71 Four door LeSabre

[Robroy]

Looks clean, low miles, owned by the same family since new and it’s got a 455 under the hood.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140188259307&ssPageName=ADME:B:WNA:MOTORS:1123

[centurion 455 ragtop]

Now thats is a clean car! First off it's a LeSabra and the 455 is a rare option. I would guess to say somewhere under 1,600 LeSabra 455 were made for that year. The bumpers look PERFECT, even the trunk light works!!! And check out that sound deadening padding in the trunk deck lid! The pedals do not look worn out and the wood grain on the dash is bright not faded, and it even has the floor mats! Plastic seat covers should mean no rips or worn out seats.

On the other hand the engine compartment is filthy except for the air cleaner. My guess this was an estate car or the original owner who garage kept it and cannot drive it anymore. The seller I would figure is not a car guy otherwise he would have had the engine bay steam cleaned. I would say with the family not using the car and the low gas mileage it gets they want to unload it. Another thing, check out what the seller sells on e-bay. He/She is not a car person, they sell other stuff not cars. This is defintely not a person who bought it cheap to re-sell it for a profit.

I wonder though what the reserve is. Depending on what it is this car is worth bidding on. It may not be as high as we may think. For you guys looking I would sit on it till the last minute and throw in a high bid. If it doesn't make the reserve immediately e-mail them and try to haggle the price to just buy it without going through anyother e-bay auction.

On one of the other threads we were discussing about a "nice driver". This is it, looks like a turn key no work needed car. Or it could be a nice sleeper too. The body is clean and looks solid, just build up the engine like Adam did with his Centurion. Most will assume its a 350 until you leave them in the dust.

[Bob Alberini]

This car really has the potential to be a lot more than a nice driver, Rick. Even note how bright the red is on the heater and a/c controls. We all know how that fades if a car sits out for any extended period of time. It looks like a real sleeper for sure and deserves a good fate.

You're so right about the rarity of LeSabre 455s too whether in standard or Custom form. Aside from Centurions, I only document 72s and I would guess that I've done between a half dozen and a dozen in over 35 years so I would think the 71s would be equally as rare.

This appears to be one fine unmolested original and hopefully will land a great home. I think it would look really nice in Adam's garage!

[Centurion]

Bob, thanks for the e-mail about this car. I had the same thought regarding Adam's garage. This would be a perfect companion piece to the Formal Coupe, and that engine compartment just begs for Adam's skillful detailing!

[SBRMD]

Can someone import a few to this thread? Can't get to eBay here at work.

Thanks in advance,
Steve.

[Robroy]

...

[SBRMD]

That's a nice looking car. Undoubtedly a nice body if always a Wyoming car.

Wonder if that trunk lid's got a little alignment problem.

I'm working on a similar one; nocturne blue, no vinyl top, going to make a sort-of "LeCenturion" with some trim, etc. Gave it to a bodyman for paint and minor body in April, promised three weeks, now it's December, the usual story....

Best regards,
Steve.

PS: Still looking for a passenger-side rocker molding!

[MichelHaak]

nice original car!

[Centurion]

Is it just me, or do the rear quarters appear to be slightly darker in color than the deck lid? Perhaps portions of the car have been repainted?

I see that the car has a "DeflectaShield", which is the clear, plastic shield in front of the hood. There may have been a number of manufacturers for these, but the ones I recall were made by a company in Utah. These were a very popular (in the Western USA) and practical after-market accessory during the early '70's, and were designed specifically for each year and make of car. I still have the one that Gettings & Lynch Buick-Pontiac-Cadillac-GMC (LaGrande, Oregon) fitted to my Centurion in early 1971. Not only did these shields prevent rock chips on the front of the hood, but they did a wonderful job of keeping the windshield clear of smashed insects during the summer and falling snow during the winter.

[Centurion]

This car is actually performing more strongly on Ebay than I had anticipated. It's up to $3,650 with a couple days left. Hopefully, this means that someone wants the car for something other than an engine donor for a GS! I would love to see this one preserved.

[Robroy]

I’m with you Brian on both; I didn’t expect it to go over 3k
Let’s hope this means it will end up in good hands...

[Robroy]

I'm working on a similar one; nocturne blue, no vinyl top, going to make a sort-of "LeCenturion" with some trim, etc.
Hey Steve,
Sounds like an interesting project with your "LeCenturion". Maybe you could upload some picts and tell us more about it sometime?

[Smartin]

Auction ended at $3650, almost exactly the same ending price as my 4-door that I sold on eBay late last year.