The fresh General Motors Colonnade bodies began knocking buyers off their feet in 1973, and they remained popular choices in the marketplace for the next several years. Buick incorporated this revised styling on its Century and Regal for the ’73 models, with the Riviera receiving a redesign the following year that featured thick B-pillars and fixed rear windows, trademarks of the Colonnade era. This 1973 Century Custom here on Facebook Marketplace appears to be a competent driver already, but it also seems like a good candidate to take to a higher level someday. This one’s located in De Pere, Wisconsin, with the asking price of $7,000 sounding fairly reasonable.
We want to thank Barn Finds reader Lothar… of the Hill People for finding this cool hardtop and sending us the tip! The seller describes his Buick as mostly stock and untouched, and boasts that it’s one of the nicest A-Bodies from this era he’s seen. Though the paint on the top sections may have dulled slightly over the years, the sheet metal appears straight and solid, so it probably wouldn’t take much prep if the future owner decides to apply a fresh coat of blue in the near future. One detail I’d inquire about here is the wheels, as the car is shown wearing both mags and black steel rollers, just so there are no surprises which set will be on when this one exchanges hands.
The base engine for the Century in 1973 was the 2-barrel version of the dependable 350, and that’s what’s under the hood here. With a horsepower rating of 150, this one’s not exactly a muscle car, but the seller reports that it runs and drives very well. Attached is a Turbo 350 automatic transmission, with the owner confident enough in the reliability here that he wouldn’t hesitate to take this Buick on an out-of-state cruise.
Inside, things are looking pretty basic, with a bench seat up front that could use a vinyl repair on the side area near the driver. Further back, the package tray has been covered, with aftermarket speakers sitting on top, so this one’s probably got a better sound system than the original radio components. I’m finding a lot of positives here, especially that this one can already be enjoyed as-is, which sounds like a fun choice until the next owner is good and ready to begin making improvements. What would be in store for this 1973 Buick Century Custom if it were in your hands?
I nice hwy trip sounds just perfect Stephens. Thanks for the write up. I like the mag wheels.
I had a ’74 with this 350-2 powertrain in high school. Lexus 2-door. My first car. The down to me from my parents. It ran 0-60 in about 11.5 seconds. We would time it. My subsequent 1972 Dodge Charger with a 318 ran it two seconds faster. It also got about ten miles per gallon and could not break 100 mph.
It stalled frequently before it was fully warmed up due to the primitive emission equipment on these pre-cat cars. I think this is one where you would want to do some modifications so , you’re a performance , could somewhat match it’s tough guy looks.