Buick made the Colonnade Century line for only a handful of model years, 1973 through 1977. They’re such an “iconic” design that it’s hard to believe they’ve been out of production for almost five decades now. The seller of this 1974 Buick Century Regal sedan doesn’t give too much information about it and no history is listed at all. Other than the clearcoat issues shown on the hood, it appears to be in nice condition. Thanks to Rocco B. for the tip!
GM’s A-body Regal was the top trim level of the Century line that came back to the fray in 1973, available only in a two-door body style. In 1974, a four-door sedan was added and there was never a wagon in this line. I can’t get over how nice this car looks, and it’s basically the price of a brake job on your SUV: $2,000. I kid you not. Anyone balking at that price is so far out of the current reality that they’re on another planet. This may be the best deal on all of Barn Finds in 2024 so far.
The tail light treatment is unique and beautiful, almost looking Pontiac-like in some respects. There was a Pontiac version – the Grand Am, along with a Chevrolet Chevelle, and an Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. The Century Regal was a bit longer than the regular Century, and it had its own front and rear design, along with more luxury, including several pounds of sound-deadening material for a quieter ride.
The driver’s seat appears to need a bit of work on the foam under the velour fabric, but it looks nice inside otherwise. This is literally the only interior photo, which is supremely disappointing. I’ll never understand giving less information than the maximum allowed when it doesn’t cost any more to load up the craigslist ads with photos for the same money. Some things will never change, I guess.
Even worse than one interior photo, there are no engine photos. We don’t know what’s under that Leaf Green Metallic hood. Two engines were available, a 350 and a 455 and I’m assuming this is the former, a Buick 350-cu.in. OHV V8 with 150 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque when new with a two-barrel carb. It sends power through a Turbo Hydramatic 350 to the rear wheels and the seller doesn’t say how it runs, but it has new shocks, a new radiator, and is posted here on craigslist in Rocky Ford, Colorado for $2,000. Here is the original listing. For two grand, it’s hard to go wrong here.
The Colonade roof replaced true hardtops in GM’s lineup in 1973, to address more stringent safety issues. It looks better as a two-door, also, especially the Pontiacs. This car is listed as “fair” but if it’s as good as the pictures that are provided, it sounds like a good buy.
Cheap fun….wait for it….”LIKE MY PROM DATE!!!” I am so sorry….
LOL Tbone. “I’ll show myself out folks, thank you”…would have been your stellar exit line.
I had one the exact same color in 1986. Once was enough is all I am going to say
Too bad it wasn’t a two door. For two grand it can’t be be beat. That color though. Woof.
It’s interesting to see how popular the 60/40 seat was in the seventies. Nice entry point into the old car hobby.
Colonnade sedans look great and the early round-light Buicks were among the best interpretations. It doesn’t get more ’70s than green-on-green with white vinyl top. If I was closer I would be tempted.
This is a birth-year car for me and I’m from a part of the country where everything rusted out within 10 years, so I come to it with the luxury of not caring whether it was cool when I was in high school!
In the early 80s I was working at a Buick dealership. I bought a 1973 Apollo from them and hubby got a 1973 Regal coupe.
My Apollo was a great little car but I always wanted to drive his Regal. The Regal was much nicer than its sibling Century.
no cash no test drive. do you really need to drive it? it’s a 2k car