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  3. Buick Century
  4. IV (A-body)

Buick Century IV (A-body) gallery (1978–1981)

The fourth generation underwent substantial downsizing on the rear-wheel-drive A-body platform, debuting the Aeroback profile.

All photos 3 I (Series 60) 0 1936–1942 II (Series 60) 0 1954–1958 III (A-body) 0 1973–1977 IV (A-body) 0 1978–1981 V (A-body) 0 1982–1996 VI (W-body) 3 1997–2005

The fourth generation Buick Century arrived for 1978 on a downsized, lighter rear-wheel-drive GM A-body platform designed for enhanced fuel efficiency. It initially debuted with unconventional fastback styling on both two-door coupes and four-door sedans, branded as the Aeroback, alongside a traditional station wagon. Due to mixed customer reception, Buick added conventional notchback sedans for 1980. The powertrain lineup featured 3.2-liter and 3.8-liter Buick V6 engines, small-block V8 options including the 4.9-liter Pontiac and 5.0-liter Chevrolet engines, and an optional Oldsmobile-sourced 5.7-liter V8 diesel. Transmissions included 3-speed manuals and Turbo-Hydramatic automatics. Facelifts in 1980 refreshed the front fascia and introduced formal formal-roofline styling. The model was sold primarily in the United States and Canada.