For Sale: 1989 Buick LeSabre in Lavergne, Tennessee

Some of you aren't going to understand the appeal of this 1989 Buick LeSabre T-Type, but for you Buick guys and collectors, it's a rare find of a late '80s performance sedan. Showing just 88,597 actual miles, this seldom-seen code WE2 T-Type (only 5,389 made in '89, and very little have survived since) represents the highest performing H-body of the era, featuring a virtually bulletproof 3800 V6 and Grand National-inspired styling that make this modern classic a truly special find.

The styling is familiar, being the same H-platform platform on which the Oldsmoble Delta 88 and Pontiac Bonneville also lived, continuing the LeSabre's legacy that debuted in 1959 to take over for the long-running Buick Special. But the Buick had a unique look that's arguably more appealing than the Grand National it borrowed several styling cues from, with clear lights up front, blacked-out trim, limited-issue aluminum wheels, and that killer front air dam/chin spoiler along with the subtle rear spoiler all working together to give this beauty quite an impessive street presence. The black paint is original, one of only four colors offered on the T-Type LeSabre, and we think its hands-down the best choice. There are a few signs of age, but no dents or bodywork and with so few miles and having always been well-cared for by conscientious owners, it isn't a rust bucket, either. And of course, black always shows swirls and light scratches even just from car washes, so a nice buff and wax would really restore this Buick's glory. All the rubber and plastic parts are in great shape too, including the black bodyside molding and lay-down hood ornament, and the T-Type badges on the pillars are the only indicator to proceed with caution before you tangle with this coupe, because this ain't your Grandma's Buick.

Inside, it's typical GM luxury from the 1980s: plush, 45/45 power bucket seats, comfortable velour upholstery, and lots of upscale '80s buttons and gadgets throughout. We love seeing the automatic shifter inside the clean middle console and with the benefit of hindsight, we realize that the red-orange backlit dash cluster (an idea borrowed from Pontiac) is just plain cool. Remarkably, it's all working properly and the display is bright and crisp, a hallmark of Buick's attempts to become the "luxury-tech" division during the rebranding frenzy of the late 1980s. As the top-of-the-line model, this LeSabre T-type received just about every upgrade imaginable, from the cool blacked-out instrument panel controls, cruise control, the automatic climate control, and the tilt wheel, to the power locks, windows, seats, and dual remote mirrors, to a great-sounding, stock ETR AM/FM/Cassette stereo that has a built-in equalizer. The A/C still uses good old R12 refrigerant but it does need to be serviced, there's almost no wear on the seats, and even the carpets look quite fresh; someone really took care of this car! It's also quite comfortable, so you can grip the leather-wrapped sport steering wheel and settle in for a road trip, which is really the Buick's strong suit. And out back, the spacious trunk is nicely finished and can accommodate for almost every travel plan.

All Buick T-Type's in 1989 received GM's corporate 3800 V6, which, as the name would imply, displaces 3.8 liters while producing a peppy 165 bhp. Torquey, smooth, and remarkably fuel efficient, these engines are legendary for their durability. With a modicum of care, it should outlast us all. Clearly, the first registered owners have given you a good head start, because the engine bay is quite tidy and totally original save for routine service parts. It starts quickly and easily, idles smoothly, and pulls the coupe around with ease, making it very easy to live with. The 4T60 4-speed automatic transmission was the only choice, and it, too, is unobtrusive in its job and with overdrive and a towering 2.97 gear ratio, it's possible to get great MPGs, too. The LeSabre T-Type got a Gran Touring suspension featuring sway bars fore and aft as well, so it's athletic and comfortable, and yes, power steering and power front disc brakes are standard as well. Special 15-inch aluminum wheels were specific for the T-type package and they're wrapped in 215/65/15 Falken blackwall radials to finish off the look.

Rare, clean, well-maintained, and low-mileage, this LeSabre T-Type is an inexpensive trip back to the '80s when interesting cars were still available in showrooms. Documented with all of its original manuals and still equipped with its factory RPO sticker, this Buick has all the right stuff you want in a rare bird. Call today!