Buick Centurion I gallery (1971–1973)
The Buick Centurion was a full-size personal luxury car introduced to replace the Wildcat in the brand's lineup.
The Buick Centurion was introduced for the 1971 model year as a sporty, upscale full-size offering positioned between the LeSabre and the Electra 225, effectively serving as the direct successor to the Buick Wildcat. Built on the rear-wheel-drive General Motors B-body platform, the Centurion was made available in three distinct bodystyles: a two-door hardtop coupe, a four-door hardtop sedan (alongside a formal sedan profile), and a two-door convertible. Under the hood, the initial 1971 model featured GM's massive 455 cubic-inch (7.5-liter) big-block V8 engine paired with a three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 automatic transmission as standard equipment. For 1972 and 1973, reflecting changing emissions regulations and the impending fuel crisis, Buick introduced a 350 cubic-inch (5.7-liter) small-block V8 as the base engine for coupes and sedans, while keeping the 455 V8 as an optional upgrade and standard for the convertible. Exterior styling was revised for 1973 to incorporate a mandated 5-mph front impact bumper along with a redesigned vertical-bar grille and refreshed taillight lenses. Sold primarily in North America (the United States and Canada), the Centurion was discontinued following the 1973 model year, with its role being absorbed back into the LeSabre Luxus trim line.
