QR Cide Oosts

1955 BUICK CENTURY CONVERTIBLE

OWNER:  AL PADILLA

The 1955 Buick Century (Series 60) is known as the “hot rod” or “banker’s hot rod” of the 1950s because it paired the lightweight body of the entry-level Special series with Buick’s largest 322-cubic-inch “Nailhead” V8 engine

Key Specifications & Features
  • Engine: 322 ci (5.3L) “Nailhead” V8 with a 9.0:1 compression ratio [1, 2, 3]
  • Horsepower & Torque: 236 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque [1]
  • Transmission Options: Variable-Pitch Dynaflow automatic or a manual transmission [1, 2]
  • Distinguishing Marks: Four Ventiports (portholes) on each front fender (versus three on the Special) and a “Century” script on the rear quarters. [1, 2, 3]
  • Body Styles: Four-door sedan, two-door and four-door “Riviera” hardtops, convertible coupe, and estate wagon. (The 1955 mid-year four-door Riviera hardtop was among the first four-door hardtops ever produced). [1, 2, 3, 4]
  • Famous Appearance: Immortalized as “black and white” police cruisers in the 1950s television show Highway Patrol starring Broderick Crawford. [1]
Popularity and Market
  • Original Base Prices (1955): Ranged roughly from $2,548 for the 4-door sedan up to $3,175–$2,991 for wagons and convertibles. [1]
  • Collector Value: Current values and marketplace listings vary widely based on condition, originality, and body style, typically ranging from roughly $10,000 to nearly $100,000 for top-tier restorations.