1970 Buick Centurion For Sale: Find Your Classic Ride!

by Alex Braham 55 views

Hey car enthusiasts! Are you on the hunt for a classic beauty? Look no further! We're diving deep into the world of the 1970 Buick Centurion, a vintage gem that might just be the perfect addition to your collection. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newbie looking to own a piece of automotive history, this guide will give you everything you need to know about finding and potentially purchasing a 1970 Buick Centurion for sale.

Why the 1970 Buick Centurion?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of finding one, let's talk about why the 1970 Buick Centurion is such a cool car. Introduced as a replacement for the Buick Wildcat, the Centurion was designed to offer a more luxurious and comfortable ride. It was essentially Buick's full-size offering, slotting between the LeSabre and the Electra in terms of features and price. One of the main reasons the 1970 Buick Centurion is so desirable is its unique styling. It features a distinctive grille, elegant lines, and a presence that just screams classic American muscle. The design cues from this era are truly iconic, making it a standout vehicle at any car show or classic car gathering. Under the hood, the Centurion typically came with a robust 455 cubic inch V8 engine. This powerplant provided plenty of grunt for cruising and made the car surprisingly quick for its size. The smooth-shifting automatic transmission added to the effortless driving experience, making it a joy to pilot on long road trips. These cars were built with comfort in mind. The spacious interior, plush seats, and available features like air conditioning and power windows made the Centurion a comfortable place to be, even by modern standards. This blend of power, style, and comfort is what sets the 1970 Buick Centurion apart from its contemporaries and makes it a sought-after classic today. So, if you appreciate vintage American cars with a touch of luxury and performance, the Centurion could be right up your alley. The car has a robust 455 cubic inch V8 engine. This powerplant provided plenty of grunt for cruising and made the car surprisingly quick for its size. The smooth-shifting automatic transmission added to the effortless driving experience, making it a joy to pilot on long road trips. These cars were built with comfort in mind. The spacious interior, plush seats, and available features like air conditioning and power windows made the Centurion a comfortable place to be, even by modern standards. This blend of power, style, and comfort is what sets the 1970 Buick Centurion apart from its contemporaries and makes it a sought-after classic today. So, if you appreciate vintage American cars with a touch of luxury and performance, the Centurion could be right up your alley.

Where to Find a 1970 Buick Centurion for Sale

Okay, so you're convinced you need a 1970 Buick Centurion in your life. Great! But where do you actually find one? Here are some of the best places to start your search:

Online Marketplaces

  • eBay Motors: eBay Motors is a fantastic place to start because it has a massive selection of classic cars, including the 1970 Buick Centurion. You can often find both auction-style listings and fixed-price sales, giving you plenty of options. Make sure to carefully review the car's description and photos, and don't hesitate to ask the seller questions about its condition and history.
  • ClassicCars.com: This website is dedicated solely to classic and collector cars. It's a curated marketplace, which means you're more likely to find high-quality listings from reputable sellers. The search filters are also very helpful, allowing you to narrow down your search by price, location, and condition.
  • Hemmings: Hemmings is another excellent online resource for finding classic cars. They have a wide variety of 1970 Buick Centurions listed, often with detailed descriptions and photos. Hemmings also offers a print magazine, which can be a great source of information and listings as well.
  • Bring a Trailer (BaT): If you're looking for a unique or particularly well-maintained Centurion, Bring a Trailer is the place to check. This auction site is known for its discerning community and high-quality listings. Be prepared to bid competitively, as cars on BaT often fetch top dollar.

Classic Car Dealers

Specialty classic car dealerships can be a goldmine for finding the 1970 Buick Centurion. These dealers often have a rotating inventory of classic vehicles, and they typically put in the effort to ensure the cars are in good condition before offering them for sale. Plus, dealers can provide additional services like financing, shipping, and even restoration. When visiting a dealer, be sure to ask plenty of questions about the car's history, maintenance, and any known issues. Also, take the car for a test drive to get a feel for how it handles.

Car Clubs and Forums

Don't underestimate the power of car clubs and online forums. These communities are filled with passionate enthusiasts who often know about cars that are not even publicly listed for sale. Joining a Buick-specific club or forum can give you access to a network of knowledgeable people who can help you find a 1970 Buick Centurion. These clubs often host events where you can see cars in person and talk to owners. Additionally, members may be willing to sell their cars privately, which can sometimes lead to a better deal.

Local Classifieds and Auctions

Sometimes, the best deals are found locally. Check your local classifieds, such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, for listings of classic cars. You might be surprised at what you find! Local auctions can also be a great place to snag a bargain, but be sure to do your research beforehand and inspect the car thoroughly before bidding. You need to perform a quick search and you might be surprised at what you find! Local auctions can also be a great place to snag a bargain, but be sure to do your research beforehand and inspect the car thoroughly before bidding.

What to Look for When Buying a 1970 Buick Centurion

So, you've found a few potential 1970 Buick Centurions for sale. Awesome! But before you hand over your hard-earned cash, it's crucial to know what to look for. Here’s a detailed checklist to guide you:

Body Condition

The body is one of the first things you'll notice, and it can tell you a lot about the car's history. Check for rust, especially in common areas like the lower panels, wheel wells, and around the windows. Rust can be a major headache to repair, so it's best to avoid cars with extensive corrosion. Look for signs of previous bodywork or accidents. Mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps, and body filler can indicate that the car has been in an accident and may have underlying structural issues. Originality is key for many collectors. Check that the car has its original badges, trim, and bumpers. These details can significantly impact the car's value. Check for rust, especially in common areas like the lower panels, wheel wells, and around the windows. Rust can be a major headache to repair, so it's best to avoid cars with extensive corrosion. Look for signs of previous bodywork or accidents. Mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps, and body filler can indicate that the car has been in an accident and may have underlying structural issues. Originality is key for many collectors. Check that the car has its original badges, trim, and bumpers. These details can significantly impact the car's value.

Engine and Mechanicals

The engine is the heart of any car, so it's essential to make sure it's in good condition. Start the engine and listen for any unusual noises, such as knocking or ticking. Check for leaks under the car and around the engine. Oil, coolant, or transmission fluid leaks can indicate serious problems. If possible, take the car for a test drive and pay attention to how it performs. Does it accelerate smoothly? Does the transmission shift properly? Are there any strange vibrations or noises? Inspect the suspension components, such as the shocks, springs, and bushings. Worn suspension parts can affect the car's handling and ride quality. Start the engine and listen for any unusual noises, such as knocking or ticking. Check for leaks under the car and around the engine. Oil, coolant, or transmission fluid leaks can indicate serious problems. If possible, take the car for a test drive and pay attention to how it performs. Does it accelerate smoothly? Does the transmission shift properly? Are there any strange vibrations or noises? Inspect the suspension components, such as the shocks, springs, and bushings. Worn suspension parts can affect the car's handling and ride quality.

Interior Condition

The interior is where you'll be spending your time, so it's important that it's in good shape. Check the seats for tears, rips, or excessive wear. Original upholstery is a plus, but well-maintained aftermarket replacements can also be acceptable. Inspect the dashboard, door panels, and headliner for cracks, stains, or damage. These parts can be expensive to replace, so it's important to factor that into your buying decision. Make sure all the electrical components work, including the lights, wipers, radio, and power windows (if equipped). Non-functional electrical components can be a pain to fix. Check the seats for tears, rips, or excessive wear. Original upholstery is a plus, but well-maintained aftermarket replacements can also be acceptable. Inspect the dashboard, door panels, and headliner for cracks, stains, or damage. These parts can be expensive to replace, so it's important to factor that into your buying decision. Make sure all the electrical components work, including the lights, wipers, radio, and power windows (if equipped). Non-functional electrical components can be a pain to fix.

Documentation and History

Having the right paperwork can make a big difference in the value and enjoyment of your classic car. Check for the car's title and make sure it matches the vehicle identification number (VIN). A clear title is essential for transferring ownership. Look for any maintenance records or repair receipts. These documents can give you valuable insight into the car's history and how well it has been maintained. If possible, research the car's history using the VIN. This can help you uncover any hidden issues or discrepancies. Check for the car's title and make sure it matches the vehicle identification number (VIN). A clear title is essential for transferring ownership. Look for any maintenance records or repair receipts. These documents can give you valuable insight into the car's history and how well it has been maintained. If possible, research the car's history using the VIN. This can help you uncover any hidden issues or discrepancies.

Negotiating the Price

Once you've found the perfect 1970 Buick Centurion and thoroughly inspected it, it's time to talk money. Negotiating the price can be a bit of an art, but here are a few tips to help you get the best deal:

  • Do Your Research: Before making an offer, research the market value of similar Centurions in comparable condition. Online resources like NADA Guides and Hagerty can provide valuable pricing information.
  • Be Prepared to Walk Away: Don't fall in love with the car so much that you're willing to overpay. Set a budget and stick to it. If the seller isn't willing to meet your price, be prepared to walk away. There are other Centurions out there!
  • Point Out Flaws: Don't be afraid to point out any flaws or issues you found during your inspection. These can be used as leverage to negotiate a lower price. Be polite but firm in your negotiations.
  • Consider a Pre-Purchase Inspection: If you're not a mechanic yourself, consider hiring a qualified mechanic to perform a pre-purchase inspection. This can uncover hidden issues and give you more bargaining power.

Final Thoughts

Finding a 1970 Buick Centurion for sale can be an exciting journey. With its classic styling, powerful engine, and comfortable interior, it's no wonder these cars are so popular among collectors. By following the tips in this guide, you'll be well-equipped to find the Centurion of your dreams and enjoy years of cruising in style. Happy hunting, and good luck with your search! Remember that patience is key. The right car will come along eventually!