Anybody got a 73 LeSabre/Centurion 4 door hardtop? How do you like it?

I used to see them all the time. Seems like nobody likes them anymore. I have a 2 door and havent seen another like it in aeons. Just seeing if there is anyone who likes them anymore.

Gary

 

I've always had a soft spot for the big Buicks of the early 70s and I've owned a number of them. I'd own now if it wasn't for the fact that my wife absolutely hates them. It's funny that she thinks that way, because when we were dating I was driving a 74 LeSabre.
My favorites were the 74 line, and the 75s. Had a 72 Centurian which wasn't bad, the only reason I got rid of it was because it got crunched in a parking lot and wasn't worth a damn, so I junked it. That was in the mid-80s.

 

I used to only like 2 door hardtops. Now Im finding myself liking four doors also. There is a 71 in my locale, 46k original miles, 4 door hardtop, 3900. Im seriously thinking of driving down there and look at it. Its probably gone now. Its been a while and I dont see the ad anymore in the paper.

 

The only reason the ads is gone is probably because the guy gave up. At $3900 it's a bit steep; - these cars at right at the bottom of their depreciation scale, and at $3000 or maybe $3500 if it's really clean, it'd be a deal. Any car with 45K on it for mileage would be a good one, depending on colour, options and overall state of preservation. If it's calf-sh-t green and rusty with window cranks and a 350, then $2500 would be the most I'd offer.

I liked the 4 doors; - for the longest time they were all I could afford. The proportions suited the cars better as 4 door hardtops, the 2 doors were just too long. Sure, they weren't chick-magnets, but they were always reliable, comfortable cars that could take you anywhere in style as long as you could afford the gas. I always tried to get mine all loaded up with every option conceivable. But I always had a early 70s LeSabre 4 dr as a daily driver. That tradition has carried on to today, where I now have a 2001 LeSabre Custom, and it's also loaded to the 9s. But I'd still be happier in a 72 Centurion, or a 74 Electra 4dr hardtop, the problem is those cars are too old to be plodding along in our winters, - they'd be gone inside 3 years with the amount of salt they throw on our roads now. I just about bought a nice 75 LeSabre 4 dr a couple of years ago, but the wife put her foot down and killed that idea.

 

Heres a pic of one I saw online. Just beautiful. As far as the one for sale, your description of it was pretty much spot on! haha.!

 

Still a work in progress

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbjBJVaM_Vs

Love it!

 

Been a while since I heard or did something like that with a really big Buick.

Back when I was in high school, I had this nasty habit of off-roading them, going down paths and things that guys with trucks and 4X4s did. A 75 LeSabre 4 dr hardtop is remarkable agile, has good clearance (didn't high-centre it) and gives a surprisingly good ride, far better than my buddy got up in front of me in his pick up, I didn't spill my beer, and his cab was a mess. Plus, I rode in air-conditioned comfort, and he fought with clods of muck flying into his open windows.

 

Id like to see a video of that.

 

This was back in the day before we had video cameras, back then, telephones still had little houses built around them.

We used to do a lot of stupid things with cars, where I grew up there was nothing better to do than sit around and drink and think up weird crap to do with a vehicle. We're very lucky no one in our group was hurt, not to mention killed, which did happen a fair bit back then.

 

These are excellent cars that have been under-appreciated by the automotive marketplace. Have you noticed how many Centurion convertibles have survived and are usually offered for sale? It is now difficult to find a great 4-door hardtop LeSabre or Centurion from the early-1970's, although a fair number of nice Electra 225's still turn up from time-to-time.

A friend of mine has owned this beautiful '72 Centurion 4-door hardtop since 1973:





Here's another '72 that has survived and is carefully maintained:

 

-Ain't nothing wrong with those cars, they're very pretty! Kinda makes me wish I still had one!

 

I really like the big Buicks a lot. After we relocate to AZ next spring I may have to start shopping for a Centurion convertible. :bglasses:

 

i love the 71-73 big buicks. i think the 71-72 looks the best.

 

well I took the plunge. I found a 71 LeSabre 4dr hardtop a hundred miles from home. I went to go look at it and now have a deal. Picking it up on Tuesday. 49k actual miles. clear coat coming off, rear window rust, factory 350 4bbl and factory Air. Needs headliner. seats perfectly reuphholstered. Wheels and tires need replaced but I will swap my 73 wheels and new tires on. glass is good. rear end growls at 55mph. 2k. I think I did ok but will take some work to make her respectable. Still dont see many 4 door hardtops in 71 - 73 anymore. Otherwise rust free florida car. What have I done?

 

I think you did OK!:TU:

You'll have a nice driver once you get it's problems attended to.

 

But my other dilemma is how can I part with my beloved 73? Im getting separation anxiety just thinking about it. I cant have 3 cars besides I need the money from the sale of the 73 to get the 71 in shape. Its going to be hard letting go and then the thought of intense sellers remorse is paralyzing. haha oh my what to do.

 

got the VIN today, turns out to be a Lesabre Custom. It has power locks, speedometer warning and A/C. Whoever painted it took the badges off and there is not side molding which I hope it never had but am afraid they did the grind and fill on the holes. Hope not.

Made in Delaware. The last six digits are 100230. Does that mean it was the 230th one that rolled off the line or did they actually start with 000001?

 

I think they did start with 0001. At any rate, a nice find. Unless you're living in an apartment or in a downtown condo, there's always room for a 3rd Buick! :grin:

I'm currently seriously thinking about a 59 Invicta that's in another province. Same issues; not enough room, already got 2 nice Buicks that I can't part with, so do I really need another one? So I feel your pain.
Chances are I'll talk myself out of it...at least I hope I do!

 

40,098 LeSabre Custom 4 drs hardtop sedans were built for model year 1971.
They started with 100001 at the Wilmington, Delaware factory.
Numbers were "mixed in production". (in case they also built other models at that factory.)

 

so then mine was indeed the 230th Lesabre custom at that factory for that year? Can you give an example of mixed production?