![]() ![]() GM deserved credit for making their new “fuselage-type” designs for 1971 look smaller than they actually were-in sharp contrast to Chrysler’s Fuselage offerings that unfortunately looked even more gargantuan than their dimensions would dictate. Not that you’d realize it from looking at the car, however-it was simply a handsome full-sized 4-door. Right out of the gate, Road Test noted the Centurion’s positioning as the “sportiest” of the big Buicks. William Stopford’s post yesterday provided an excellent overview on Buick’s full-sized “performance” offering of the early 1970s, and this vintage review provides a bit more period detail on the mission and merits of the car when it was new. And in the meantime, just maintain a dignified look and walk away from the car quickly after you park it.“When obscure cars are reviewed, Road Test Magazine will review them.” This riff on Buick’s famous tagline could certainly be applied to the January 1971 issue of Road Test Magazine, which featured a drive report on the newly introduced Buick Centurion. RAY: Have the idle speed and the operating temperature checked, Carlos. If the idle speed is set too high (which could also be caused by timing that's too advanced), the momentum of the engine could keep it running for a few seconds after you turn it off. TOM: Another possibility is that the engine is simply running too fast. If there's something wrong with the cooling system, if the timing is too advanced, or if it's just a very hot day, the temperature inside the cylinders could be high enough to ignite gasoline even without the benefit of spark. RAY: One thing that could cause dieseling is an engine that's running too hot. When you turn off the ignition in your Escort, you're turning off the spark plugs, and when you stop sending spark to the cylinders, the car is supposed to stop running. TOM: When this happens, it's called "dieseling," because it's running like a diesel engine - that is, without spark plugs. After I turn off the ignition and pull out the key, the car still sounds like it's running. #Buick centurion how toAnd maybe you and my brother can have an in-depth discussion some day about how to keep mushrooms from growing inside your glove compartments. ![]() RAY: But consider the potential value of the car to be just an added plus. And the truth is, the engine is probably the easiest part to replace, since General Motors made a zillion of these 350 V8s. TOM: So as cars go, it may even be worth something if the body is in good shape. He told us only 5,739 of these were made, which is not very many. RAY: We called our pal Dave Brownell, the editor of Hemmings Motor News ("the bible of the old-car hobby") in Bennington, Vt. And by the way, your car was produced in quite limited numbers. You know how wonderful an old car can be. He hasn't been able to get the top up in two and a half years. RAY: That usually because he's sitting on a pile of wet leaves. I keep it because I get a giddy feeling every time I drive it with the top down. ![]() There are people who treat cars as "investments," but I think it's much better to treat them as "cars." I happen to own a 1963 Dodge Dart convertible, which I don't keep for its investment value. TOM: Well, Bob, in my opinion, the only car worth investing in is the one you enjoy owning. Is this feasible? Is this model worthy of monetary investing, or is it simply a car I happen to enjoy owning? - Bob The original 350 V8 currently has 140,000 miles, and I am expecting to have to rebuild it or replace it. Do you know if this information is true? I have just spent money restoring this car (interior, body, paint). I was told that there were only a limited number of these models manufactured. I own a 1973 Buick Centurion convertible. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |