Vehicle Description
1986 Buick LeSabre Estate Wagon
From surveying the automotive landscape circa 1986 - especially
concerning GM's product lines - it would seem that every automobile
faced the same inevitability of downsizing and switching to
front-wheel drive. Real bumpers, full frames and V8 engines were
going the way of the dodo. There were exceptions, however, and
Buick's full-size station wagons were two of them. Though not the
last of the great rear-drive station wagons, and certainly not as
popular as the later Roadmaster wagons, the Estate Wagons still
deserve a mention for soldiering on in a time of much change. That
said, would you make room in your garage dedicated to 1986-only
vehicles for an Estate Wagon? Or would you pass for something a
little less Griswold-ish?
For consignment a 1986 Buick Estate Wagon come hearse, come
advertising car. Transformed and used for many years as a working
funeral parlor hearse, it was then retired and made into a
promotional car for a haunted house. With all the interior made to
accommodate and transfer a casket and its occupant, and
underpinnings to handle the extra weight, a perfect promotional
vehicle use, if I say so myself. A car like this with the graphics
and trimmings certainly kept business lively I bet?!
Exterior
The Griswold's are not dead, although that was a Ford Country
Squire, and this is all class in the form of an Estate Wagon fitted
with Hearse trimmings. Bathed in dark blue, and all the chrome
trimmings of the day, a vinyl top, and its glowing square and
rectangle design, this car is looking much alive. Chrome trimmings
are all there, although some have moved offline just a bit. Plastic
inserts for the crash bumper fills are cracked and missing. Chrome
remains shiny, with areas of slight dulling and water staining. The
rear of the car has been modified to now utilize a swinging rear
door for easy slide in and out of the deceased and their respective
box. Large landau bars are noted which were iconic for the hearse
and still are in use today. Painted graphics adorn the car
advertising the haunted house. Chromed spoked wheel covers are all
around and noted is peeling paint on the top front of this car just
aft of the grille area. Time to bury the hatchet and move on to the
interior...(queue the wolf howl!)
Interior
Modified on the hunch that one's last ride should be second to none
in the luxury department, we see a large raised platform area on
the rear with a wood applique surface and plenty of small ball
bearing roller bars and wheel bars, for that smooth insertion of
the recently departed and their eternal casket. Maroon crushed
velour abounds on all rear panels which have been customized onto
padded and buttoned panels. All rear windows have the pleated
curtains for even more privacy for your short trip. Water (or
otherwise) damage is present on the very back part of the casket
decking. A swing of the front doors and we see plenty more of
maroon crushed padded velour on the door panels, along with a power
lock and window toggles, and a joystick for the side view mirror. A
split bench front seat covered in more maroon crushed velour
broadcloth with a central armrest is fronted by an original wood
applique dash. Maroon carpet is lining the floors and a tight
headliner looks down on the front compartment.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is the 307ci V8 Oldsmobile engine with a single
4-barrel Rochester carburetor on top. A 200R4 4-speed transmission
is on the back, which can whisk our dearly departed quickly to
their eternal resting place to depart in peace.
Undercarriage
Patches of surface rust are seen throughout, and some invasive rust
is noted on the seams of the floorpans as one moves rearward. Some
rust is noted on the bottom of the rear door at the rear thresh
hold. Independent coil springs for the front, and 4 link with coil
springs for the rear suspensions, and power disc brakes for the
front and power drums for the rear are noted.
Drive-Ability
This car started easily and ran quietly. All functions were working
inside. It exhibited fine acceleration, and handling, although we
kept our speed low in respect for the potential passengers we may
have. As we went along the car definitely attracted attention
because we noticed a line of traffic behind us all with their
headlights on in respect for our drive...not sure why?! Overall, we
felt this drive could go on for eternity, but sadly we had to bring
ourselves back to the Classic Auto Mall.
This large wagon, now hearse with advertising emblazoned on its
exterior is open to all potential. It drives well and is certainly
an eye catcher. The creative spirit, as well as the inner drive to
do what we do with cars is not dead on this example.
VIN DECODE
1G4BR35Y7GX414954
1-USA
G-General Motors
4-Buick
B-Manual Belts
R-LeSabre
35-4 Door Station Wagon
Y-307ci V8 4bbl Oldsmobile Engine
6-Check Digit
X-Fairfax, KS Assy Plant
414954-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
