73 Centurion convert on auction in Kansas

[Robroy]

Someone posted this car as tip to Kimson over at the v8 forum, but he seems to be into Rivieras as a replacement for his Centurion and this is far from CA anyway.
Maybe it could be of interest for some of the Centurion hunters on this board..:confused:

http://www.purplewaveauction.net/cgi-bin/mnlist.cgi?purple51/5579

[Robroy]

Seems to have stopped at 3700 and ending tomorrow hm.. Wonder what’s wrong with this one (apart from the monster wheels that is…)?
It’s got plenty of options like the desired RH mirror, Parade boot, AC, 455, Power seat/windows etc…
Probably recently repainted though which might give the buyer some unpleasant surprises in the future, on the other hand if the price doesn’t go much higher ….well :confused2::D

[dewbers]

Hey Per, the painting thing worried me too. I don't know if it's just me or what, but that front end just looks off? The spacing where the two front fenders meets the car seems a little wide? I can't quite put my finger on it, but it doesn't seem to have the lines our cars have. So you may be right on... might have had body work? The wheels really throw it off too. I wonder if it's not getting my action b/c it's on the Purple Wave? Never heard of that site till you posted the link. If it was on eBay, it might do better? This is one car that I would not buy without seeing it in person. I know this sounds weird, but this car just doesn't talk to me the way mine did. Or the way most of ones do on this site. I know that sounds strange, but I can actually see myself driving the cars of the guys who post here. I can't see myself driving this one. God, listen me... I think I might need therapy... :o

[Robroy]

I think too that this kind of pale white doesn’t really do a Centurion justice, wonder if its the original color?
With a set of factory Rally wheels and maybe repainted to Bambo cream or any other nice original color that would go with the interior, it could be something completely else. :shocked:

Bottom line is that I just thought this might be a good deal for anyone looking for a Centurion, but as you say Steve, to buy it you have to see it in person or have it inspected by reliable people

[The German]

I´m with you boys; not as nice as all the options want to tell us !
________________
Rolf

[Richard Dunn]

I looked at this auction too.
As noted this must have been repainted. The bodyside moldings and the Centurion name plates are missing from the front fenders.
It is nicely equiped. I would love know if a set of chrome wheels are stashed in the trunk.....
Also if you notice this is sold as SEIZED: KDOR which probably stands for Kansas Department of Revenue.
So this was probably taken from someone who defaulted on taxes or perhaps the car was taken from someone in violation of the law in some way.
So if that were the case, who holds the title or paperwork to the car.
Just curious?

[73 CONVERT RON]

:rant: WHEN IN DOUBT .... PASS :cool:

[Robroy]

Also if you notice this is sold as SEIZED: KDOR which probably stands for Kansas Department of Revenue.
So this was probably taken from someone who defaulted on taxes or perhaps the car was taken from someone in violation of the law in some way.
So if that were the case, who holds the title or paperwork to the car.
Just curious?
As a foreigner I typically missed this, but as Richard say those impound vehicles give you bad vibrations.
I only saw a car in a decent condition (from looking on the pictures) with a lot of options slipping away cheap and was hopping someone on this board would make a good deal on it

[Robroy]

Boy :shocked: this certainly jumped up at the end!…..sold for 7200!

[The German]

Boy :shocked: this certainly jumped up at the end!…..sold for 7200!

No surprise, Per, with all the options I expeted that the price could reach this region. And I guess that the buyer likes those special rims too. Perhaps he has seen the car in person also and found it not as bad as we assumed it could be. Noone knows ... all is speculation, but that´s interesting - isn´t it ?! :)
_________________
Rolf

[centurion 455 ragtop]

The jury is out with me. I thought it was a little steep for what it went for. But heck man that would make mine easily over 10 grand. Have all theose options and then some:Brow: plus a soldi body with no issues. But I guess it was the rims and tires that sold it:laugh:

All kidding aside, I guess you never know when selling a car, it's all about timing. Funny thing, that other red 73 that was on e-bay a month ago was well optioned and also had some issues too, but it didn't even muster 6 grand.

Anyway hope this car goes to a go owner.

[The German]

The jury is out with me. I thought it was a little steep for what it went for. But heck man that would make mine easily over 10 grand. Have all theose options and then some:Brow: plus a soldi body with no issues. But I guess it was the rims and tires that sold it:laugh:

All kidding aside, I guess you never know when selling a car, it's all about timing. Funny thing, that other red 73 that was on e-bay a month ago was well optioned and also had some issues too, but it didn't even muster 6 grand.

Anyway hope this car goes to a go owner.

I guess we all are sure that your car is a lot better than the sold white one and it´s looking like new, so I´m sure you could sell it for more than "10 grand" ! But as you say, it depends on the right time and on an interesting and good made ad also.
BTW: the little bit rusted brother of your car again was on ebay some days ago and just came back the 4th time :spank: !!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Buick-Centurion-RARE-CLASSIC-73-BUICK-CENTURION-CONVT-BIG-BLOCK-455-V8_W0QQitemZ280183963535QQihZ018QQcategoryZ6144QQs sPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

... unbelieveable !
_____________
Rolf

[Mickemustang]

:)
I have with great smile om my face read all your doubts of this vehichle.
I feel rest assured that´s it is ok. The price is pretty high but then again for us foreigners it doesnt make much difference. The main thing is that it has to be in good shape and I beleive it is. I don´t like the rims either, I aim to change them to Keystone Classik ones...

It´s repainted thats for sure but it looks like it was redone the proper way.
The gap between front fenders and front; look at all other pictures in members list. Its the same on many of these.
Regardring the white paint, it´s just Arctic White color but the sun makes it look pale I think.

So; I´m a centurion owner now and I think I will have a nice vehichle. But that remains to be seen of course. This will be my fifth vehichle that I import from us and I have not been unhappy with anyone of them.

[Robroy]

That’s great news! :xyxthumbs: I thought you were looking for a Formal Coupe? Just out of curiosity, did you spot this car on the v8forum, here or maybe somewhere else?
The tip on the v8forum was actually addressed to another Swede that used to be a “regular” here at the Centurion board until some lowlife set his ride on fire http://www.buickcenturion.com/forums/showthread.php?t=357.
He lives in LA but grow up in Stockholm. A great guy and I miss him not being around here on this board anymore.

Did you have the car inspected? Have you arranged the shipping yet? Sorry for all questions, I just get carried away :eek: remembering how exciting it was when I bought mine on Ebay once…

Keep us posted!

[Mickemustang]

:)
Yes, I was looking for a formal coupe in first hand but when I spotted this one I could´nt resist. My two kids wanted a convertible and I dont´mind it.
It was you Per that listed the thread to this auction so it´s your fault :beers: .
I didn´t have it inspected this time but I called the auction up and asked the right questions. This is not anything I recommend to anyone thats thinking of buying long-distance. In worst worst case, if it´s´in so bad condition that i don´t wan´t it I will probably have my money back here in sweden or maybe some 1-2000 usd off. That´s a risk I´m willing to take couse I think it´s in good condition. When vehichles are repainted you can divede them in two gruops (when it´s done in usa). Those that have made it in Mickemouse paintshop = don´t take the moldings, emblems off, don´t use enough tape around rubber etc overspray at the wrong places etc and those that uses a proffesionell paintshop. This one is clearly made correct in that retrospect (thats why emblems and certain moldings are missing also I beleive) but it doesn´t neccessary mean that the paintjob or prework is redone properly. However, someone that aim to scam someone else don´t bother to take the moldings off, attach 22 rims, a new top etc.
What I can recommend is this auctionsite, you can listen to the auction on liveinternet radio and they have been very professionell when I have talked to them and when they have answered my emails.
Now I want´it home so I have something to do in early spring...

[Robroy]

So me starting this thread lead to the buy, WOW..:shocked: :eek:

When I realized that Kimson who got the tip about this car on the V8forum wasn’t interested, I directly thought of you and Richard who were searching for Centurions.
I have to confess that I first sent Richard a PM about this car thinking you wanted a Formal Coupe and that it probably would be impossible for a non US citizen to participate in this auction anyway (guess I was all wrong on that point :o ). When I understood that Richard wasn’t interested either, I’d just posted it here for anyone to see.
To me it smelled like a good deal and now when you have bought it, I hope that my instincts were right.

If I were in your shoes, I would have bought a nice set of Rally Wheels to put in the trunk before shipping it home. The satin black on such rims would break of perfectly to the white color on your car. Speaking of that I think you were right about that too strong light can give you the wrong impression about the color from looking on a photograph.
In case you are interested in a set of Rally’s I know just the man to talk to ;)

[Smartin]

Congratulations on the purchase! I see another white convertible is going overseas:Brow:

I think the car looks great :xyxthumbs:

[Mickemustang]

Missed your question about shipping. No, i haven´t had time to contact the shipping agent. I have used two here in sweden. Nordtrafik and GT Shipping and they have both been unproffesionell. What shippingagent did you use when you bought your buick?

[centurion 455 ragtop]

Congratulations!!! Wish you all the best with your new ride!:xyxthumbs: I am sure your kids will love it 100% on the day you get it and of corse every day after, and especially on that first warm day with the top down. It will be all smiles for for you!

[Richard Dunn]

Yes, Congratulations.
I am sure you will enjoy the Centurion.

[MichelHaak]

Good luck with it! :beers:

[The German]

:) ... ... In worst worst case, if it´s´in so bad condition that i don´t wan´t it I will probably have my money back here in sweden or maybe some 1-2000 usd off. That´s a risk I´m willing to take couse I think it´s in good condition. ... ...
Now I want´it home so I have something to do in early spring...

Mike, in my opinion you did right in comparing the chances and the risks you could have with that car ! It has on the plus side the new top, new paint, low mileage, the parade boot (which is expensive if you have to buy it separately) and several other options – on the minus side could be that the front fenders are not installed correctly (it has the great gap between front fenders and front ), low mileage could be high (133,600 instead of 33,600), and you have the risk with the motor + transmission + exhausts + A/C. On the other hand I guess you got more information from the seller regarding these last things which will ensure your decision. At the end it really will have only these 1-2000 $ risk you are thinking about.

And when you will have installed other wheels + added a nice pinstripe and the missing mouldings + emblems it will be a lot nicer than we first thought it could be – I´m sure! The risk value will be lower than also.

So, all in total it seems to me as if the deal wasn´t that bad. And now you have to add your special feeling what will grow when driving the car through warm summer sunshine with open top together with your family ! If the risks will not come true you are on the real sunny side then = a Centurion lover as we all !!:xyxthumbs:

Welcome to the group !:beers:
___________
Rolf

[Mickemustang]

Thanks Per, Adam, Rick, Richard, Rolf and Michel.
Its´a real pleasure to be a centurion owner even if don´t know it´s real condition yet.
However I feel that you have real nice and friendly atmosphere here at this magnificant website so I´m very glad to be part of it.

Now I immediately start looking for NOS emblems and moldings.
Since I work with graphic art I can produce decals myself and also lazercut steel by co-workers. Would anyone be interrested in that and do anyone have good original of "455 emblem" and the text "Buick" ??
It´s not easy but I can make a shot at it. It´s also expensive for just 1 setup but if more is interrested we could share the initial costs.

I will soon sell my firm so it´s in the last minute...

[Robroy]

Missed your question about shipping. No, i haven´t had time to contact the shipping agent. I have used two here in sweden. Nordtrafik and GT Shipping and they have both been unproffesionell. What shippingagent did you use when you bought your buick?
I used GT-Shipping …

[centurion 455 ragtop]

Would anyone be interrested in that and do anyone have good original of "455 emblem" and the text "Buick" ??

There is a guy on e-bay that sells reproduced 455 fender emblems for $58 for the pair. I bought a set from him and they are a perfect match.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/73-74-BUICK-CENTURION-LES-455-FRONT-FENDER-EMBLEMS-NEW_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ80736QQihZ015QQitem Z250182311790QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVWQQtcZphoto

Do NOT just buy any 455 Buick emblems. The 73 Centurion 455 fender emblems are different from the standard GS 455 emblems. They are fatter on the bottom and thinner at the top so to fit the fender curve properly on the Centurion. Search this board we did have a discussion about this a few months ago. Installing the fender emblems:Dou:they are bolt on emblems. Being you have to locate and drill out new holes, ask here, guys that have them can measure it out or send you close ups photos. Also it was a good suggestion to use barrel clips to mount them as that passenger side (ac cars) is nearly impossible to bolt on.

The Centurion script fender emblems are not reproduced. This emblem is the same for all three years of the Centurion and is also bolted on. (use of barrel clips may be a good option). Ask on this board and check with e-bay. Be patient and don't buy any broken ones unless they are VERY cheap (difficult and never as strong to repair). Good ones do pop up now and then on e-bay.

The trunk emblem:Dou: Now that one is a tough one. It is a one year one model of a kind with a sliding latch. It is pop riveted in place. On E-bay they have gone as high as 400+ bucks!.

Recently I have been wondering about making a want list with a few other guys with the same year car and just buying a spare complete car, collectively and part it out among the buyers. This may be the way to go as some parts cars can go for as high as 1,500. Three or four buyers would split the cost depending on what parts are needed. When you think about buying one emblem for 4 bills, that would easily cover one's share plus you will get even some more parts that you may need or to have spares in case of a fender bender. Just a thought here.

[Robroy]

Now I immediately start looking for NOS emblems and moldings.
If were you I would have waited with buying this until you get the car home.
Wouldn’t be surprised if all emblems, moldings etc is laying in the trunk, unless they told you it’s not that is…

[dewbers]

Micke - welcome to group! :beers: I know you've posted on here before, but now you're an owner so you'll feel our love and pains as such!! I'm guessing you'll have to change your name too?!?! Can't use Mickemustang when you're a Centurion owner now! :Brow:
Let us know how you make out with it. I would love to hear back (as most of the fella's on here will) about it's actual condition when you get her!

Trust me, you're kids will love the ragtop. As will you on that maiden voyage when the sun is shinning and the breeze is blowing through! You'll be hooked!

ENJOY!

Hey Per - I need 1 rally wheel as I have one that we can't get balanced. You have lead?

[Mickemustang]

yes, my kids are already longing for it, almost as much as I do.

I will supply with plenty of photos when it´s arriving, don´t you worry.

And yes- I should change my name now. Let me think about it or do anyone have an idea?
How about MickeyMuick?

[Robroy]

Hey Per - I need 1 rally wheel as I have one that we can't get balanced. You have lead?
Steve,
Kimson is the man I was thinking of. I bought my set from him on ebay and I was before that bidding on another set he had listed there.

I actually had the same problem as you with one rim that we couldn’t get balanced, but I left it to a special rim shop that took care of it. I haven’t put on the tire yet so I don’t know the result, but they are famous for fixing crooked rims so I expect it to be all right :rolleyes:

[dewbers]

Hey Per, good for you. I don't know of anyone around here that does that, but I'll look into it. If not, I'll start my search for a replacement wheel or even a set, if they're in good shape.

Mickey - I like the MickeyMuick, it has a nice catch to it!!