The 1956 Buick Centurion was an aerodynamic four-seat coupe with a patented rear-mounted television camera to provide a rear view to the driver. The rear end of the car resembled the tail cone of a jet plane. Front seats automatically slid back when the doors were opened for easier entry and also moved forward to provide entry and exit to the back seats. A cantilevered steering wheel positioned the steering shaft down the center of the car, allowing more legroom for the driver. The twin pods at the lower ends of the back fenders served as bumpers and carried the taillights and exhaust ports. The “seeing eye” television camera pointed out through the rear cone, transmitting the rear view to a 4×6 inch screen on the instrument panel, eliminating the need for a rearview mirror. The camera was equipped with a wide-angle lens, which presented a wider view of what was behind the car. The shockproof mounting of this camera and tube prevented any disturbance in the picture’s clarity as the car rode over bumps. A digital clock was centrally mounted above the TV screen and the speedometer used a stationary indicator and revolving dial. The top half of the car was all glass, with just a few thin steel struts to provide rigidity.
This is a 1/43 scale model of the 1956 Buick Centurion, crafted from white metal and perfectly detailed. This really is a gem of a collectible and will make a great addition to your collection.