Item Info

Media Type: Photographic Prints
Source: Automobile Reference Collection
Notes:

General Motors Motorama

1956 Buick Centurion

The Centurion, a two-door four passenger coupe is Buick’s experimental car. The aerodynamically designed Centurion is of fiber glass construction, with the upper body painted red and a brushed metallic finish on the lower portion, separated by a chrome sweepspear. The car is 73.5 inches wide, 53.7 inches high, 213.1 inches long and has a wheelbase of 118 inches. The tread is 60 both front and rear. A 325 horsepower V8 engine powers the car.

The stop and backup lights of the Centurion are located in a bomb in the rear center of the car. When the lights are not in use, the bomb appears to be solid chrome due to the chrome appearance of the outer lenses. The tail lights are similarly designed. The rear end panel of the car houses a TV camera which in conjunction with a TV viewer on the instrument panel replaces the rear view mirror.

The front and rear bumpers are an integral part of the shell design. The grille and hood are a solid unit hinging at the front behind the grille and opening at the rear. Fresh air scoops are located in the front fenders. The wheel discs incorporate air scoops for cooling of the brakes.

The four bucket seats of the Centurion are trimmed in red leather. For easy entrance into the car, the front seat mechanism is automatically rocked back when the door is opened to allow the driver and the passenger to be seated in the car with the least possible difficulty. For rear seat occupants, the front seat back when pushed manually forward, activates a switch which moves the front seat forward and out of the way for easy access. The interior trim is a combination of red leather and fiber glass trimmed with bright metal.

A unique steering column arrangement features a cantilevered suspended steering wheel of the aircraft type. The steering column is located on the centerline of the car and is connected with the wheel at the driver’s position by a cantilever arm. This allows for added leg room for the driver. The oil and amp gauges are unique in that they are not visible until there is danger. The Centurion is safety designed throughout.