The Buick century first debuted in 1936, replacing the previous series 60. They came powered with 141 horsepower that saw the car run at 100mph speed during that time. This model was named for its top speed alone, and it’s considered one of the best Buicks so far.
Halted in 1942, another upscale of the century was reborn in 1954, this time featuring a V8 engine, which also powered the iconic 1966 wildcat. The 1954 Buick remained Buick’s best performance model with up to 200 horses.
Finally, in 1959, the century model emerged as Invicta, replacing the 1954 century. The Invicta had remarkable performance, with fins that commenced at the hood ornament and swayed all along with the car to transversely mounted tailfins over round taillights. Few vehicles we’re as stunning as the Invicta, and for those who had a glimpse of its stylish fins, the overall effect was breathtaking.
Let's look at the re-emergence of the Buick century and what it means for collectors.
For the 1959 model year, the Buick Century was renamed as the Invicta
The reign of the second coming of the Buick came to a halt in 1954, and after a four-year period, the century came back in 1959, this time with impeccable styling and a new name.
In 1959, General Motors undertook a significant update of the Buick series, which users liked and admired. Since its introduction to the general public on September 16, 1958, Buick offered 17 spectacular models for 1959, including Buick LeSabre, replacing the previous models as the brand’s full-size performance replica. The new Buicks were entirely new vehicles that hardly resembled other cars that ever rolled out of the flint before and without any common ties with different GM styles.
The steering wheel and the power brakes were standard on its Invicta series but cost an additional $15,000 on its other models. The 1959 model resembled a four-door saloon body style, with a front positioned engine and a rear-wheel drive. It also offered standard vent windows on the front doors and a panorama windshield. It had a one-piece rear door glass and window design that cupped to meet the door glass. Its tailfin design was another unique feature compared to other cars during the 1950s.
Performance Was Key for 1959 Buick Invicta’s Success
A 6.6litre engine capacity produced power. This unit featured a V8 cylinder layout, overhead valve gear, and two valves per cylinder. It produces a 445lb maximum torque at 2800rpm and 242kW (325bhp) of power at 4400rpm. Its engine delivers power to its wheels through a two-speed automatic transmission. It has a 1940kg curb weight.
Even though its power output might sound quite disappointing, comparing it to other A-body vehicles, the Buick Invicta results to be the most powerful of them all. The Pontiac GTO ran on a similar engine but produced 250 horsepower, while the Chevelle SS made 245 horses.
Its “Nailhead” V8 engine, known for its small engine, is remarkable because it vertically holds its valve corners ahead of the heads, rather than jargoned at an angle. Its sparks plugs are also positioned well on top of exhaust ports for easy maintenance.
The power output produced by stage 1 V8-powered Buick Invicta was the most electrifying of them all. Most 6.6litre Buick Invicta models are negligible collectibles today, although some are special than others.
The 1959 Buick Invicta’s fins were less obtrusive and much smaller. However, that did not derail the vehicle and was still a sweeping design with a speeding look. This vehicle used its 242kW engine alongside a Twin Turbine automatic transmission. It also included an Invicta custom package that consisted of a generally upgraded interior and bucket seats. Others were sold with leather material.
The Cost of a 1959 Buick Today
Nowadays, when we talk of 1959 Buick models, they are rare. Out of all the varieties made for 1959, most of them are relatively cheaper on the classic car bazaar, with a price approximation of $25,000 for a mint model.
The Buick Invicta is technically the descendant of the Buick Regal, a sequence that became famous with the GNC and afterward the GNX. During that period, the Buick Invicta participated successfully against some players like the Dodge Coronet, the Plymouth Fury, and the Ford Torino and often emerged ahead of its competitors.
Collectors can't go wrong with a Buick Invicta from this era, whether they select the sculpted bodywork or the elaborate fins of the 1959 model. In most cases, buyers get the distinguished Nailhead V8 engine with a horsepower of 325bhp. The engine is incredibly priced by hot rodders. Thus knowledge and parts exist to keep it going.
In conclusion, the 1959 Buick was unique from the previous year's models and offered the most radical changes In General Motor’s line-up for 1959. Many traditional model names such as Roadmaster and Special were gone, but Buick’s styling will always be part of GM’s legacy for years to come.