Vehicle Description
A downsized Regal appeared for the 1978 model year with Buick's new
196 cu in (3.2 L) V6 engine as standard equipment and a revised
version of the venerable 231 cu in (3.8 L) V6 as an option (which
became standard for 1980). Initially, a three-speed manual
transmission was standard but this was later replaced by an
automatic. At the time of introduction, Regals were available
exclusively as coupes with the Century nameplate applied to
bread-and-butter sedans and station wagons.5 #fn5 In January 1982
the Century was replaced by an all-new car on the front-wheel drive
A platform, which meant that the Regal gained a four-door sedan and
five-door station wagon - essentially facelifted and rebadged
versions of the previous year's rear-wheel drive Century. It was
the first time the name appeared on a full model lineup. The wagon
was discontinued after 1983, and the sedan dropped from the lineup
the next year.6 #fn6 This generation Regal lasted ten years. The
base model was equipped with softer-riding luxury suspension, and
did not offer a manual transmission in later years.
A major facelift for 1981 gave the Regal a much more aerodynamic
profile, helping make it possible for the car to compete on the
NASCAR racing circuit. The sloping hood and nose of the car made it
the favorite of several NASCAR teams. Richard Petty drove one to
victory in the 1981 Daytona 500, and the car won a majority of the
1981 and 1982 seasons races and won the NASCAR manufacturers title
in 1981 and 1982.
V8s for street use were still available, but had shrunk to 265 cu
in (4.3 L) (1980 and 1981 only, Pontiac built), and the V6 was
rapidly gaining popularity. From 1986 to 1987, the 307 cu in (5.0
L) V8 was available as an option. The 3,791 cc (3.8 L; 231.3 cu in)
2-bbl V6 was standard. The 200-4R overdrive transmission was an
option with either engine.
For 1980, the Regal was offered in a special Somerset Limited
Edition trim which featured unique tan and dark blue designer
exterior paint, wire wheel covers, sport mirrors, and chrome
Somerset badging. The interior had tan and blue plush velour
upholstery, brushed chrome trim, and additional Somerset badging. A
Somerset Limited Edition model was also offered on the restyled
1981 Regal. It had unique dark sandstone and camel exterior paint,
sport mirrors, and turbine wheels. The interior plush velour
upholstery was camel with dark brown piping.
Here at Hollywood Motors, we pride ourselves on selling quality
classic cars at affordable prices. Please keep in mind that all of
our classics are pre-owned vehicles, not new vehicles. We describe
these automobiles to the best of our knowledge, and place many
photos on our website. We are not responsible for misprints or
typos. With any pre-owned vehicle, there may be minor
imperfections, and we encourage you to come and inspect our
inventory in person before you buy any vehicle.
