Could it be the same? I know the dealer isn't too far from the DE/NJ line, but that's all I know.

Steve,
I located this car tonight on Collector Car Trader.
They have it listed as a 1971 but the picture is a 1972.
It is in Maple Shade NJ which is about a 1/2 hour drive from me.
I know I 've seen this car before. It might be the one I spied back in September along route 73
They have the VIN listed as 2Y105813
The price is most certainly right....I wish it were in better condition.

Smartin

11-16-2007, 11:58 PM

That car has the front end of a 72 LeSabre. It could very well be a 71 Centurion, but the VIN they have is only of the last 8 digits. I always wonder why people do that.

Mickemustang

11-17-2007, 05:34 AM

http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/car/474428675.html

I have emailed seller and they could sell it to me although i´m located in europe. However they never replied with further pictures..

It seems that many seeks an orange flame centurion: Is it just right colorcombo or are they unusual??

//mikael

Richard Dunn

11-17-2007, 07:18 AM

That car has the front end of a 72 LeSabre. It could very well be a 71 Centurion, but the VIN they have is only of the last 8 digits. I always wonder why people do that.

I need to make a trip to NJ today.
If I can contact the seller maybe I'll try to find this one.
Maple Shade is not too far from where I will be going. And I can always get gas cheaper there. So I can say a dollar or two.
I noticed the wrong hood and grill too.
But when this was listed before on Craiglist I had noticed that there was something wrong with the pictures so maybe this took a front end hit at one time. The previous pictures were so bad it was hard to read and see the fender script but I thought the script said Centurion.

Rick

Bob Alberini

11-17-2007, 01:46 PM

On the red/white LeSabre front end convertible being discussed, it has to be a 72 with even the partial VIN as listed since it is noted at 2Y10xxxxx. We just don't know if it is actually a LeSabre or Centurion although it is an early build whatever it is and it was built at the Wilmington plant.

Yes, Mickey the Flame Orange 72 Centurion convertible is definitely a rarity. That was a Skylark only color that was available as an extra cost option on other models. It is referred to as a SCO (Special Car Order) color and only 25 72 Centurion convertibles were built that way. These cars always get a lot of attention. Keith owns one and as you can see, his is a beautiful example.