Check this one out! ALL ORIGINAL! 1973 Buick Centurion Convertible , rare condit

I am offering this original (not restored!). number's matching 1973 Buick Centurion High Performance 455 4 bbl Convertible! All original paint (was told in my prior listing that #440 is the willow green but shows in color chart as Crystal green metallic) and original willow green interior! Absolutely no dings. dents. cracks. –unbelievable! Very highly optioned Centurion Convertible. see options below! the optional. numbers matching XA-code (Engine show A above 73 stamp) 455ci-4bbl V8 (250HP) with factory dual exhaust. mated to its original 73-BC Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed automatic transmission. Standard in 1973 was the 350 V8.

A 1972 Road & Track test video shows the incredible power of this model

http://www. youtube. com/watch?v=OVo9U89liic

Options: exterior color #440 Willow Green (Crystal Green Metallic). Willow Green Interior. with air conditioning (original R12 kept for originality ). cruise control. power steering. power doors. power windows. tilt steering column . center consolette. front and rear bumper guards. cornering lights. front fender lamp monitors. power front disc brakes. original chrome wheels. power convertible top with optional color coordinated hard parade boot covers. white wall tires. chrome wheels. AM/FM & 8 track radio with windshield antenna. 2 rear speakers. remote driver's mirror. passenger side mirror. 55 red decals. front and back helmet decals. deluxe color coordinated front and rear seatbelts. optional pin stripe. door edge guards. wheel well opening trim. front and rear carpet saver mats (original). spare wheel trunk cover. and new white boot cover! The car has most of the options available at the time for this car.

You will not believe the condition of the chrome and seals/gasket! As factory new. All gaps GM perfect. Many original hoses and tower clamps still with car! No leaks! Seals and gaskets are basically as new! Everywhere! No cracks or fading. All gauges work. All emblems and bright work present and in fantastic condition.

I have pictures of complete car as it was received. Unbelievable paint and condition; interior is as new with some light fading in carpet; now simply detailed. it shows an honest and incredible original well maintained car. I know I use the word “unbelievable” a lot. but in my car collecting history. I have never seen or bought a car in this original condition.  

Today. the odometer reads just 34. 00 (yes original documented miles. will vary as I am still driving the car). It was terrifically maintained. unmodified. and been garage kept its entire life! It is truly solid throughout and drives wonderfully! Documented ~ $6000 in mechanical overhaul and upgrades to improve mechanicals. road handling and safety: New front and rear shocks. brakes. brake drums (original ones very rusty). new brake reservoir (was gummed up). alternator. complete carburetor cleaning and overhaul. spark plugs. distributor. radiator flush. oil change. cam cover gaskets. transmission oil change. repaired windshield wiper motor. water pump and timing chain.

The original owner's manual. stamped warranty booklet. emissions leaflet. and consumer guide are all still in the glove box! Comes with original 1973 (somewhat weathered ) Buick books “Service Repair “plus “Fisher Body” Manuals). Also original 1973 Sales Brochure and Buick color chart. The trunk still has the original matching spare . never down) . jack. and wrench in original rubber. Car has all original stickers under hood. in door. and in trunk.

For full disclosure:

Clock does not work. 3 tiny exterior paint imperfections (see pictures). one light scratch on back chrome (hard to even see) . passenger door frame color peel (see picture). front head light chrome tiniest pitting. on some chrome wheels tiny pitting area . on original trunk mat - one soft rubbed area. front speakers not working. A/C is original R12; working but not real cold; left it to keep original instead of converting to R134.

Car needs absolutely nothing except the small above. Honest and original car. Drives and feels like new and can be driven anywhere. We are always amazed at how many thumbs up and great comments we get while driving it. Two prospective buyers that came by to see and drive the car were amazed at condition of car yet were looking for a cheap deal.

Story of this car: This car was owned and cared for by the same family from 1973-2013. The original owner purchased the car in Florida and it stayed a Florida car its entire life before coming to San Diego. The father bought the car for his two sons who were drafted to Vietnam. as a return present for them. One son did not return. MIA. and the dad kept it unused for the next 17 years. Then a cousin took it in. using it sparingly for the next 12 years. The surviving brother took it back. registered it in his name (second owner) and kept it until sold to me. Took it out sparingly and for parades – parade boot has some very small scratches from people sitting on it. He told me the convertible top and rear glass (with heater elements) was replaced in 2010.

I was looking for an exceptional convertible as my “midlife crisis” car. After long search found this one. I drive my cars. put miles on it to shake it down. did all needed upgrades as described and now have the perfect car. However. the kids are moving back home by end of this year and I do need the space. so I hate parting with it. but family first. These low mileage and somewhat rare cars increase in value about $2000 to $5000 a year.

These were the options available in 1973. for convertibles and 4 door cars. of which the

yellowed ones are on the car:
60/40 power seats
power windows
power seat
power seat lock
tilt wheel
cruise control
4 note horn
am/fm Stereo 8 track
chrome road wheels
wire wheel covers
trunk release
vinyl top
body side molding
cornering lights
front fender lamp monitors
trip set/clock
center mini consolette
customline hard parade boot (convertibles)
A/C
Auto A/C
Finger tip wiper control ( if still avail on 73)
tinted glass
bumper guards
door edge guards
remote control mirror
carpet savers
white wall tires
oversize white wall tires

Car is a rare Stage 1 (5th digit on VIN is W) engined car . engine block shows A and 73.

Car also comes with brand new soft boot cover as well as almost new full car cover!

This is a wonderful opportunity for a seasoned collector. Buick collector or enthusiast looking for interesting investments for their collection or to simply drive a perfect show ready car! These full-size American classics. particularly the examples with large power plants under the hood. are increasing in price and desirability and are also making their way overseas to collections abroad! Please feel free to call with any questions. if you need more pictures or to schedule a private viewing appointment!

Let the pictures speak for themselves.   If you are not satisfied with the pictures alone you are more than welcome for an inspection and test drive. Car is listed locally and I reserve the right to cancel this auction at any time.

Summary:

This was one of the most expensive. rare and powerful convertibles you could buy in its day. This is a super nice example of an American Car Icon in an era of big luxury. It must be seen in person to truly appreciate this car. Car is listed also locally and I reserve the right to end this auction early.  

Terms and Conditions of Sale: 

Bidders are reminded that all sales are as-is. where is. and once the auction concludes the sale is binding and not subject to inspection. rescission. or re-negotiation.   Sold as-is with no expressed or implied warranty.   This is a 40 year old used car and regardless of how nice it is. it is not 100% perfect. nor is it as-new.

Please do not hesitate to contact me for additional information and pictures or to arrange an inspection.   I can be reached through the EBAY messaging system or call 760-644-7443 well prior to 9:00 PM PST.    

 Shipping and Transport:  Buyer will be totally responsible for paying all shipping and transport costs. As I routinely drive this car. I would have no reservations for the buyer on a “fly-in. drive-home” trip.

I take pride in my eBay rating and have given an accurate description of the car. I reserve the right to end the auction early as it is also listed locally for sale. Car is located in North San Diego. CA and I invite all inspections prior to bidding.

I will contact the winning bidder via email after the auction ends. Car is sold as-is with no warranties. express or implied.

I require a $2000 deposit (paypal or bank wire transfer) within 48 hrs of winning bid. Balance is due (bank check or bank wire transfer only) within 7 days of auction end. Delivery upon funds clearing the bank.

The transport cost is the responsibility of the winning bidder. I will gladly help with logistics. US car shippers that you may contact for a quote:

www. larrysautotransport. com

www. intercitylines. com

www. exoticcartransport. com

www. sundayautotransport. com

www. movecars. com

International car shippers that you may contact for a quote:

http://www. schumachercargo. com/

http://www. horizonautoservices. com/

http://www. calship. com/

 History on Buick Centurion:

The Buick Centurion was one of Buick's shortest production model offerings in their history. Produced for just three years. 1971-1973. these rare Centurions are found limited in a convertible form. With the LeSabre convertible temporarily dropped after 1972 and the intermediate-sized Buick lineup (renamed from Skylark to Century for 1973) losing its drop top permanently after the 1972 model year. the Centurion was Buick's only convertible offering in 1973. This would also be the final year for the Centurion series. which was replaced for 1974 by the new LeSabre Luxus. which included the convertible reinstated to that line for another two model years. GM would not see another Buick convertible until the Buick Riviera in 1982.

Even though the sales increased each and every year. the Centurion nameplate was faded out continuing on as the LeSabre. Only 10. 96 were produced (1973 5. 39 units. including only 432 top of the line Executive Series units. This is one of them- this info from original owner but others tell me that there was not an Exec Series- just to be honest) during the entire production run making them very desirable in original form today!

You will not be disappointed. Car is not like other 1973-1975 convertibles listed on ebay that are redone. repainted. have 60+ thousand miles on it for $25K or more. This is the genuine article and according price some higher. Please ask for more pictures to get an even better feel for the car. Good luck and thank you for viewing my listing.

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