Image of 1980 Buick Century, sourced from en.wikipedia.org , Image Link.

Introduction

As the sun set on the 1970s, a new chapter in automotive history was written with the introduction of the 1980 Buick Century. This vehicle, emerging from the esteemed halls of General Motors, offered a blend of comfort and modest elegance that resonated with the American public. The Century was a product of its time, encapsulating the transition from the flamboyance of the '70s to the more pragmatic and efficiency-driven '80s. A notable moment for this model was its role in pioneering the use of smaller, more fuel-efficient engines in midsize American cars—a response to the fuel crises that had recently shaken the world.

Design and Innovation

The 1980 Buick Century boasted a design that balanced traditional Buick styling cues with a nod to aerodynamic efficiency. Its exterior featured clean lines and a formal roofline that exuded a sense of understated sophistication. Inside, passengers were greeted with a cabin that prioritized comfort, using quality materials that were a cut above what one might expect from a midsize sedan of this era. Technologically, it stood out with its available onboard computer, which could calculate fuel economy and range—features that were quite advanced for its time. Color options ranged from classic whites and silvers to deep blues and browns, with shades like "Autumn Maple Firemist" capturing consumer affection. The Century was offered in various body styles including sedans, coupes, and station wagons, with the wagon being particularly iconic for its spaciousness and practicality.

Historical Significance

The 1980 Buick Century marked an important pivot point in automotive design philosophy. It was among the first American cars to seriously address concerns about fuel economy without sacrificing size or comfort—principles that would guide car manufacturing for decades to come. Its blend of traditional luxury with modern efficiency set it apart from competitors and left an indelible mark on the industry.

Performance and Handling

Equipped with a range of engines including an economical 2.5-liter four-cylinder up to a more potent 4.3-liter V6, performance varied across models. While not built for speed—the V6 models could reach 60 mph in around 11 seconds—the Century provided a comfortable ride quality that absorbed road imperfections gracefully. Handling was secure if not sporty, delivering a driving experience characterized by quietness and stability rather than exhilaration.

Ownership Experience

The 1980 Buick Century found its niche as a reliable daily driver that could also serve as a respectable show car due to its classic lineage. Maintenance was straightforward for the era's DIY mechanic, while reliability was generally considered good for its class. However, like many vehicles of its time, it wasn't immune to rust or wear-and-tear issues as it aged.

Fun Facts

A curious piece of trivia about the Century is that it shared its nameplate with earlier Buicks dating back to 1936—a testament to Buick's confidence in this moniker's legacy. While not known for breaking speed records, it did achieve sales success in its day. Criticisms often centered on its modest power output and unexciting driving dynamics compared to some sportier contemporaries.

Collector's Information

Today, collectors might find a well-preserved 1980 Buick Century fetching anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on condition and originality—though these figures are subject to change based on market trends. While exact production numbers are elusive, this model was produced in significant quantities making them relatively available to enthusiasts but finding one in pristine condition can be challenging. As appreciation for '80s vehicles grows, so too might the value of these understated classics.

Conclusion

The 1980 Buick Century stands as an emblematic figure at the crossroads of automotive history—ushering in an era where efficiency began to take center stage without relinquishing all notions of luxury and comfort. It's a vehicle that offers insight into past challenges and responses within the car industry while continuing to hold appeal for collectors and classic car aficionados today.

1980 Buick Century Front coil-spring insulator-BN 110Front coil-spring insulator. Fits '41-'60 Oldsmobile and '50-'83 GM passenger models. 5-3/8 in. OD x 3-3/4 in. ID x 3/4 in. high with 13/16 in. wide bottom flange 1/4" thick, 12 flutes. Each.

1980 Buick Century Automatic brake pedal pad fits '78-88 GM A, Spec A, G Body-CB 101-DCB 101-D replaces the automatic brake pedal pad on many 1978-1988 General Motors A, Spec A and G body models. Also fits many 1982-1991 GM J, L, N and P body models. 4-1/2" wide X 2-1/2" long. Each

1980 Buick Century Hood and cowl seal-CS 13-GHood and cowl seal. Fits '78-'88 GM A-body, A-Special (A-SPEC) and G-body 2-door hardtop coupes with rear wheel drive (RWD). Dual-durometer extrusion with flexible metal core. Easy to install; fits over pinchweld. Replaces OEM# 20255857 and 25505704. Made in the USA. Each.

1980 Buick Century Trunk Seal (Imported). Made with steel cores-IS-MW00101Trunk Seal (Imported). Made with steel cores. 1-3/8" X 3/4" X 17'. Each

1980 Buick Century Molded Door Seals. 2-Door Coupe-LM 16-JEMolded Door Seals. 2-Door Coupe. Replaces OEM part numbers 20008188/9. Pair. R&L.

1980 Buick Century Lower Door Sill Seal, 78-88 GM G Body 2 Doors, Pair-LM 16-JSLower Door Sill Seal, 78-88 GM G Body 2 Doors, Pair. Replaces OEM # 20376226. These seals fit in between the panel and the lower part of the doors.

1980 Buick Century Front molded door seals. For 4-door sedan and wagon-LM 16-SFront molded door seals. For 4-door sedan and wagon. Replaces OEM#'s 20008186/7. Pair. R&L.

1980 Buick Century Rear molded door seals-LM 16-S/RRear molded door seals. Fits 4-door sedan only (except Ciera). Replaces OEM#'s 20008190/1. Pair. R&L.

1980 Buick Century Rear molded door seals. Fits 4-door wagon only, with RWD-LM 16-S/WRear molded door seals. Fits 4-door wagon only, with RWD. Pair. R&L.

1980 Buick Century Trunk Liner. Loose weave, jet black. 50" wide-M 30Trunk Liner. Loose weave, jet black. 50" wide. Sold by the foot

1980 Buick Century Trunk seal-MW00101Trunk seal. Also replaces '75-'79 Buick Skylark hatchback seal. Made with steel cores. 1-3/8 in. x 3/4 in. x 17 ft. L. Each.

1980 Buick Century Basic kit. ’78-’80 Buick Century 2-door coupe-RKB 1900-100Basic kit. '78-'80 Buick Century 2-door coupe. Door (LM 16-JE), roof-rail (RR 5020) and trunk (MW00101) seals. 5-piece set.

1980 Buick Century Brake Master Cylinder Cover Seal. Replaces OEM #5470861-RP 2-EBrake Master Cylinder Cover Seal. Replaces OEM #5470861. 5" X 2-1/2". Each

1980 Buick Century Molded roof-rail seals. 2-door hardtop-RR 5020Molded roof-rail seals. 2-door hardtop. Replaces OEM#'s 20154101/2. Pair. R&L.

1980 Buick Century Glove Box Bumper. Each-SB 78-AGlove Box Bumper. Each

1980 Buick Century Rear Quarter Window Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 204Rear Quarter Window Molding Clip. Made of steel. 3/4" x 1-3/8". Each

1980 Buick Century Quarter Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of Steel-WF 205Quarter Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of Steel. 1-3/8" X 11/16". Each

1980 Buick Century Rear Window Reveal Molding Clip. For Station Wagons-WF 208Rear Window Reveal Molding Clip. For Station Wagons. Made of steel. 5/8" x 3/4". Each

1980 Buick Century Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 211Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 15/16" X 3/4". Each

1980 Buick Century Lower Side Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of nylon-WF 214Lower Side Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of nylon. 1-1/4" x 3/4". Each