For Sale: 1988 Buick Reatta in Concord, North Carolina

The Buick Reatta is one of those specialty vehicles direct from the manufacturer, and the likes of which we might never see again. It took the powerful motor shared with the Riviera, wrapped it around a sleek body, and then gave it a European-inspired fully independent suspension. So when you can find a one-owner car that's a loaded and highly original example, well then, the value goes well beyond affordability.

Bright red is a great color for a car like this. It really gives an instant sporty first impression on this personal coupe. And this one truly does have a performance-oriented design with swoopy lines, folding headlights, and a very cool wrap-around greenhouse. But there is also a nice hint of sophistication that this is a luxury machine, too. It's in the subtle places like the bright trim strip that encircles the entire car, and the tan pinstripe nicely laid against the bright red. Overall, workmanship is very good, because it was built at a factory specially set up by GM to create these low volume personal luxury cars. In fact, while General Motors is known for mass production, this Reatta can almost be considered hand-crafted.

The tan pinstripe of the exterior harmonizes with the full tan interior. This is a one-owner car that has averaged less than 1,500 miles annually, and so that means careful ownership with less seat time. The great-looking bucket seats are power adjustable so you can make them armchair comfortable. All the best features came in the Reatta, including power windows, alarm, tilt steering column, and cruise control. Your climate control (A/C will need servicing), AM/FM/cassette stereo, and information on the car are all controlled through a touchscreen display in the center of the dash. Yes, you can get factory touchscreen controls in a car from 1988! It makes for a very unique classic that will impress others.

When you open the hood, you're treated to more of the remaining stock appearance that you've seen in the interior and exterior. This fuel-injected 3.8-liter V6 has been the backbone of Buick during this era because it provides terrific power while remaining quiet and hardy. It shows all signs of proper maintenance, and so it fires up eagerly like a well-kept FI machine should. The Reatta was meant to be Buick's Mercedes SL competitor, so on the road it feels confident with even a little hint of a sporty exhaust. The four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, fully independent suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes makes this a great car for long hauls or fun weekends on the backroads.

Complete with owner's manual, you're looking at the perfect mix of luxury and sport, and it's all wrapped in a very unique package. So at this price, this red Reatta is going fast. Call now!