Buick Century mk2 1954-1958

(The car of Kjell Bjarne in the movie "Elling".)

The Buick Century, second generation, played a pivotal role in the movie adaptation of Ingvar Ambjørnsen's Elling series, specifically the first film, Elling: Brothers in Arms. In the film, Kjell Bjarne takes an interest in a dusty, worn-out, and abandoned Buick Century belonging to an old man who has just become friends with Elling. Kjell Bjarne is captivated by the car and decides to bring it back to life.

There’s a memorable scene where he gently approaches the car and shoos away the kids roughhousing around it, glaring at them through the side window until they scatter. Later, we see Kjell Bjarne working tirelessly to fix the car, obsessing over every part and detail. The engine poses the biggest challenge, but one fine day, with a lot of smoke and a knocking sound, he finally gets it running.

The old man, it turns out, has a summer cabin, and he, Kjell Bjarne, Kjell Bjarne’s pregnant girlfriend, and Elling decide to take the car on a holiday trip. On the way, they’re stopped at a police checkpoint. Everything checks out, and the officers are more intrigued by the car itself, admiring its beauty.

The funniest moment comes when Elling, clueless about cars, tries to “fix” the engine by fiddling with the radiator, which he hilariously calls the "tefting." He burns himself and starts tugging at it, convinced it’s loose. Kjell Bjarne has to step in, saying, “Cut it out, Elling. It’s supposed to be like that!”

The Buick Century’s grand finale is in a high-stakes race to the hospital—not a literal race, but the stakes are high since Kjell Bjarne’s girlfriend is in labor. There’s a brief moment of panic when Kjell Bjarne checks under the hood to make sure the car will make it. Frustrated, he snaps at Elling: “Shut up, Elling!” The gang speeds to the hospital, and the Buick does its job beautifully, ensuring a happy ending for all.

The Buick Century MK2 is an incredibly cool car, embodying the classic dollar grin look, with the long, sleek bodylines and tailfins reminiscent of the Cadillac Eldorado and Ford Edsel. It also came in a station wagon version, much like the Edsel, adding practicality to its timeless style.



(Kjell Bjarne's car, A1858, pictured here at a car meet during the later years of this car's life.

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