The Century was one of Buick’s full-sized car that enjoyed a series of production runs from 1936 to 2005. The first was from 1936 to 1942, the second was from 1954 to 1958, and the third was from 1973 to 2005. For now, we’ll start focusing our attention on the generation that started it all, the first generation Buick Century.

Produced from 1936 to 1942, the first generation Bucik Century was part of the company’s revamp of old vehicles. By taking over the old Buick Series 60, this vehicle showed Buick’s engineering improvements and design advancements over its previous models.

One of the new things that Buick added to the Century vehicle class was the use of its inline 320.2 inches engine. This engine allowed the car to produce 120 horsepower and made it hit the speeds of 95 mph. Thanks to its powerful engine, the Buick Century was able to earn the distinction of being the fastest Buick of that era. Not only that, it also allowed the car to get the moniker of being “the banker’s hot rod” as it was a favored car by bankers. Aside from using a powerful engine, Buick also equipped its Century sedan with a shorter wheelbase.

But even though the first generation Buick Century was considered the fastest Buick sedan, it wasn’t a good enough pitch to keep the vehicle class from folding. By 1942, the last Buick Century for that time was released, marking the end of Buick’s fastest car in the West.

However, it wasn’t the last time we’d be hearing of this vehicle line. After the end of the Second World War, Buick reintroduced the Century to a whole new audience. For more info about how the second generation Buick Century fared, be sure to check back with us for our next entry.

Sources: Wikipedia, Pre-War Buick