First Wash in 30 Years: Barn Find Centurion! | Car Detailing Restoration

[@WDDetailing]

NSX. 1 Week from Today. Who’s ready? Make sure you subscribe 👀

[@pyarbough30]

Is the car up for sale

[@spidercan63]

Raccoon

[@Nick-xe7ek]

Hardly wait👍

[@TravelogsIndia]

Waiting❤

[@scottiebwaaii2602]

Ready long time. I wouldn't mind a random subscriber getting it and it end up being me. I just LOVE!!! these old JDM gems!!!

[@enriqueaguilar4892]

Great job cleaning up that Buick centurion she deserves to be back on the road again for driving n she brings back the old vintage days of driving

[@WilliamSpitzer-o4f]

I had a 71 Coupe and a 72 Convertible. A neighbor has a 72 Convertible that they use for parades and such. It warms my heart when they fire that big V8. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

[@MontyLeeRay]

Centurions were 1971 to 1973. They have a center medallion upfront. I believe the 455 was standard. Many of the items in the car are specific to the Centurion: the left-hand drivers outside mirror for example. This is an amazing find. The car Wizard on YT also has some videos on a 1973 that he worked on. I enjoy your channel very much guys.

[@jeffreyrigged]

The 73s did not have the 455 standard. The 71 and 72 did. I have a 72 on my channel. Ive done alot to my car. I love the thing. Also the 71 and 72 hardtop 2 door has a unique back window plug that only they featured. This was dropped in 73. Car above is a 71.

[@MontyLeeRay]

I stand corrected on the 1973 engine data.

[@jeffreyrigged]

@@MontyLeeRay no biggie. The 73 got alot of things cut away that made them special. Im guessing since they where dropping it. Which i can see buicks point you had 3 packages on the same platform. The lesabre had a base and a custom package. Then you had the centurion. Money wise it made more sense to combine them into the luxus. Each year is pretty unique.

[@Joe8648]

Well gotta you made that Buick look pretty good even though it still needs pretty much a full restoration nice work just the same.

[@jimmyjambon9206]

Thae car in this video is super rare for one reason, that engine. In early 1971 you could order a base 455 or an optional Stage 1 455. This car has the Stage 1 engine! The same torque monster that was in the rare and famous owner of the street 1971 Buick GSX !!!

[@timothyleake8750]

Back in the early 70's when I was in my late teens, I worked part time for a Buick dealership and remember when I first encountered a Centurion Convertible in I believe, 1971. I fell in love immediately. The Centurion was only made for only 2 or 3 years! I believe the Centurion model was discontinued in 1973. They were positioned between the LeSabre and the Electra 225. They were basically a Loaded up LeSabre but they were their own distinct model and in my opinion, a very beautiful one!!!!

[@curbozerboomer1773]

What you said is essentially correct!...This model was an attempt to find a niche market for an upscale version of the Le Sabre. This strategy did not work, so the car was only offered for three years. Nice try, Buick!

[@scottiebwaaii2602]

Great job. I would love to see this car fully restored

[@OsbornTramain]

The one cool thing about the Centurian is that it doesn't have the Buick logo on the car but it's own Centurian Shield, the Roman Gladiator head on the hubcaps and front and rear! pretty cool

[@tfrogginhfroggin]

That was my first question around the badge. Thanks

[@florider_hd]

its not a gladiator. a centurion is the leader of a part of the roman legions

[@gerry-p9x]

Look for the build sheets under front seats

[@Venetiababy1]

Buicks are good cars. We had 4 "50" Buicks in our family back in the day. Straight 8 engines and water-cooled transmissions. Dynaflow. I've had two in the last 8 years. 3.8 V6's. One of the best engines ever built. Trannies are a little weak. I have a 2008 LaCrosse now. 123K miles. Runs like a top and drives great. I'll put another 100K on it no doubt. These Centurians had 315hp. Not bad but they weren't built for drag racing.

[@hitchcock1960]

A Centurion was a Roman soldier who was in command of 100 legionnaires. He was individually distinguishable by his headdress. The legionnaires headdress had a combed horse hair center stack, similar to a mohawk. The Centurion also had a horsehair stack but it was not centered, rather fabricated sideways, ear to ear. This was thought to be to make the Centurion easily identifiable to the legionnaires when in battle. As for the Buick Centurion, this 1971 convertible, like all Buick Centurions has unfortunately missed the mark by adopting a badge that is not representational of a Roman Centurion. 😮

[@robh.5242]

Buick introduced the Centurion in 1971 and produced it until 1973. It was considered a luxury vehicle like the Caprice, Grand Ville, and Delta 88. It was a replacement for the Buick Wildcat. It didn’t use the traditional Buick emblem, but rather a Centurion helmet. Personally, I thought it was one of Buick’s most beautiful designs. We had a 1971 Chevrolet Caprice which was really beautiful. Happy 2024, WD! I enjoy your videos!

[@TomSnyder-gx5ru]

We also had a '71 Chevy Caprice - gold on gold with a 454 engine, I thought it looked very '70 "Cadillac-ish" in front! My folks drove it probably 15yrs and was one of the best cars they've ever had according to my dad - he's in his 80's now and drives Mazdas!

[@robh.5242]

@@TomSnyder-gx5ru Ours was Command Blue (navy) with a black vinyl roof and black interior. Chevrolet nicknamed the Caprice “the little Cadillac” because of the family resemblance to the Sedan De Ville and Motor Trend mentioned that the Caprice was the better value because you could order every option and still come in under the Caddy’s base price. Over the years it was a family favorite and I wish I had it today!

[@gerry-p9x]

All large cars were redesigned for 71 across GM. Line. Went to dealer. New car Buick. Intro Sept. 1970. And it was a dream with all lined up in bays and showroom floor....the new Riviera was gorgeousness to die for boss bought a burgendy one white top and white interior drove in wedding and 455 engine screamed and burnouts were standard..good ol daze

[@lew3057]

This Buick was a beauty in it's day - it needs to be restored.

[@scottmihalsky3612]

I absolutely agree with you. I would restore this one. Not too many were made.

[@mikeomalley5407]

Great reset of this Buick Centurion! Wasn’t sure who was cleaning, scrubbing and extracting the excess water from the carpet but Kudos to you, because you weren’t wearing a mask. Happy New’s Eve and a WD detailed 2024!

[@MontyLeeRay]

PS: the passenger side rearview mirror external is an incredibly rare option is my understanding. Also, the Buick Club of America would be a great resource for Centurion information. Great save, fellows.😊

[@bigbodyrydagarage5488]

It is. I've owned almost 10 early-70s big GM cars and NONE of them had a RH rearview mirror. Hell, Impalas didn't get those standard even thru the end of the Impala box era in 1985.

[@MontyLeeRay]

@@bigbodyrydagarage5488 - could have been an addition after purchase.

[@alstewart9915]

That's a beautiful Buick! Love it! What a transformation! Great job guys!

[@gerry-p9x]

Do not punch out locks take out tear seat and unbolt latch from. Body and get keys made from locksmith check in car or underhood for spare keys in washer bottle

[@jeffclark2725]

That thing is a beast,always impressed how you can take a good enough clean and it looks better than new when it is done

[@drs401960]

a friend of mine bought one of these at auction years ago, and it turned out to be Frank Sinatra Jr.'s car. Was a beautiful deep dark green with a black top and interior. Still had their phone in it! I used to drive that car all around Hollywood with the top down! Was a beautiful car and a pleasure to drive! Lots of power and stunning to look at.

[@cuttysupe7749]

Thanks for giving your time and attention to these big old land barges. These types of cars were everywhere when I was a kid and you just don’t see them much anymore. Anyways great work!!!

[@yogisfriend7869]

The Centurion was to fill the void left by the Wildcat when it was discontinued. IMO it just didn't have the "spark" of its predecessor and it lasted for just a few years.

[@OsbornTramain]

The car looks amazing! One thing you guys don't do is remove the seat belts......IF you unbolt them and run them thru the laundry with mild soap, it's amazing what a difference you'll see, the color usually comes back and then they add that extra detail to the interior. I could see the belts in the back were tucked in under the seats, they did look like they were restorable.

[@stevenrodriguez7668]

I’m so gonna use this technique, thanks man . My wife is gonna want to try this on her chevelle seat belts

[@Notfiveo0]

Seat belts are not supposed to be washed according to everything I’ve read.

[@gerry-p9x]

​@@stevenrodriguez7668take sat belts out roll up and get 5gal plastic. Bucket and dump half and half. Concentrated. Simple green and let soak ca few days..like new and minty fresh😊😊

[@johncornell3665]

I cant believe the power top worked. Great job guys. Thanks!

[@martycarter3306]

I love to see old vichles detail and cleaned and bring back to life..life it did back when it came from the dealership of that year...

[@victorperez-d5m]

I wish you a happy new year 2024

[@mbritton1984]

I watched this when you first put it out, and again today. One of the classiest big American cars ever!

[@GTRxMan]

I had a '71 Centurion. What a great car. Super comfortable, fast and quiet. I especially loved the wrap-around dashboard that GM used in the era.

[@DetailDane]

Good Job! 👌 Now Lets Get That NSX 😎

[@beckyward6650]

I don’t understand why these guys let the car s turn into rust. So sad.

[@williamkirkland7002]

We all have dreams of one day fixing up those rides. Unfortunately we get old or somthing beyond our control gets in the way like war,divorce, car crash, or cancer etc. Many soldiers never return from service leaving behind those cool muscle cars.. good luck in your endevors. 🇺🇸

[@Thunder_Sn1per09]

I can tell you money My dad just gave me a 42 year old ford escort been sat for 30 years he just never had the money to restore it so I'm gonna try to restore it to make it my first car

[@briandewitt163]

Happy New Year team! Thanks for all you do to share interesting cars and videos for us! 🎉

[@MarkMcAlister-k5h]

Well done Lads . . big project bigger results!

[@danswartwood4580]

Thank you for sharing and your APPRECIATION to your subscribers 😊

[@Jerry-ok8gj]

I can't believe that transformation! You guys are miracle workers!😊

[@StephanSondermann]

Das Symbol auf dem Lenkrad sieht wirklich dem auf dem Helm des Mandalorian sehr ähnlich ! 👌 Das ist der Weg 😉

[@clarepaynick789]

Amazing clean up! Lots of devoted work on this old boat!

[@dominicdevone2684]

That's really awesome. That reminds me a lot of my Mom's 71 Le Sabre. Awesome work. :)

[@artmchugh5644]

We had 62, 66, and 68 Electra 225 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊 no wonder!!! We lived in Flint Michigan!!!😂😂😂

[@maxkuykendall5866]

I believe those may be racoon's paw prints. Just had the same thing happen to me this summer after accidentally leaving the garage door up all night.

[@mikewolverton7904]

You guys do a really remarkable job in your detailing. No matter how dirty the job may be, you both really enjoy what you do and it really does make a difference.

[@JesusPina-c6s]

Impresionante el trabajo que habéis realizado en ese gran coche , felicidades.❤👏🇪🇦👍

[@alfredrossi5268]

I think the centurion was a fancy lesabre great job ❤

[@KingzofIsrael]

I discovered Centurions in the early 90s when my uncle and second cousin were driving revived 72’ Cutlass convertible and 71’ Skylark convertible respectively. It seemed like they were everywhere back then. Magazines like Old Car Trader had lots of them. Watching this one make me wish I’d bought one. Olds and Buicks from this era are the next best things to muscle cars IMO.

[@TomMaterene]

I had a 73, best ride ever for comfort. Gas mileage was really good on long trips. I worked for Buick and was around for that GM strike in 71 so all the large dealers had no nice cars people wanted such as the Riviera. The big dealers such in Houston would call around to the small country dealers that had some good inventory that was not moving and they would transfer the nice Rivieras and a few of us would drive to where ever they were and drive them back to Houston. They were like a big smooth jet airplane and so comfortable. Last time I saw my big pretty Centurion I drove by a little business and saw my car being driven by the ex wife's boy friend. I went back to Chevy Power and loved every minute.

[@FrankAllison-i1h]

The Centurion was kinda the performance image model for Buick in these days, sort of replacing the void left by the Wildcat and the Invicta before that. Everything the fellows are saying below is absolutely correct. The convertible version is quite rare now and the one you guys have here is truly worth restoring.

[@JollyRoger2408]

Happy New Year @all! 🎆🍀

[@stephenspilker9334]

it would be fun to see a full rebuild of this car. the body looks remarkably good, not to hard to fix. hopefully this will make the owner restore this car.

[@born2soon]

I'm going to say those paw prints are from one honking big RACCOON!

[@pugglepuggle]

It came out amazing.

[@jamesselig8461]

THIS IS THE WAY!!!!!

[@francoisbouchard602]

Good.job cool car Nice show Happy New year 😄👍👍👏👏👏👏

[@davidparkin9017]

Buick cars were awesome. They really put heart into their work. Cadillac levels of luxury, performance, quality .

[@michaelfleming40]

My late father owned a 1972 Buick Centurion 4 door sedan. White exterior with a black top and interior. 😊❤

[@edwardpitingolo3206]

The paw prints look like raccoon prints, maybe opossum, but the “thumb” digit doesn’t look extended enough for an opossum. My best guess is raccoon

[@gkimble90]

Racoon paw prints😊

[@adamcran9859]

Happy new year guys when it comes and can’t wait to see what gets cleaned in 2024

[@1967250s]

Hit the like at ripped PA vs! Lol. Tip; whenever you move a hinge (like the top ) or hood- hit the hinges with some penetrant oil first, or as soon as possible! Great find and great work.

[@1967250s]

P.s. since the top was so destroyed, you should have cut off the old cloth first, before moving it.

[@siphomogale779]

Great work looking forward for more exciting in 2024, Happy New year everybody 🎉🎉🎉

[@stevecrockett2142]

I had a 71 Centurion when my wife and I got married in 79. It was a monster. It ran great, drank a lot of gas. I had to get rid of it because I couldn't afford it. But I loved it. Wish I had it now.

[@LawriePaulGiven]

My father was a Buick man and he had a 1971 Centurion. I loved that car.

[@cjdesign5700]

Centurion's had the same new feature all GM Conv. ( I had a 71 Impala) that was the "scissor" folding top that went more flat vs the big bulge...nice and smooth with the boot on

[@warrenlewis3977]

It has the Buick rims...KOOL!

[@roberthaess9080]

When I used to detail carpet I laid them out and treated them and let them set overnight. Next day I would hang them to pressure wash them. The 50s to the early 80s cars are treasures. Thank you for saving them.

[@frankhall4]

The centurion was the replacement for the wildcat .. the bankers hot rod. It was in between the lesabre and the Electra 225 or “deuce and a quarter” as they were called back in the day. I am so old I remember when this car was new….i started driving in 1971….

[@ScrappersDetailing]

Another great video guys.

[@chrisminchopoulos2811]

My brother had a 1972 Centurion with the 455 CI engine, the power was down in 72 because of many factors, lower compression, air smog pump, but it was beautiful, very long. It also had these massive fiberglass covers that would cover the convertible top when it was retracted, these had to be manually clipped and usually took 2 people to properly fasten or you risked scratching the paint. This car was a true cruising classic.

[@Matt-mo8sl]

My dream car. Nice job!

[@donaldmiller9648]

Friend of mine in college had one of these Centurions in a hard top but remembering being surprised when he opened hood and saw the 455 cu inch engine...didn't expect that. Buicks were great running cars (boats) back in those days. :-)

[@vickigupton822]

I absolutely loved this car from the first glimpse. Best driving cars ever!!

[@rafaelrolim5582]

Ficou muito bom o trabalho de detail 👏

[@patrickrichmond9896]

Buick which was the company that built this car had a nice feature called a 2nd needle in the speedometer. That was the speed alarm. You would set it for what the speed limit was on the road you were traveling so that way, you had something that would alert you for if you felt like stomping on the throttle. Also many cars in those days had what some might call the pausing shut off for the windshield wipers. When you turn the wipers off, they would stop 3/4 of the way to the lower position before tucking under the hood. When they did go under the hood, sometimes you would hear them hit something when they tuck under.

[@danielguy2156]

Had a 74 Buick LeSabre coupe convertible, identical to this. I loved it and had to sell it before a deployment... didn't think I was coming back and didn't want the wife to be stuck with selling it. It's a racoon, great job you guys

[@brettb8825]

I loved the Buick Road Wheels. They looked good on every model Buick.

[@bobwallace4733]

Looks like Racoon paw prints to me.

[@trifunish]

This car looks like new again and it can be like cabrio!Great job!

[@Wynnez_Music]

Restoring such a car in December 31st 2023 would give that such an insane blessing. If it was found like 2 weeks earlier, it probably would've been gifted to a dads dream car lol 😅 Happy New Years everyone !!! Great job on the extreme detail on the wash 💪💪

[@aarsir1961]

Nice work man

[@jonathonbarnes3582]

Fun fact: The Buick Centurion concept was WAY cooler than what went into production!

[@МаратБадмаев-и8э]

Ну вы парни как всегда на высоте.👍👍👍👍👍 То есть отличная работа.

[@joebennefield3368]

Y'all done a great job 👍👏💯 with the car it looks so much better ty

[@calvertmorgan4550]

I'm curious why you don't pressure-wash moving downward from top to bottom? Starting at the bottom only means that the dirt released once you get to the top will streak back down through the part you just cleaned below, no?

[@MS-nk4xb]

- Good job guys 👍!

[@nautospavn]

What a beautiful car and job on it.

[@patcastaldo3989]

you guys do amazing work on what ever cars you find and bring them back .

[@garrymelnyk8084]

This model would be hard to find these days. Great potential for a nice boulevard cruise.

[@BY504A]

I once owned a '71 Centurion convertible. It had a white exterior and top. Interior was a blue vinyl power bench seat. The 455 had loads of torque and moved the beast pretty quickly. It was a nice smooth cruiser for sure. Gas was cheap then so the low mpg's didn't matter much.

[@martinhermann2630]

ill love to see a will it run on this car, ill bet it would start with a battery and cleaned points! great show, awesome content guys! greetings from Sweden

[@twinsies3511]

I think the paw prints were a raccoon

[@petersomma4407]

I don't know the Centurion, but I owned a '75 Riviera and that was the most comfortable car I have ever driven in my life! Made to cruise the highway but what a gas guzzler that 455 engine was. That was the reason I had to give my Riviera up, could not afford the gas and college too.

[@elsbethmorgan]

You guys seriously do such great work

[@hooligan_56labelle22]

I had a 455 71 centurion. 4 door hardtop. Painted it and rebuild the engine with a little shave here and there. Added mag wheels and side pipes. Then good shocks. 340 morpars thought they were in reverse racing this big boat. Carburetor kit made it really great on gas. But in the end i totaled it racing crash. The tires actually broke loose and hit the wall. I loved that boat.

[@jeffwade8843]

I owned a71 Centurion in the early 80's . Beautiful car

[@fantail75]

The Centurion was the replacement for the Buick Wildcat and followed the recipe for the ‘banker’s hot rod’, a notion originated by Buick with the Century, in 1936, which signified the ability to travel at 100mph. The idea was to back the division’s largest and most powerful engine with the smaller and lighter chassis. The Centurion, also available only with the 454, followed that marketing strategy. If you wanted the top luxury model you moved up to the Electra.

[@williamkirkland7002]

Those paw prints are most likely from a raccoon hence the strong urine smell comming out of the carpets. Nice rare car find. My Uncle had a '72 impala convert. with a 402 corvette high performance big block in it. I know this because I replaced the worn timing chain and gear, behind the timing chain was stamped into the front of the engine behind the timing cover; it said corvette high perf. It was a speacial order bought new in 72 by my uncle. That buick is a cool car and should be fully restored to new specs. Those cars would do 80 plus without hesitation. It was like riding a magic carpet. Back then speed limits were 75 on interstate highways. Would love to follow this ride to completion.

[@anonymousperson6188]

Hi Brent. The paw prints...my guess is raccoon. They are scavengers. Car _full_ of rodents...yeah... Raccoons live in forest areas, they eat the carcasses of wildlife there. Rats can get as big as a house kitten or cat. Raccoons have quite sharp claws. The mandalorian? I can see it, but it wasn't my first thought...🙏

[@speedfiend925]

New Slogan for this car: "Centurion, this IS the way!" 😁

[@Voice-over-animals]

I’m wondering why you guys don’t team up with people like restored for the engine or others for pain work or damage etc. wouldn’t be awesome to see a collaboration?

[@bjoernandersen8287]

Stunning restauration, I really like to watch old AM cars being found in barns and taken care of by professionals. Reminds me of my first car back in the 80s. A blue/white 72 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible with big block V8 engine. I really loved that car and so did the girls I went out with. I'm not giving any details of that matter other than that the back seat where great in hot summer nights.

[@FrankAllison-i1h]

I'll just never get over the fact that you guys wash these incredibly filthy cars INDOORS!!!! Uuuuuggghhh!!1

[@robertdiehl9003]

Beautiful job...

[@maryrafuse2297]

Your dedication is admirable and the car looks great! Hats off to you! One thing to note, it is small but important. Black and white are not colors, they never have been colors although they are constantly mistakenly referred to as colors. Black and white are shades. This Centurion is now a shiny attractive shade, black.

[@robertandreason3218]

That was the very first car I ever had in high school 1973 Buick centurion. I can tell you one thing when it runs, I had this parameter buried way past a 120 and the car just started floating down the road. It didn't matter what it did what it took that motor never missed a beat. That was one of my favorite cars of all time. And I've won after that was a 1970 Chevy pickup. C ten

[@MidwestMotor]

Those are alien 👽👽 "paw prints!" LOL!!!!! Excellent video and I cannot wait for the NSX!!!!!! 🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁

[@brianfisher4940]

How cool was that! I forgot they even made those. Yup, Racoon.

[@der_kluger_gunther8391]

this car looks stunning, i really love the style of this old cars. sure she needs some work but if could run i would not give up on her. and yeah i saw the mandalorian helmet too lol, even before you said so! that's how you spot a true star wars fan XD

[@cliffmcsparran3390]

Car lovers don't say "old cars." We say "classic cars"

[@der_kluger_gunther8391]

@@cliffmcsparran3390 you have god damn right.

[@FitzgeraldStanburyWeissV]

@@cliffmcsparran3390 What a strange correction... I don't know why you bothered with this one.

[@losindadrop]

Thats a scissor top on that vert...also shared with caprice and eldorados of the same years...GM greatest hits baby! Love it...

[@FreedomRock44]

1971-1973 First seen on a concept car, the Centurion was nearly identical to the contemporaneous Buick LeSabre, differing in badging and grillework, minimal chrome trim, and an absence of the VentiPorts found on other full-size Buicks. Body styles included two-door and four-door hardtops and a convertible. There were no pillared sedans. The two-door hardtop shared the handsome semi-fastback roofline with the LeSabre and other GM B-body cars (such as the Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe and the Olds Delta 88) along with a standard vinyl roof. Replacing the Wildcat as the mid-line full-sized Buick positioned between the lower-priced LeSabre and the larger and more luxurious C-body Electra 225, the Centurion was promoted more as a mid-level luxury car than the Wildcat, which was marketed as a sporty/luxury performance car. The Centurion was offered initially with only the 455-cubic-inch (7.5 L) big-block V8 in two power output ranges determined by the presence of either a single or dual exhaust. The 1971 Centurion produced 315 hp (235 kW) at 4400 rpm and 510 lb⋅ft (690 N⋅m) of torque at 2800 rpm with the base 455. The Centurion was also offered in the 455 Stage 1 and manual transmission configuration as well during the early portion of the 1971 model year, shared with the Buick GSX. This was known as the A9 and B6 Option when ordering the car. What also separated the car from the LeSabre was that when the car would be ordered or recognized as a Centurion it would be branded as a 4P Series as the first two letters of the Vehicle Identification Number. The Centurion was Buick's only convertible offering in 1973.

[@garthwillard8089]

Thought there was a73 lesabre convertible?