Vehicle Description
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!
