The 1978-80 Buick Century “slantback” is one Malaise Era automobile that receives no love. Available with two or 4 doorways and in a number of trim ranges, the Century isn’t seen anymore and has little to no collectible worth aside from for the Sport Coupe and people with the turbo V6. In the case of this specific 1979 Buick Century Turbo Coupe on the market on ClassicCars.com, it’s each, which is why it’s our Pick of the Day. (Click the hyperlink to view the itemizing)
Buick made headlines in 1976 when the Indianapolis 500 tempo automobile, a Century, lead the pack packing a turbocharged V6. Though that engine by no means made it to the tempo automobile replicas, it did attain manufacturing in 1978, being supplied for the Regal and LeSabre. For 1979, availability was expanded to the Century and all-new Riviera.
The 1978 Century Sport Coupe specifically was the sportiest of the bunch, outfitted with Rallye trip and dealing with suspension bundle, particular paint remedy, Designers’ street wheels and P205/70R-14 radials. However, issues actually obtained attention-grabbing in 1979 with the addition of a typical rear spoiler, particular black accents and sport mirrors. Also on the choice record was the Turbo Coupe bundle, which turned the Sport Coupe into the Turbo Coupe through 175-horsepower turbo V6, twin exhausts, automated transmission, energy brakes, Turbine wheels and Turbo Coupe identification. It is just not recognized what number of had been constructed like this, although this website claims 1,653 Sport Coupes had been in-built 1979, with no indication what number of had been turbo-powered.
So, it’s with some irony that this white Turbo Coupe has acquired a big-block transplant contemplating the turbocharged 3.8 V6 was speculated to be a new-age resolution to old-style efficiency. “The paint is unquestionably exhibiting its age, however the physique is in excellent situation,” says the Staunton, Illinois-based vendor. “The inside is in implausible authentic situation outfitted in all crimson with some aftermarket gauges put in.” No phrase in what state of tune the mighty 455 is, nevertheless it does characteristic an aluminum consumption manifold, Holley Carburetor and HEI ignition. For trivia buffs, the Turbine wheels are polycast.
The Buick people generally seek advice from the early turbos as “Before Black,” a nod to the Grand National that appeared in 1984. It can be nice to see somebody restore this Century Turbo Coupe to be the automobile that Buick had supposed, together with a turbo-six constructed to Grand National specs. At $12,950, the price of entry to satisfy this Century’s potential is just not enormous.
To view this itemizing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
