Image of 1987 Buick Century, sourced from www.hagerty.com , Image Link.

1987 Buick Century: A Testament to American Automotive Evolution

The 1987 Buick Century stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of American automotive design during a period of significant change. As part of General Motors' A-body lineup, the Century was a mid-size car that offered a blend of comfort, style, and reliability. It was during an era when manufacturers were shifting from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive platforms, and the Century made this transition seamlessly, ensuring Buick's reputation for producing dependable family cars remained intact. A unique fact about this model year is that it marked the end of the rear-wheel-drive Century, making it a notable moment in Buick's history.

Design and Innovation

The exterior styling of the 1987 Buick Century was characterized by its clean lines and boxy silhouette—a hallmark of 80s automotive design. The chrome accents and signature waterfall grille exuded a sense of understated elegance. Inside, passengers were greeted with plush seating and an array of woodgrain and chrome touches that conveyed a premium feel without being ostentatious. Notable technological features for its time included electronic fuel injection and an optional digital instrument cluster. The color palette ranged from conservative shades like Light Sage Metallic to bolder options such as Dark Red Metallic, with the latter often catching the eye of enthusiasts.

Body styles included a four-door sedan and a two-door coupe, with the sedan being the more popular choice for its practicality. Options like power windows, locks, and a variety of V6 engines allowed buyers to tailor the Century to their preferences.

Historical Significance

The 1987 Buick Century's impact on automotive design may not have been revolutionary, but it solidified important trends in efficiency and front-wheel-drive architecture. Its blend of traditional American car comforts with emerging technologies set it apart from competitors and paved the way for future innovations within General Motors' fleet.

Performance and Handling

Performance-wise, the 1987 Century was no sports car, but its available 3.8-liter V6 engine provided adequate power with top speeds around 110 mph and acceleration from 0-60 mph in just over 10 seconds—a respectable figure for a family sedan at the time. Handling was tuned more for comfort than sportiness; however, it managed bumps gracefully and maintained composure on windy roads. Driving the Century was an experience characterized by smoothness and quiet operation rather than exhilarating speed.

Ownership Experience

As a daily driver, the '87 Century excelled in reliability and comfort. It found favor among families as well as older drivers who appreciated its easy-to-read gauges and straightforward controls. Maintenance was generally hassle-free, with many components being robust enough to withstand years of use. The ease of repair meant that even average owners could handle minor fixes without specialized knowledge or tools.

Fun Facts

While not known for breaking speed records or celebrity endorsements, the '87 Buick Century did have its share of quirks. For instance, some models came equipped with bench seats—a feature that would soon become a rarity in modern cars. Despite common criticisms about its conservative styling or lackluster performance compared to European imports, the Century held its own in terms of sales within its segment.

Collector's Information

Today, collectors might find an '87 Buick Century appealing more for nostalgia than investment potential. While exact production numbers are hard to pin down, tens of thousands were produced making them relatively common in vintage markets. Current value ranges can vary widely based on condition, mileage, and options—typically between $1,500 for well-used examples to around $6,000 for pristine models. The market trend shows mild appreciation for well-maintained units as they become rarer over time.

Conclusion

The 1987 Buick Century may not be the flashiest classic car on the block, but it embodies an era where practicality met innovation at a crossroads in automotive history. Its significance lies in its representation of American car manufacturing during a time of transition—providing comfort and reliability in an ever-evolving landscape. For those who owned one or simply appreciate its place in history, the '87 Century remains a cherished piece of Americana on wheels.

1987 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.

1987 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

1987 Buick Century Trunk Liner. Loose weave, jet black. 50" wide-M 30Trunk Liner. Loose weave, jet black. 50" wide. Sold by the foot

1987 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.

1987 Buick Century Windshield Reveal Molding, 82-92 GM F, 82-88 GM A, 82-89 GM J, 85-91 GM N Bodies-VWS 1967-LWindshield Reveal Molding, 82-92 GM F, 82-88 GM A, 82-89 GM J, 85-91 GM N Bodies, Each.