One of none. Would be interesting to see the “research “ dealer refers to. https://www.ebay.com/itm/1254911791...7QYe_jTQKi&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Classic Auto Mall *thumbs down* The W code is indicative of the modified high performance 455 option in 73, but certainly not a full Stage1.
That's a whole lot of rust for the Buy It Now price of $24,000.00 11 11 PNT: there's no code for the vinyl top on the Body Number Plate, only Arctic White upper and lower body colour: Looks like the car came with the finger tip wiper option: (I wonder where that hole above the clock is for....)
The engine will have the big valve heads, but that's it. It won't be built the same as what's in the 73 GS. Still that engine will be the highest HP version that was available for the car.
How about a Stage 1 LeSabre? VIN says dual exhaust, which it is. But look at the window sticker. And note the W in front of the engine option. I guess back then if you ordered it, there was a good chance that you could get it! Seems likely to me that it has the big valve heads and the milder Riviera/ big car Stage 1 camshaft. But don't really feel like taking it apart to see!
U is standard 455 with dual exhaust (5th digit in VIN) The modified high performance 455 was not available in the LeSabre.
Yes, I agree that's how it SHOULD be and maybe that is so. I am just puzzled by the window sticker that says hi performance 455. It has the duals, of course and also has 3:42 gears according to the build sheet. And the W beside the denotation before the engine option. But don't feel like taking it apart to see as it is a beautiful survivor with 32,000 original miles. Original owner of 50 years told me that he THINKS he may have got caught in the rain with the car maybe once. It's a beaut!
Here's a bigger version of the image, easier to read when you are not viewing this thread on your phone or tablet:
Huh.. while I am no expert on anything when it comes to available options, I would be surprised if the Stage 1 engine was not available in the Centurion/Lesabre platform. I just don't think they officially called it that. It certainly was in the 73 Riv, and it did not have to be a GS even. My best friend in high school had a 73 Riv, non GS, but with all the GS options, including a bonified Stage 1 engine, with the factory "stage 1" emblem in the grill. On the window sticker above, A9 is the traditional Stage 1 code... regardless of what the sales department called it. All the big car motors had different "stage 1" cams, but other than that, I am pretty sure most of the difference between the High Performance 455 and the Stage 1 is what they decided to call it. But ya, on this car, the added "Stage 1" Emblem is obvious.. Never seen GM stack 3 name badges like that. JW
The 73 Riv is a different story. I believe that if you ordered a 73 Riv GS, they were all Stage1 badged. There was never a Stage1 badged LeSabre or Centurion….ever. I’ve seen tons of them with badges stuck on grilles, etc. but nothing from the factory.
I have had more than a few of the Rivs in those years. The GS platform was a handling package in those years, 73 and 74. I have owned both a Riviera GS without the Stage 1 engine and a non GS Riviera with the Stage 1. Either could have the engine....but it had to be ordered separately. And yes, the Stage 1 emblem on the Centurion in question was definitely added by someone.
