Downsizing the American Way
Anyone thinking of American cars from four or five decades ago probably envisions a huge sled. Full of wood, leather, chrome, and thick wheels underneath. This Buick Century takes it easy in that regard.
The front-wheel-drive Century joined the American car market about ninety years ago with a 94 hp 3.8 V8 under the hood. Nowadays, we find that power downright low, especially for an engine with that displacement, but in those days, it made an impression. In the beginning, the model was in the higher segment below the more expensive Limited and Roadmaster. After the Skylark disappeared in 1998, the Century was Buick’s cheapest sedan and had to tolerate the Regal, LeSabre, and Park Avenue above it. It was never sold in the Netherlands.
The beige 1999 Century we have before us today is from the sixth and last generation. It’s just a Buick Regal but cheaper and is mainly characterized by a streamlined design. Also characteristic of this example is the strip that runs over the doors above the door handles. The most exuberant thing about this generation is the taillight section. Wood and chrome are not present on this Century, and the hubcaps don’t scream for attention either. Leather upholstery is present, as we can see in the photos. It weighs 1,510 kilograms, and the 3.1 V6 under the hood delivers a modest 162 hp. The model reminds the undersigned *en profil* a bit of the second Opel Omega. That’s not very strange, because Opel, like Buick, was part of General Motors until 2017. That generation of Omega was also available as a Cadillac Catera.
The Buick spotted by forum member MCW 41 looks pretty neat, despite two small scratches on the driver’s door. Two of the previous owners have enjoyed this understated American for many years. The fifth and current owner has been driving it for almost four years. We hope he enjoys it too.
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