Buick Century (1st generation)
The 'banker's hot rod' that combined Buick's lightest chassis with its most powerful straight-eight engine.
- Power
- 141 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 17.5 s
- Top speed
- 95 mph
- Est. value
- $18k–$45k
About the Buick Century
The 1938 Buick Century, part of the Series 60 line, earned the nickname 'the banker's hot rod' for its impressive performance relative to its peers. By installing the large 320 cubic-inch straight-eight from the flagship Limited into the shorter, lighter chassis of the Special, Buick created a car capable of sustained speeds over 90 mph. The 1938 model year introduced 'Dynaflash' combustion chambers and 'Torque-Free' rear coil springs, significantly improving ride quality over the previous leaf-spring design. It remains a highly usable pre-war classic, valued for its ability to keep pace with modern traffic.
Buick Century specs
The Buick Century produces 141 bhp (105 kW) and 365 Nm (269 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 17.5 seconds and has a top speed of 95 mph (153 km/h).
| Make | Buick |
|---|---|
| Model | Century |
| Generation | First Generation (1st generation) |
| Trim | 5.2 |
| Years | 1936–1942 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Sedan |
| Country | United States |
| Original price | About $1,300 when new |
| Engine | 5.2-litre straight-eight |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 5,247 cc (5.2 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 141 bhp (105 kW) at 3,600 rpm |
| Torque | 365 Nm (269 lb-ft) |
| 0–60 mph | 17.5 s |
| Top speed | 95 mph (153 km/h) |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,750 kg (3,858 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 81 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Buick Century worth?
A typical Buick Century is estimated to be worth $18,000 – $45,000 (about £13,000 – £34,000).
Its original price when new was about $1,300.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Buick Century rarity in CarSpot
The Buick Century is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 27 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Buick Century fun facts
- The 'Century' name was chosen because the car was designed to be the first Buick capable of reaching 100 mph.
- In 1938, Buick moved away from traditional leaf springs to a coil-spring rear suspension, a major innovation for ride comfort at the time.
- The 5.2-litre 'Fireball' straight-eight engine was so robust it remained the basis for Buick's top-tier powerplants until the arrival of the V8 in 1953.
