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Buick Centurion: Difference between revisions

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! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Buick]]
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Buick]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
| {{{aka (Type here, not up there)}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production  
| Production  
| {{{produced from when to when+total units made (optional)}}}
| 1971-1973
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Class
| {{{Class}}}
| Full-Size
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style  
| Body Style  
| {{{Body-Style}}}
| 2-Door Hardtop<br>2-Door Convertible<br>4-Door Hardtop 
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| Length
| {{{length - type here}}}
|  
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| Width
| {{{Width - type here}}}
|  
|- style="vertical-align:top;  
|- style="vertical-align:top;  
| Height  
| Height  
| {{{Height - type here}}}
|  
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase  
| Wheelbase  
| {{{wheelbase - type here}}}
|  
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| Weight
| {{{Weight - you get the point}}}
| 3900-4200 lbs
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| Transmission
| {{{transmission + drive}}}
| 3-Speed Automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| Engine
| {{{engine}}}
| 5.7L (350 cid) V8 (1973)<br>7.5L (455 cid) V8 (1971-1973)
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| Power
| {{{Horsepower and Torque rating}}}
| 195-315 hp
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| Similar
| {{{similar (competition)}}}
| [[Buick LeSabre]]<br>[[Chevrolet Caprice]]/[[Chevrolet Impala|Impala]]<br>[[Oldsmobile Eighty Eight|Oldsmobile Delta 88]]<br>[[Pontiac Bonneville]]/[[Pontiac Catalina|Catalina]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
| Platform
| {{{Designer (lead designer if it was a team effort)}}}
| B
|}
|}


'''Use the following MODEL TEMPLATE as the foundation for the Wikicars' Model page:'''
The '''[[Buick]] Centurion''' was introduced in 1971 as a replacement for the [[Buick Wildcat|Wildcat]].  The Centurion was based on [[GM]]'s full-size B-body, which was all-new for 1971 and included the [[Chevrolet Caprice]]/[[Chevrolet Impala|Impala]], the [[Oldsmobile Eighty Eight|Oldsmobile Delta 88]] and Pontiac's [[Pontiac Bonneville|Bonneville]]/[[Pontiac Catalina|Catalina]]. The Centurion name was first used on a Buick concept car in the 1956 Motorama. It featured a red and white fiberglass body, airplane like interior design and a full clear "bubble top" roof. The Centurion was unfortunately short-lived and would be dropped after 1973.
 
Start off with a brief Introduction to the particular MODEL. Please DO NOT use the same Introduction text from the [[Wikicars:Model Review Template|<MODEL> Review]] page, but rather paraphrase ideas relevant to grasp an overall scope of the [[automobile|vehicle]].
 
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See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Wikicars:Model Review Template|<MODEL> Review]]'''.
 
===Recent Changes===
Mention any minor facelifts or major changes made to the [[automobile|vehicle]] here.
 
===Styles and Major Options===
Certain [[automobile|vehicles]] come in different trim levels or body styles. Features and major options should be mentioned here.
 
===Pricing===
''Add more fields as necessary.''
 
<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
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'''MODEL Trims'''
</td>
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Trim1
</td>
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Trim2
</td>
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Trim3
</td>
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Trim4
</td>
</tr>
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<td colspan=4>
''MSRP''
</td>
</tr>
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<td>
$Price1
</td>
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$Price2
</td>
<td>
$Price3
</td>
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$Price4
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=4>
''Invoice''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$Price1
</td>
<td>
$Price2
</td>
<td>
$Price3
</td>
<td>
$Price4
</td>
</tr>
</table>
 
===Gas Mileage===
''Add more fields as necessary.''
 
As seen on the [http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm FuelEconomy.gov] website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:
 
<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
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'''Trim'''
</td>
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Trim1
</td>
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Trim2
</td>
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Trim3
</td>
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Trim4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=4 bgcolor=#cccccc>
'''MPG'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
c/h
</td>
<td>
c/h
</td>
<td>
c/h
</td>
<td>
c/h
</td>
</tr>
</table>
 
===Reliability===
Warranty options and scheduled maintainence information should be mentioned here.
 
===Safety===
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===Photos===
 
<gallery>
</gallery>
 
Add ''Photos'' of the [[automobile|vehicle]] here.
 
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List the colors that the particular <MODEL> is offered in.
 
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==Hybrid Models==
If there are [[Hybrid Cars|hybrid]] versions of this vehicle manufactured, then please elaborate a little bit on it here.
 
==Unique Attributes==
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<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=4>
'''<MODEL> Year'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
Year X
</td>
<td>
Year X-2
</td>
<td>
Year X-3
</td>
<td>
Year X-4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=4 bgcolor=#cccccc>
'''Resale Value'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$
</td>
<td>
$
</td>
<td>
$
</td>
<td>
$
</td>
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</table>
 
==Criticisms==
Please make sure to '''''keep critiques in a third-person point of view'''''. If using criticisms from a reputable automotive source, then '''''please make sure to cite the quote'''''.
 
==Generations==
Fill in as many as appropriate. Add more if necessary and pictures wherever applicable.
 
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==Current Generation: (YYYY–present)==
 
===Fifth generation (YYYY–YYYY)===
 
 
===Fourth generation (YYYY–YYYY)===
 
 
===Third generation (YYYY–YYYY)===
 
 
===Second generation (YYYY–YYYY)===
 


===First Generation/Origins (YYYY–YYYY)===
Here's a quick rundown:


==1971-1973==


==Worldwide==
The Centurion's mission was a basically a [[Buick LeSabre|LeSabre]] with some sporty flair added to it, an idea not unlike the previous [[Mercury Marauder]] of the 1960's (and of course the previous Wildcat).  Naturally the Centurion shared the basic LeSabre's body, but it had some unique styling touches to set it apart from its more-ordinary brethren, such as special badging with a Roman Centurion badge on the hood, revised grilles and taillights, which were divided into 6 sections.  The Centurion would be available as a 2-door hardtop coupe and sedan, and a convertible - no pillared sedans would be offered. Full hubcaps were available, but most had Buick's new sporty 5-spoke mag wheels.  And unlike the lesser LeSabre, the Centurion's base powerplant was the 315 hp 7.5L (455 cid) 4bbl V8 with either single or dual exhausts.  The TH400 3-speed automatic transmission was the only one available.  The Centurion also offered a more plush interior than the LeSabre, at times rivaling the more expensive [[Buick Electra|Electra]].  
If the [[automobile|vehicle]] is sold in other markets worldwide, then this is the section to mention that information. Also, mention if the <MODEL> goes by another name in these other markets.


==Design quirks and oddities==
For 1972, a new grille and front bumper were added, which flanked the front license plate frame.  The taillights were now divided into 12 sections (vs 6 for last year), and the horsepower rating now adopted the net rating vs the gross rating (as did all GM cars this year), resulting in a hp drop to 225.  The 455 remained the standard powerplant.  For 1973, the Centurion again offered a revised nose which was now nearly identical to the larger Electra, with a smaller grille and new bumper with rubber "bumperettes" that were wider than previous and no longer flanked the front license plate frame, and the taillights were now horizontally divided into 3 sections.  New parking lights wrapped around to the sides, doubling as the front side-marker lights.  The smaller 195 hp 5.7L (350 cid) 4bbl V8 was now the base powerplant - the 455 was now an extra-cost option.  The 3-speed automatic transmission was still the only one available (TH350 for the 350, TH400 for the 455).  The GM B-bodies would recieve a restyling for 1974, but the Centurion would be dropped after 1973, as sales had started to slide as the public was growing less enthusiatic about sport-oriented full-sized cars.  
Refer to any pop-culture tidbits about the [[Automobile|vehicle]] in this section.


==Awards==
Total Centurion production was 110,539 units, including 10,296 convertibles.  
List out notable ''awards'' that the model has recieved while in production. '''Boldface''' the company or orgainization that gives out the award, and ''Italicize'' the name of the award.


==See Also==
{{Buick}}
{{Buick}}
==External Links==
Please include any external sites that were used in collaborating this data, including manufacturer sites, in this section.

Revision as of 12:11, 14 August 2008

Centurion show car.jpg
Buick Centurion
Buick
Production 1971-1973
Class Full-Size
Body Style 2-Door Hardtop
2-Door Convertible
4-Door Hardtop
Length
Width
Height
Wheelbase
Weight 3900-4200 lbs
Transmission 3-Speed Automatic
Engine 5.7L (350 cid) V8 (1973)
7.5L (455 cid) V8 (1971-1973)
Power 195-315 hp
Similar Buick LeSabre
Chevrolet Caprice/Impala
Oldsmobile Delta 88
Pontiac Bonneville/Catalina
Platform B

The Buick Centurion was introduced in 1971 as a replacement for the Wildcat. The Centurion was based on GM's full-size B-body, which was all-new for 1971 and included the Chevrolet Caprice/Impala, the Oldsmobile Delta 88 and Pontiac's Bonneville/Catalina. The Centurion name was first used on a Buick concept car in the 1956 Motorama. It featured a red and white fiberglass body, airplane like interior design and a full clear "bubble top" roof. The Centurion was unfortunately short-lived and would be dropped after 1973.

Here's a quick rundown:

1971-1973

The Centurion's mission was a basically a LeSabre with some sporty flair added to it, an idea not unlike the previous Mercury Marauder of the 1960's (and of course the previous Wildcat). Naturally the Centurion shared the basic LeSabre's body, but it had some unique styling touches to set it apart from its more-ordinary brethren, such as special badging with a Roman Centurion badge on the hood, revised grilles and taillights, which were divided into 6 sections. The Centurion would be available as a 2-door hardtop coupe and sedan, and a convertible - no pillared sedans would be offered. Full hubcaps were available, but most had Buick's new sporty 5-spoke mag wheels. And unlike the lesser LeSabre, the Centurion's base powerplant was the 315 hp 7.5L (455 cid) 4bbl V8 with either single or dual exhausts. The TH400 3-speed automatic transmission was the only one available. The Centurion also offered a more plush interior than the LeSabre, at times rivaling the more expensive Electra.

For 1972, a new grille and front bumper were added, which flanked the front license plate frame. The taillights were now divided into 12 sections (vs 6 for last year), and the horsepower rating now adopted the net rating vs the gross rating (as did all GM cars this year), resulting in a hp drop to 225. The 455 remained the standard powerplant. For 1973, the Centurion again offered a revised nose which was now nearly identical to the larger Electra, with a smaller grille and new bumper with rubber "bumperettes" that were wider than previous and no longer flanked the front license plate frame, and the taillights were now horizontally divided into 3 sections. New parking lights wrapped around to the sides, doubling as the front side-marker lights. The smaller 195 hp 5.7L (350 cid) 4bbl V8 was now the base powerplant - the 455 was now an extra-cost option. The 3-speed automatic transmission was still the only one available (TH350 for the 350, TH400 for the 455). The GM B-bodies would recieve a restyling for 1974, but the Centurion would be dropped after 1973, as sales had started to slide as the public was growing less enthusiatic about sport-oriented full-sized cars.

Total Centurion production was 110,539 units, including 10,296 convertibles.


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