Does anyone have the literature that explains why Buick made the Centurion? It sounds primarily like an appearance package, were they trying to be more stylish, more sporty, more performance? Did the Centurions cost more or less? Where there any option restrictions? I've never seen a '73 LeSabre convertible was it only available on the Centurion? Are there LeSabre convertibles in 71 or 72? In general I'm trying to understand how Buick would try to talk someone into a Centurion over a LeSabre. The differences are so subtle it seems useless to have 2 names for essentially the same car.
The Centurion and the LeSabre are extremely similar, but there's definitely some different sheet metal used. I don't know why they actually cancelled it since sales practically doubled the last year, but decisions are made way in advance. Sales may have gone up BECAUSE of the cancellation. There were definitely LeSabre convertibles those years. They're quite nice looking, but I prefer the much cleaner Centurion. At any rate, I don't have the literature with me at the moment, but the writings I've seen say that the purpose behind the Centurion was to "combine the performance of the Riviera with the elegance of the Electra with the attractiveness of the LeSabre". I think they wound up cutting it due to a mandate to narrow the product lines in the big car area to make room for some smaller lines. The Riviera (despite falling sales) and LeSabres were their bread and butter. As far as option limitations... in the 60s and early 70s there really were no practical limitations if you knew the right people and had the $$$. However, the Centurion came with a lot of standard features that were optional for the LeSabre. You could get a few different variations of the 455 and could add some trim.
The LeSabre was the base version and came standard with a 350/T350 engine/trans. The Centurion had the 455/t400 as std. and was fitted with a higher standard of trim as well as a HD rear axle from the Electra. Conv were available in both LeSabre and Centurion 1971 thru 1973. From 1974 the Centurion was discontinued and the LeSabre was the only convertible available with the 455/T400 listed as an option.
In 1974 the Centurion was replaced by the LeSabre LUXUS, this being the only available convertible. There was still two lower levels, LeSabre and LeSabre Custom but these did not include a conv.
replacement What the Centurion was, was the 70's Wildcat replacent - same concept smaller body, fancier trim, huge engine- "the bankers hotrod"
'71-'73 350/T350 LeSabres used the 8.5" rear end, 455/T400 ones got the big 9 3/8 rear. I don't know about the seat trim, but every option was available on LeSabres as well as Centurions. That is, you could have optioned a LeSabre same as a Centurion. Major difference (to me) is that the Centurion didn't have near the chrome trim, louvers, and other external fancy stuff that LeSabres and Electras did. The Centurion followed the Wildcat, as a kind of full-sized stealth musclecar.
Actually, a lot of chrome trim that was an option on the LeSabre was standard on the Centurion.... Such as wheel opening mouldings, belt reveal mouldings, notchback seat, deluxe steering wheel, rocker moulding, lower quarter moulding... The Centurion was built to look more sleek than the LeSabre, which is I think what you were getting at with the "stealth musclecar" look.
Exactly. ie, LeSabre - ventiports, Centurion - no ventiports. (me, I like all the chrome...want more....)
OK, I give up. Why do some of these cars have the cool looking trim on the edge of the trunk. Was it an option? Mine didn't come with that.
You mean this?:Brow: It was an option on the 71-72 Centurions - the "Custom Rear Body Mouldings" as they were called, were part of the LeSabre Custom package typically found on LeSabre convertibles....considering ALL LeSabre convertibles were Customs. It's extremely hard to find a full set in good shape. Start looking! It took me a year to find mine.
custom The 72 Order form I am looking at, has the rear molding as optional on the LeSabre Customs, not a standard item on the customs. It's an early order form so maybe this changed? Not available on 5200 Series.
Then you may have to disregard my last post:grin: I was under the impression that they were part of the Custom package..
My '71 LeSabre Custom doesn't have them. :ball: But I know where some are... (btw, Adam, what's your address?) :Brow:
I've never seen a full set of these on ebay and I check often. Thanks Adam for making me extremely jealous with that picture.
I heard that Smartin has plenty of them. He grows them up in a secret place, and I suspect he offers them for free to whoever need them ! :Brow: :Brow: PS. Just need the left corner.... :ball: :ball:
