Vehicle Description
1985 Buick LeSabre Estate Wagon
From surveying the automotive landscape circa 1985 - 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 1985-only
vehicles for an Estate Wagon? Or would you pass for something a
little less Griswold-ish?
For consignment, a 1985 Buick Estate Wagon bathed it its original
color and sporting many a luxury found on much more expensive
models. From the buttoned tuck and roll cloth to the nicely wood
appliqued dash, loaded with power amenities, snappy aluminum
wheels, room for 8, and even a roof rack for dear old aunt Edna,
this wagon is ready to take the tribe cross country.
Exterior
The Griswold's are not dead, although that was a Ford Country
Squire, this is all class in the form of an Estate Wagon by the
fine folks at Buick. Bathed in white, and all the chrome trimmings
of the day, a roof rack for extra cargo and its glowing square and
rectangle design, this car has all the looks of mid 1980's
suburbia. Chrome trimmings are all there and looking just fine,
meanwhile the plastic inserts for the crash bumper fills are
cracked. The bumpers remain shiny, with areas of slight dulling and
water staining. We note the front bumper has a slight twist to it
as the passenger side wrap around is bent upwards and there are
chunks of the black bumper trim insert missing. The tailgate is on
the rear and flanked by chrome bezel dual marker taillights. The
tailgate is dual action in that it not only swings open but folds
down to provide room for hauling or a rest stop picnic. 15" turbine
style aluminum wheels adorn all 4 corners and give this wagon a
nice sporty look.
Interior
A swing of the front doors and we see plenty of dark blue crushed
padded velour on the door panels along with a power lock and window
toggles, and a joystick for the side view mirror. Wood applique
strips give a nice contrast to all the blue and are in good
condition. A split bench front seat covered in more dark blue
crushed velour broadcloth with a central armrest and a rear bench
seat sprawls between the door in the back and mimics the front
bench in both material and condition. A dark blue pad tops the wood
applique finished dash with its chrome bezel gauges is both
rectangles and circles. All are looking just fine as is the heat/AC
control and factory AM/FM radio. We note the switches for the rear
window defogger and power rear window. Dark blue carpet is lining
the floors and a tight headliner looks down from above. In the rear
cargo area, a vinyl bench seat is seen and has room for 2, be it
either ill-behaved children or your constantly blathering
mother-in-law.
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 sends power back to a 2.73 geared 10-bolt
axle.
Undercarriage
Patches of surface rust are seen throughout on untreated parts
while all else presents with a coating of black paint and factory
undercoat. 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 along with a like
new single exhaust system.
Drive-Ability
This car started easily and ran quietly. All functions were working
inside. It exhibited fine acceleration, braking, and handling. I
took the rear facing seat as my perch during the drive so as to be
able to wave to passersby and traffic behind us. Even back here the
ride was smooth.
This large wagon that drives well is certainly an eye catcher,
especially with its sporty looks and V8 power. Enough room to haul
the entire family or tote just about anything you need from the
local home improvement store and able to do it with class. Stop
into our hallowed halls and try this on for size, Wally World is
looming on the horizon.
VIN DECODE
1G4BR35YXFX427017
1-USA
G-General Motors
4-Buick
BR-LeSabre Estate Wagon
35-Station Wagon
Y-5.0L V8 4bbl 140hp
X-Check Digit
F-1985
X-Fairfax, VA Assy Plant
427017-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.
