1956 Buick Centurion Concept
Written by Bill Bowman
The 1956 Buick Centurion Concept was first shown to the public at the 1956 Motorama Show. The Centurion was a two-door four-passenger coupe constructed of fiberglass with a red upper body, a brushed metallic finish on the lower portion and an all glass top. It was powered by a 325 horsepower V8 engine.
It featured "wing-type" back fenders, which previewed the styling of the 1959 Chevrolets and Buicks. Also, the Centurion featured a television camera in the rear to report traffic to the driver via a television screen in the dashboard, replacing the rear view mirror.
The front end of the Centurion was of a revolutionary new design with the long hood sloping toward the front and the grille and headlights recessed well behind the bumper, which is an integral part of the body shell. Twin air scoops near the sides and directly in front of the windshield provided fresh air for the interior of the passenger compartment.
The interior of the Centurion was trimmed in luxurious red leather and fiberglass with appointments in brushed bright metal. Front seats automatically slide back when the doors were opened for easier entry. The steering column was located in the center of the dash with a cantilever suspended steering wheel similar to the controls in an airplane.
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