a couple of smart remarks in hemmings

[Phil Genario]

i really look forward to reading hemmings every month, but lately im getting a bit fed up with a couple of remarks that have seemed to repeat themselves.seems that in their auction feedback section ,ive seen history repeat itself twice in the last couple of months. when i noticed a couple of the auction cars from the seventies that theyve ripped apart and cut up have been comparing:Brow: :rant: to none other than the popularity of(big drumroll here) the buick centurion. no matter how small the remark was ,it steamed me.

[centurion 455 ragtop]

I like to see it as the glass is half full. Thats good for us, as these cars are still realitively cheap for us to grap. Even spare parts are pretty reasonable most times. Try and buy some GS parts...better break out a small loan. Guys over on the other boards constantly were hoping that the GS was getting into the same league as the high priced Mopars. Now....try and find a GS 455 or Stage 1 in fair condition for under 25 grand. Convertible:Dou: forget about it. Friggin rust bucket hardtops are going for 8-10 grand! They got what they wanted and now no one can afford them.

I prefer to keep our Centurions/LeSabras and other full size Buicks under the high dollar auction radar.

[Robroy]

I like to see it as the glass is half full. Thats good for us, as these cars are still realitively cheap for us to grap. Even spare parts are pretty reasonable most times. Try and buy some GS parts...better break out a small loan. Guys over on the other boards constantly were hoping that the GS was getting into the same league as the high priced Mopars. Now....try and find a GS 455 or Stage 1 in fair condition for under 25 grand. Convertible:Dou: forget about it. Friggin rust bucket hardtops are going for 8-10 grand! They got what they wanted and now no one can afford them.

I prefer to keep our Centurions/LeSabras and other full size Buicks under the high dollar action radar.
I’m with you Rick!
Let them stay as an undiscovered treasure that only we know of…

[Phil Genario]

I like to see it as the glass is half full. Thats good for us, as these cars are still realitively cheap for us to grap. Even spare parts are pretty reasonable most times. Try and buy some GS parts...better break out a small loan. Guys over on the other boards constantly were hoping that the GS was getting into the same league as the high priced Mopars. Now....try and find a GS 455 or Stage 1 in fair condition for under 25 grand. Convertible:Dou: forget about it. Friggin rust bucket hardtops are going for 8-10 grand! They got what they wanted and now no one can afford them.

I prefer to keep our Centurions/LeSabras and other full size Buicks under the high dollar action radar.youre right on,just the thought of a ratty 73
mercury marquis being sold for$1,500 and then the remark was something like
"this one has about all of the appeal of a buick centurion" rubbed me wrong. the irony was this was afterthe collectible automobile spread.also after the hemmings writeup. they are a best kept secret,but a 73 mercury.lol

[centurion 455 ragtop]

I haven't read the article......you said a ratty 73 Merc!!!:Dou: OK I can understand your frustration. :D ;)

[The German]

I like to see it as the glass is half full. Thats good for us, as these cars are still realitively cheap for us to grap. ... ...
I prefer to keep our Centurions/LeSabras and other full size Buicks under the high dollar action radar.

Well spoken, Rick ! I´m with you all in the ring looking to our very own warm fire of Centurion enthusiasm!
_____________
Rolf

[Centurion]

The writers at Hemmings may write whatever they wish. I think we would find that there is no other single model of full-size American auto from the early '70's that has benefited from the kind of enthusiasm we see on this site for the Centurions. Certainly, there are no websites comparable to this one that is dedicated to a particular model. And I can guarantee that there is nothing remotely similar to the Centurion registry found for any other models of the era. And when was the last time you saw a calendar devoted to the 1971 - 1973 Chevrolet Impala or Mercury Marquis or Chrysler New Yorker? How about "never"?

The fact that there is an active Centurion community here at buickcenturion.com says a great deal about the car's appeal. Some folks, like the guy who wrote that auction review for Hemmings, will never "get it". No problem. There are lots of folks who discount anything that is not a '55 - '57 Chevy or an early Ford Mustang. As for me, I'd far rather have a Centurion!

[centurion 455 ragtop]

Damn Brian! Well Said!!:xyxthumbs:

[Phil Genario]

The writers at Hemmings may write whatever they wish. I think we would find that there is no other single model of full-size American auto from the early '70's that has benefited from the kind of enthusiasm we see on this site for the Centurions. Certainly, there are no websites comparable to this one that is dedicated to a particular model. And I can guarantee that there is nothing remotely similar to the Centurion registry found for any other models of the era. And when was the last time you saw a calendar devoted to the 1971 - 1973 Chevrolet Impala or Mercury Marquis or Chrysler New Yorker? How about "never"?

The fact that there is an active Centurion community here at buickcenturion.com says a great deal about the car's appeal. Some folks, like the guy who wrote that auction review for Hemmings, will never "get it". No problem. There are lots of folks who discount anything that is not a '55 - '57 Chevy or an early Ford Mustang. As for me, I'd far rather have a Centurion!hi brian, you hit the chevy nail right on the head,and we all know
that from where we stand, nothing , but nothing beats our centurions,and buicks, everyone has the right to like or say what they wish,i probably shouldnt have even brought the remarks up now that i think about it, but im really passionate about my hobby, and my and our cars and i guess the sheer ignorance of the remarks just pushed a button.:Dou:

[Bob Alberini]

Of course you should have brought up the issue, Phil, and I thank you for doing so. Brian's response was dead on (as usual) but to use the phrase that used to be a Packard standard, "ask the man who owns one" and that pretty well says it all. Once you have one in your hands, it is not tough to be a devotee. Somehow, I doubt those making such remarks in Hemmings have ever had that wonderful experience so let them think whatever they like. We KNOW these cars!

[Robroy]

The writers at Hemmings may write whatever they wish. I think we would find that there is no other single model of full-size American auto from the early '70's that has benefited from the kind of enthusiasm we see on this site for the Centurions. Certainly, there are no websites comparable to this one that is dedicated to a particular model. And I can guarantee that there is nothing remotely similar to the Centurion registry found for any other models of the era. And when was the last time you saw a calendar devoted to the 1971 - 1973 Chevrolet Impala or Mercury Marquis or Chrysler New Yorker? How about "never"?

The fact that there is an active Centurion community here at buickcenturion.com says a great deal about the car's appeal. Some folks, like the guy who wrote that auction review for Hemmings, will never "get it". No problem. There are lots of folks who discount anything that is not a '55 - '57 Chevy or an early Ford Mustang. As for me, I'd far rather have a Centurion!
Great post Brian :xyxthumbs:

[dewbers]

Thanks for bringing this to our attention Phil... It tweaks me too!
However, calmer heads prevail and Brian said it right! I can't wait for the weather to break and for my carb to done. I really miss driving her... Took the cover off on Saturday morning, just to look at her. And dust her.
And clean the windows. And vacuumed her. (again) I'm hopeless... :laugh:

[GutRat]

Well said guys. When I first bought my 72, I wasn't even looking for a Centurion. I've always just been in love with the big body Converts and have wanted one since I stupidly sold my 67 Impala Convert years ago.

Then along came Mr. Centurion. I remember the first time my eyes came across her photo in the ad. I had to have her, and I took her home and have been treating her right ever since. The price was right and It's a great looking car. I was looking at another toy last weekend, 1967 Delta 88 Convert. Cool looking car, but needed more love than it was worth. My buddy that I was with kept saying, "That's nowhere near as nice as the Buick!"


this one has about all of the appeal of a buick centurion

Let the ignorant be ignorant. I can't speak for all here, but I gave up counting the number of times I've been cruising down the street and people are giving me the thumbs up or yelling "Sweet ride!" The ladies seem to love it as well, as I've had more requests for rides in the Buick than I have to get a ride on my 03 Harley Deuce.

Yeah, Hemmings, about as appealing as a 1986 Chrysler "K" car.

[MichelHaak]

Damn I miss her... She's gone for 4 weeks now, *sigh*. :bawl:

[rzepko6194]

Phil, this might make you feel better:

Sports Car Market, one of the leading car auction magazines, recently conducted an informal reader survey comparing various 70's big American iron. A 73' Centurion convertible, in daily driver condition, was rated a better buy at $16.5K, than a 76' Eldorado at $25K or a 75' Chevy Caprice at $15K by a wide margin.

JP

73' Centurion Convertible

[Adam]

Looking around the internet I have not found so much interest in the big cars 59-76, that are my favorites. If there are any other forums that focus specifically on full size GM cars, I haven't found them. It seems there is much more interest in the muscle cars, sports cars, or older cars of the 30s-50s, than in these cars, with the exception of specific models, 59 caddys, SS Impalas, etc. My grandfather always drove these big 60s and 70s boats, and I remember when I was in high school I never understood why he didn't prefer something like the 65 Mustang I had at the time, or the 67 Vette my uncle drove. But when I started graduate school, he gave me his 72 Impala 4door 400-TH350, to use as a daily driver, and I was hooked. I think the combination of power, looks, and comfort found in these "land yachts" has never really been equaled.
Now I do think there are reasons to prefer the early 60s cars to the 70s: no smog crapola to remove, less plastic parts in the interior, etc. When I bought my Centurion, I was actually hoping to get something from the early 60s, but the Centurion just had alot going for it: big block, convertible, lots of power accessories, and it's just a good looking car, to me not as nice as the 59s or 60s, but at least equally as good looking than anything from any other year, and as was said before easily the best looking car Buick (GM, and anyone else) made from 71 on up.

[Richard Dunn]

I was in love the Buick Centurion since the first one I saw which was a 1971 four door hardtop in fire red with a white roof and chrome wheels.:)
It would have been around the time they were first released for sale in the fall of 1970.
It was on Chestnut street around 12th or 11th streets in downtown Philadelphia. I was 17 and was working my first job out of high school at 12th and Chestnut.
It was love at first sight. I think it took my breath away.
So since I am the poor relation and still looking for a Centurion lets keep the beautiful Buick a secret so the prices stay reasonable...at least until I can find one of my own.

I got my first Centurion, the teal mist gray '71 convertible in May of 1973.
It took me a while but I got one.
There weren't many around to find at the time.

[Phil Genario]

:mad: hey rich, please elaborate on your remark on "the poor relation" i hope im wrong in what im guessing you meant by that.does it happen to have anything to do with the fact that you dont currently own one? i surely hope im wrong here,but if its the case you need a good smack! youll find one when the time is right,big deal! i didnt have anything for years,ive only bought what i have to hold on to it,as with responsibilities my life has changed drastically in the last couple of years. i dont think this luck, if you want to call it that,will come again too soon.knowledge is much more important than a vehicle and you add not only knowledge but humor to our site as well.i think i speak for all here, when the right car and timing prevails,youll know it, but please, dont let me hear poor relation again! phil

[Phil Genario]

Looking around the internet I have not found so much interest in the big cars 59-76, that are my favorites. If there are any other forums that focus specifically on full size GM cars, I haven't found them. It seems there is much more interest in the muscle cars, sports cars, or older cars of the 30s-50s, than in these cars, with the exception of specific models, 59 caddys, SS Impalas, etc. My grandfather always drove these big 60s and 70s boats, and I remember when I was in high school I never understood why he didn't prefer something like the 65 Mustang I had at the time, or the 67 Vette my uncle drove. But when I started graduate school, he gave me his 72 Impala 4door 400-TH350, to use as a daily driver, and I was hooked. I think the combination of power, looks, and comfort found in these "land yachts" has never really been equaled.
Now I do think there are reasons to prefer the early 60s cars to the 70s: no smog crapola to remove, less plastic parts in the interior, etc. When I bought my Centurion, I was actually hoping to get something from the early 60s, but the Centurion just had alot going for it: big block, convertible, lots of power accessories, and it's just a good looking car, to me not as nice as the 59s or 60s, but at least equally as good looking than anything from any other year, and as was said before easily the best looking car Buick (GM, and anyone else) made from 71 on up.adam,youre right,especially in the case of the buicks,they held on to die cast grilles and moldings along with the use of stainless while others used plastic grilles and aluminum trim.ps i think the 70,71 and 72 impalas were probably the nicest of the 70s impalas.after that it was downhill all the way!if you look at the 71 and 72s you can clearly see a buick resemblence.

[Richard Dunn]

Okay, I'm Centurion deprived....sound better? :D

[Phil Genario]

Yeah, Much!lol