To celebrate Buick’s 100th Anniversary in 2003, Buick Special Vehicles Manager Michael E. Doble conjured up the idea of a special centennial car. It was designed to resemble the famous Y-Job but incorporate a healthy dose of other Buick design elements, such as a grille from a ’39 Buick, sheet metal from both a 1941 and ’48 Roadmaster, and hidden headlights hinting at the Y-Job. Working with former Buick designer Steven Pasteiner at Advanced Automotive Technologies in Rochester Hills, Michigan, Doble’s team developed the Blackhawk concept car. Beginning with a 1996 Buick Riviera with the 3.8L/240 HP supercharged V-6 engine, Pasteiner eliminated most everything from the sleek, modern, front-wheel drive coupe, saving the VIN to build around. In the Riviera’s place was a completely new front-engine, rear-drive platform with a 129-inch wheelbase. A Corvette-sourced front and rear independent suspension system was slung from the chassis, and a 1970 Buick 455 CI V-8 engine fed by an electronic fuel-injection system was bolted to the frame. That engine produced 463 HP and 510 lb-ft of torque, which a 4L80E automatic transmission channeled to the rear wheels. While very little remains of the donor Riviera, sharp Buick enthusiasts will likely note the Blackhawk’s interior, which is vastly different from the Riviera. Interestingly, the Blackhawk only attended Buick events, avoiding the show circuit, and found its way onto the silver screen as Will Smith’s ride in “Bad Boys II,” where it made a huge splash with audiences who loved its custom, concept-car styling. After completing its film work and event schedule, it found a home at the GM Heritage Center, but it was later sold at auction in 2009 for $475,000 ($522,500 with commission). A complete, running, one-of-a-kind celebration concept car, the Blackhawk features stunning Deep Metallic Purple paint, an Almond-colored interior with wood appointments and leather upholstery, 5-spoke wheels and a retractable carbon fiber top. Buick claimed it could run from 0-60 MPH in under 5 seconds, but with a car of such style, proving itself isn’t likely necessary.