In modern times, we don’t generally think of Buick as a performance vehicle worthy of being a pace car for motorsport, but back in the day, Buick had some interesting things going. The car we see today is listed here on Hagerty in Pennsylvania and is a well-restored example of one of those interesting things – the limited-run Pace Car package for 1975. Let’s take a look!
Many of our readers know that in 1975, a lot of things were happening, but particular to the topic at hand, Buick was being stifled by emissions, safety rules and a larger brand image problem all at once. They needed to get the word out that they weren’t just old-people’s cars, and a chance to pace the Indianapolis 500 was one they could not afford to miss! One source we found said that the pace car and its associated sale package were a bit rushed, due to decisions far above their pay grade, but it generally ticked all the boxes for the day: Bright, bold American flag colors and design, a big engine and automatic transmission…and a special “Free Spirit” package with unique options and features.
The car we see today is quite an impressive example. We’re told that the car has had a complete restoration, but has only seen 46,000 miles. From the pictures, it looks like that is true. We’re told that the exterior stripes are painted, not just vinyl decals, which in itself is very impressive!
Inside, the seats and interior look spectacular. Note the steering wheel that looks like a Corvette unit and the console automatic floor shifter that was only offered on the Free Spirit that year.
Under the hood, the 350 shines like it hasn’t seen a single mile, and notice the light-colored fan shroud! (Corrected: This car has a 350, the track-used car had a 455)
Of course, we can’t skip the trunk – it, too, looks like someone went to great lengths.
Overall, it’s a very impressive vehicle. Many of the ones we have seen or featured in years past are in far worse condition, so for someone to have gone to great lengths to make this one nice, props to them. The asking price is, in my personal opinion, a bit optimistic, but what do YOU think? Let us know in the comments!
Very, very, nicely done!!! Graphics and all look terrific. Even though by ’75 the Buick 455 ( well all GM 455s) were choked down by a lot of emissions controls, these were still torque monsters, and I’m sure moved this Regal down the road with some authority.
Regal? I thought it was a Century with a 350!
Wow, I forgot how gaudy the stuff auto makers were selling in the mid-70s was, compared to what they offered 5 to 10 years earlier.
No wonder it only has 46,000 on it. I wouldn’t drive around in that.
Looks like showroom condition.
I looked to buy one of these back in 2002 – the asking price? $6,500…
I love Buicks, but I saw limited appeal as those decals are brighter in person, even though the T-Tops were fun. It was in #2 condition, optioned like this – even the Buick 350 4bbl. Buick introduced the 231 V6 this year, so the Buick 455 in the A body was gone.
75 G is a big ask – is 35 G at the top end? Rare does not always equate to desirable…
Looks like a brand new Buick love the white interior whoever restored did an amazing job.
Beautiful restoration, and you would have the nicest GM Colonade in the United States. The seller is clearly hoping that one of the very small percentage of people who would want to own such a thing is also very wealthy.
This adds new meaning to the phrase “looking for the right buyer.”
Nicest Collonade is a backhanded compliment for sure!
Needs a paint job.
75 large?
It’s a cool car that oozes the 1970s and it is in superb shape.
That’s still way too much money.
Unless someone proves me wrong.
4bbl 350, dual exhaust, going to sound great. The big block in there would’ve been a real joy. 🏁
1) it’s fantastic. Gorgeous and screams American excess. 2) it’s a reminder of how automakers used to really put style into cars. Outside of Corvette, pretty much every single thing on dealers lots are boring and identical.
But 75k seems really high. IDK someone may really want it for personal reasons and pay it though.
This Buick Century reminds me of my Dad’s 73′ Chevrolet Malibu SS with a 350 2 barrel. At 14, I couldn’t believe my Dad was buying a ‘Cool’ car, lol.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen one of these in the wild, even back then! $75k is wishful thinking, for damn sure. GLWTS, they’re gonna need every bit of it!
There is a member on the Facebook private group, “Buick Century/Regal 73-77” selling a 1975 and a 1976 Free Spirit Replica Pace Cars for a combo deal of $35,000 (maybe per each) in New Alexandria, Pennsylvania. There is another member selling a 1975 Buick Century Free Spirit Pace Car located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and asking $42,500 USD. I passed on one in New Jersey after seeing rust underneath from moisture or dew on the frame from the North East, and it was about twenty-five years ago for $5000.
Car bid up to $67K at Mecum Harrisburg this past July. They should have taken it. Very clean and nice car but not a highly desirable model. Asking $75K, In the words of Lloyd Christmas “so you’re sayn there’s a chance!”
i saw this car at the mecum Harrisburg 2026. high bid was 67k. very nice clean car. not many left. i would have taken the 67k. seller trying to squeak another 8k. don’t think it will happen.
Where’s the stage 1 455 ?
We’ve seen several of these here on BF, but never one in very good shape.
Probably because the value doesn’t reflect the effort that needs to be put into one to make it look like this.
Back in 1975 you could have mistaken this vehicle for a Buick Regal! Between the Century and the Regal they only had only a few subtle differences….
Beaitiful. This car was a no sale at Mecum Harrisburg last month. It bid to $67,000. I would love to have it. Love 83 to 77 GM cars. Have owned five of them.
I had one bought at Sparkling Buick, downtown Inglewood, California. I wanted it because of the glass T-tops and the beautiful floor shifter! Since I ordered it without driving it I was greatly disappointed that all new V-8s hesitate when you try to take off! This was when we had the gas problems and we had odd & even days for when you could fill up. But every one loved that car, when I stopped every one would salute me!!!
Very Cool!
This was at the Mecum Harrisburg auction in July and was a no sale with a high bid of $67,000.
https://www.mecum.com/lots/1174375/1975-buick-century-free-spirit-pace-car-edition/?aa_id=788668-0
Sorry about adding my comment, when I posted this about half of all posts were not showing in my feed.