1980 Buick Century Sedan 🇺🇸

The 1980 model year saw Buick correct a mistake in its line-up. The automaker downsized the midsize Century in 1978, it was 18 inches shorter and 7 inches narrower than the model it replaced. Yet, passenger space remained about the same, as designers reduced the bodyside curvature, pushed out the roof pillars and moved the instrument panel farther forward. But they wrapped this new Century  with an aerodynamic fastback design that proved less than popular. This was rectified for the 1980 model year with the addition of a more traditional notchback body, although the Aeroback model continued for 1980 as the Sport Coupe. The more conventional styled notchback led to a 137% increase in Century sales, most of them 4-door sedans. 

There were other updates as well. The Century was now offered simply in base or Limited trim, while a larger 3.8-liter overhead-valve V-6, a three-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive came standard. A 3-speed Turbo Hydramatic automatic transmission was optional, as were a turbocharged 3.8-liter V-6, 4.3-liter or 4.9-liter V-8 and a 5.0-liter V-8 offered specifically for cars sold in California. 

The Century was also offered as a Coupe or Station Wagon. The former was offered with an optional trim Rallye package that included blacked exterior trim and instrument panel, sport side mirrors, a rear spoiler and front fender decal. Buick also offered a Rallye Package with quicker-ratio steering, firmer suspension, larger stabilizer bars, and unique wheels on 14-inch rubber. 

Of course, this was the age where most of the niceties you’d want were optional, including power steering, a tilt steering column, rear window defogger, an 8-track or cassette tape player, a sunroof, limited slip differential, air-conditioning or automatic climate control, cruise control, a power driver’s seat, center console with bucket seats, trunk carpeting, a clock, power windows, power door looks, two-speed windshield wiper, tinted glass, an AM, AM/FM or CB radio, rear speakers, floor mats, color-coordinated seat and shoulder belts, power antenna, vinyl top, wheel covers, aluminum wheels, side moldings, front bumper guards, dome light, courtesy lights, and halogen high-beam headlights. All were options. In fact, the base  Buick Century sedan has fixed rear windows; they don’t roll down, making air-conditioning a must-have option in warmer climates. While Buick advertised the Century Limited Sedan as “our little limousine,” a base sedan is best described as modestly comfortable transportation. 

Company
General Motors

Make
Buick

Model
Century

Body Style
Sedan ,  4-door,  5-pass.

Body Manufacture
Fisher Body Co.

Model year
1980

Wheelbase
106.1  inches

Length
196 inches

Engine
OHV, V-6, 231 cid (3.8 liter)

Horsepower
110 hp @ 3800 rpm

Transmission
3-speed manual shifter on the floor

Original Base Price
$5,646

Brand Production
1,000,000 +/-

This Car Production
129,740 (sedans)

The NB Center Buick Century sedan is a rare example of  a base model car. As such, it comes with the 3-speed manual transmission with the shifter on the floor, a rarity in a time when most customers opted for the automatic. Other than an Am-Fm radio and color coordinated interior, the car does not appear to have any options. The fitment of a spotlight on the driver side A-pillar leaves us to assume the car was originally purchased for security duty. Ultimately the car was not used much and ended up being donated to a museum and subsequently purchased by the NB Center.

Given our vehicle’s manual transmission, small size and ease of driving,  it is often used to train young staff members and guests  on how to drive a manual transmission car for those not adept at the three-pedal waltz.