Even if this 1976 Buick Century still had the V6 under the hood it was born with, just the beautiful outside appearance would be enough to make it an attention-getter. Some great news is this one’s not just a looker, but also a fine performer, thanks to the recently upgraded powerplant ready for the next owner to enjoy. If you’ve been in the market for a mid-seventies Colonnade with some extra punch, this 1976 Buick Century here on eBay is probably worth checking out. It’s in Skokie, Illinois, with the owner hoping for $25,900. However, he may be willing to negotiate, as there’s also the opportunity to submit your best offer.
The standard V6 this Buick started with was factory-rated at only 105 horsepower, so even though the car only had 33,000 miles, the seller decided it needed something more powerful. No problem there, as in the bay now is a rebuilt 2006 date-code 5.3L LS, including goodies like a BTR cam, rebuilt heads with titanium retainers, one-piece hardened pushrods, and a Melling high-volume oil pump. The original transmission has been replaced with a more modern 4L60E unit with a 3000-stall converter, along with an Auburn positraction rear end and 3.73 Richmond gears. The Buick has only been driven 1,200 miles since all this was done, with the owner assuring us the work has been performed properly, and nothing additional will be needed.
Buick provided the Century some new front-end styling for the 1976 model, with quad rectangular headlights replacing the previous year’s round units, giving the car an updated look before a completely redesigned model was introduced two years later. The exterior here seems nicely preserved, with the body looking how I’d hope a well-cared-for, 33k-mile auto would appear. There’s no information about the paint or its age, but the vinyl top is stated as new. A tasteful set of aftermarket wheels looks right at home here, which is the only clue outside that this one is anything other than a stock example.
Nothing is disappointing about the interior area either, with things presenting just about as well inside as out. Some aftermarket gauges add a nice touch, and while the front bench seat is a bit tranquil, the B&M QuickSilver shifter shows this one means business. I feel this build was a good idea and well-executed, and using such a nice car to begin with was certainly the way to go here. What are your thoughts on this LS-equipped 1976 Buick Century?
Nice conversion. Decent price for all the work and goods.
Good looking car, much better looking than the Reatta and probably a lot more fun with that drive train conversion. I like it.
Super clean Buick. Love the choice of wheels/tires, the black Torq Thrust rims really makes that beautiful red paint job pop. I’m sure thr original 3.8 V6 although reliable, was a bit underpowered for sure. The LS swap looks like it was done very professionally, at least to me. This absolutely was a great idea and built very nicely.
Nice Buick. Love the lines on the Colonnade coupes. The 3.8 won’t be missed here. Look at that great front end. Nascar style.
Very well done. Extra credit for not putting ridiculous wheels on it.
Yes, beautiful sleeper! Nice looking build. I definitely would drive this car. Price is right, saves you all the work and parts buying.⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why…?
Because, hot rod!
Nice basic Century. This degree of features was not uncommon up north. Tilt column, quarter roof and cloth interior. Dealer installed rh mirror and for all we know maybe even the roof treatment. A step back into the past when style and visual appeal sold cars.
I love this body style as I had a 76 Cutlass with a 350, auto and A/C that is one of my favorite cars. I am an originalist and usually don’t like modifications from factory BUT this one is a huge exception. I’d love to have it.
According to federal law, all new cars manufactured after September 1, 1985, including Buicks, are required to have a functioning center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL), commonly known as the “center brake light,” which must be illuminated when the brakes are applied; meaning a faulty center brake light on a Buick would be considered a violation of the law.
SORRY, This is a 1976 Not 1986.
Don’t know why it is NEW
Why only a 5.3 with all those modifications, start with a 6.0 and build from there
Correct, there is no replacement for displacement
Speed limit is still 55.
NO center brake light !!!
eBay Condition listed as NEW
“New: A vehicle is considered new if it is purchased directly from a new car franchise dealer and has not yet been registered and issued a title.”
Wait, why does it need a 3rd brake light? As for the “new”, well you can see for yourself that it’s not. FeeBay listings are generally a joke anyway.
Not really a big fan of this era but I love the engine swap. I had a Buick with that 3.8 and it couldn’t get out of it’s own way yet alone pass a car or even get up a hill. I didn’t have it for long.
I had a 76 Buick Regal in 1981 that was basically the same body when these were just used cars. It’s crazy but next year this car will be 50 years old.
By the way, I love this site. There is always something interesting here.