Buick Century is the model name used by the Buick division of General Motors for a line of upscale performance cars from 1936 to 1942 and 1954 to 1958, and from 1973 to 2005 for a mid-size car.
Buick first used the Century nameplate in the 1930s, commemorating its ability to exceed 100 mph. The year to see a Buick wearing the 'Century' name in the post World War II was in 1954. This model had Buick's most powerful engine in the smallest model, and fitted with tastefully understated bodywork. The Century's 'Fireball' overhead-valve V8 engine was capable of producing 255 horsepower in 1956. Zero-to-sixty took less than ten seconds, with the quarter-mile times of around 17 seconds and a top speed exceeding 110 mph.
The Century was styling, with the four oval 'ventiports' and leather trim. For 1956, Buick built just 4,721 Century Convertible Coupes.
1956 Buick Century Production:
- Century Riviera Sedan - 20,891
- Century Deluxe Riviera Sedan - 35,082
- Century Convertible - 4,721
- Century Riviera - 33,334
- Century Estate Wagon - 8,160
