1. Photos
  2. Buick
  3. Buick Century
  4. I (Series 60)

Buick Century I (Series 60) gallery (1936–1942)

The first-generation Series 60 Century was conceived by combining a shorter lightweight body with Buick's largest straight-eight engine.

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 first generation Buick Century (Series 60) was introduced for the 1936 model year as part of a brand-wide redesign orchestrated by GM design chief Harley Earl. Named Century because of its factory-rated ability to achieve 100 mph (160 km/h), the model combined the lighter, shorter GM B-body platform of the Special with the massive 320 cubic inch (5.2L) overhead-valve inline-eight engine from the flagship Roadmaster. Power outputs ranged from 120 horsepower in 1936 to 165 horsepower by 1941 when equipped with dual twin-barrel Compound Carburetion. Power was directed to the rear wheels via a 3-speed synchronized manual transmission. Available body styles included two-door business coupes, sport coupes, convertibles, and four-door Touring Sedans. Production ceased in February 1942 as GM shifted all manufacturing facilities to wartime military materiel.