1973 Centurion Stage 1 ?

Looking around on eBay tonight and I stumbled upon something I’d never seen or knew existed? Or did someone just glue on a Stage 1 emblem?
Anyone know? Maybe I learned something new today!


https://www.ebay.com/itm/1973-Buick...2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0

 

Thanks for clearing that up! Emblem layout looked stupid! Figured as much ….

 

Adam, look at the end of the shift lever .... it has the 'Finger-tip control' wiper system. It's a shame there's so much rust showing and at least as much covered up.

 

W code means it should have big valve heads, 4 barrel carb and dual exhaust. But yea not much else. V code is the same but I believe had a different cam. That is the one that would be for the Stage 1 GS. U code is for regular heads with 4 barrel carb and dual exhaust.

That price is something though. Should be at least half IMHO. Too many little things wrong to be asking top dollar for.

 

Back in the 1980’s my best friends uncle had one of those except it was a convertible & they were convinced no matter what I said that they had a super rare full boogie Stage 1 Centurion.
Still was a nice clean Southern example though but cause a lot of confusion when someone alerts them they have a factory “Stage 1”.

 

Wow……..after reading this claim they finally add in the original motor isn’t even there? Gotta love some of these consignment joints.

“Research shows that this car is 1 of only 495 automatic and A/C equipped Stage 1 cars made this year, sadly it does not have its original engine. But you can still make your arrival a big one with some large and in charge steel with this 1973 Buick Centurion Stage 1. “
Even though I love the big Buick’s it should read “Large & a barge “
No Stage 1 for you!

 

The 73 gran sport stage 1 v code has the 7043242 stage carb and 1112016 stage distributor, I’m curious if the w code has those, they increase the value by 1500 -2000

 

It could still have the big valve heads, though not original anymore hurts their extremely ambitious price even more.

I get the impression that Stage 1 badge was added on recently to try to fool someone into thinking there is a lot more to this car.

 

Not sure but didn’t help this one much,but I’ll ask the raccoon that use to live in it

 

Is that brown one in your yard?

 

I have a W code big boat, and from what I've been able to find out the only thing special is the large valve heads. Nothing else. V code was for the GS and that got additional stuff.

 

If so I’d be interested in the quarter glass and trim

 

What are the numbers on your carb and distributor? Are they original?

 

It’s black,but yes

 

Carb was replaced long before I got it. Distributor was original I think but I replaced it. At the time I didn't think to keep the old one, I sent it back as a core.

 

I can see the trim is long gone, bet that was nice inits day

 

Looks like some good parts still, steering column , gauges, is anything left under thehood?

 

I’m still curious, do you know anyone else with an original one, it would be good info to know if the w code had the stage distributor and carb

 

Well I can tell you it has HEI, which 1974 was the first year for that I think. HEI was an option you had to order so I doubt it was a special one to go with the big valve heads.

 

The 74 v code gs stage hei is 1112521 and is extremely rare. I’d like to know about 73 and 74 w codes