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

Buick Century II (Series 60) gallery (1954–1958)

The second generation revived the Century badge as a high-performance full-size flagship with potent Nailhead V8 power.

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 second generation Buick Century was revived in 1954, resurrecting the original high-performance formula by placing Buick's top-tier Roadmaster powertrain into the lighter B-body shell shared with the Special. Initial models carried the 322 cubic inch (5.3L) Nailhead V8 producing 200 horsepower, which grew to 255 hp in 1956 and was replaced by a 364 cubic inch (6.0L) V8 producing up to 300 horsepower in 1957 and 1958. Gearbox choices included a 3-speed manual and Buick's Variable Pitch Dynaflow automatic. Available body styles encompassed four-door sedans, Riviera pillarless hardtops, convertibles, and the striking Caballero hardtop station wagon. Annual restylings brought iconic VentiPorts, wraparound windshields, prominent tailfins, and quad headlamps by 1958. It was sold primarily in the United States and Canada as an upscale performance cruiser.