Vehicle Description
1985 Buick LeSabre Limited Collector's Edition Hardtop
Big changes were happening to Buicks in 1986. A completely new
platform featuring a transverse fuel-injected V6 and front wheel
drive would transform the mid-level luxury LeSabre into a more
streamlined, and flat-floored commuter and less of an upright
luxury car. So in 1985, to send off the LeSabre with some pomp,
Buick deemed them Collector's Editions which included some cosmetic
ornamentation and dedicated documentation.
For consignment is the last of a breed...a 1985 Buick LeSabre
Limited Collector's Edition Hardtop. A hood ornament, dash plaque
and leather-bound commemorative kit denotes its place in Buick
history. With just 84,008 non verifiable miles, this example is a
well-kept capsule in time and wow...it is a great representative.
Whenever we feature these late 70's - mid-80's land yachts on our
social media, they get a huge response because they were so
ubiquitous and as it turns out, in the cookie cutter automotive
world of today, pretty special.
Exterior
Much of the look of the car carries over from the 1977 model when
this profile was first adopted. The taillights are single-color
bars with design cues from early-80's Regals, only bigger to fit
the body. The body is stretched a bit and corners are sharper than
the '77, but the successful platform remained very true to Buick's
familiar look which varied from its GM brethren. Magnum 500 wheels
flank this car and were among a number of choices in '85 that
included a turbine wheel and wire wheel hubcaps. Chrome headlight
bezels match the chrome bumpers and side mirrors, while the door
handles are color matched in this case being Frost Beige. That big
chrome grille is topped with a "Limited Edition" hood ornament
behind which is a long hood. The roof is � hardtop with vinyl
landau in tan on the back quarter. Overall the paint is in very
good condition with only some chips noted in the left rear quarter
panel and some peeling on the door edge and frame.
Interior
This might be what conjures up the most memories because frankly,
pillow-topped velour interiors are a thing of the past, having
given way to modern materials and the preference for leather. Too
bad because the comparison to sitting in a Lazy Boy chair is
justified. Front buckets here are only lacking an extendable
footrest to make them living room fodder...they are soft and very
comfortable. Who needs lumbar support when you're lazily cruising
down the street in a soft cruiser intended for comfort? The back
seat? Well, one can remember long rides back from grandma's house,
sleeping on that big, cushy bench. Anyway, on to the enormous doors
which house power window switches, power locks, and the old
cable-driven side mirror joystick. Faux wood, velour and carpet
material is masterfully used, and the armrest adds to your
relaxation. Past the tan steering wheel is a tilt adjustment
followed by a basic dash; speedometer, gear indicator, (column
shift), and gas gauge. Good enough! The middle has the standard
Delco AM/FM radio, the joystick for the passenger side mirror,
climate controls, and a continuation of the faux burl wood. The
carpet and headliner look good and the visors are showing some sag.
(If you're also 39 years old right now and laughing...don't
worry...the sag is coming...)
Drivetrain
The original engine is in place; an Oldsmobile 307ci V8 with a
4-barrel carburetor, delivering power through a four-speed
automatic transmission, (200R4). All standard fare for the time and
put in a lot of GM products. Last of the rear-wheel drives, the
axle is a 10-bolt with 2.73 gears. Power brakes reign in this car
and are disc up front, drums in rear.
Undercarriage
The suspension components, driveshaft, rear bumper, and rear axle
have what we might call "deep surface rust" - that is, noticeable
pitting or texture accompanies the rust. Not invasive per se, but a
step beyond mere a sandpaper solution. The single exhaust and
muffler appear to be in good shape. Independent front suspension is
coupled with 4-link and coils in the rear.
Drivability
We were on cloud nine on this ride...and cloud ten, eleven and
twelve. As much as I wanted to climb into the back seat and curl
into the fetal position with my favorite stuffed monkey, alas, I
had a job to do. The little V8 ran smoothly and could barely be
heard in the cavernous cloud of the interior. Power was adequate
for a cruiser, but don't challenge any Grand Nationals at a traffic
light...you won't have a chance. Some yaw on the turns, to be
expected for a large luxury car of the era. Brakes worked as they
should. All controls are functional...three cheers for GM's
swansong!
I think it was best said in some forum discussions from 2009 on
Forums.aaca.org: "That generation of rear-wheel-drive LeSabres were
incredibly nice. GM also had other "Collector Edition" vehicles in
that era, including some Corvettes and later-model Roadmasters, (of
a particular model year). These "Collector Edition" LeSabres have a
little added status of sorts as "the last year" of rear-wheel-drive
LeSabre." Come check out this fine example at Classic Auto
Mall.
1G4BP37Y6FH839609
1-USA
G-General Motors
4-Buick
BP-LeSabre Limited
37-2 Door Hardtop
Y-307ci 140hp 4bbl V8
6-Check Digit
F-1985
H-Flint, MI Assy Plant
839609-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
