When was the last time you could buy a brand new 1985 Buick LeSabre? Probably 1985. Maybe a little into the late-’80s if there were a few stragglers left on dealer lots. Apparently, you can add 2021 to that short list of years, because this comes fresh from the past, ready to show the world what the ’80s were really like. This Collector’s Edition would make a fine addition to any collector’s garage, as the name suggests, but would also feel right at home as a daily driver, as would most Buicks. You can find it here on eBay, complete with factory stickers, white wall tires, and a plush velour interior that is guaranteed to be more comfortable than your living room couch.
The frame is just as clean as the body, and that’s a good thing, too. This was one of the last body-on-frame LeSabre sedans offered, though the station wagon of this generation was available up to 1990. The ’80s were a weird time for General Motors. Most of their offerings were in process of being downsized and modernized, which meant that the days of body-on-frame construction, rear-wheel drive, and V-8 engines would soon be gone. This is well-documented, the downsizing of the Buick lineup happened shortly after this car was built, and the driven wheels switched sides, the frame became integrated with the body, and it lost two cylinders.
This makes this car one of the last of a breed that died almost thirty years ago, now. Under the larger-than-necessary hood is an equally larger-than-necessary V-8, driving the rear wheels through an automatic transmission. Par for the course for a basic sedan in the middle- to the early-late twentieth century, but is now relegated to the Dodge Charger and, like, half a dozen luxury sports cars.
The car is said to start, run, drive, and idle well. Everything works as it did in 1985. The overstuffed velour interior and wood paneling looks brand new with nary a scratch, rip, or stain. Even the electroluminescent dashboard trim is still said to light up with the headlights. Ultimately, if you buy this car, you’re buying an old Buick. Looking beyond the surface, though, what you’re really buying is a nostalgic portal to 1985, and you can ride all the way there in plush Buick luxury.
Nice car. Sadly, I predict that this time machine will be cursed with 22 inch spinner wheels in the near future.
It’s not very often that I say this, but I am definitely buying the 18K mileage claim! This is exactly what a low mileage car should look like inside, outside, and underneath.
All 85 LeSabre Limited models were “Collectors Editions”, which mainly meant you got the seats from the 84 Electra Park Avenue, the year before they got downsized. My parents had one of these 4-doors. Cream exterior with Maroon interior. Very nice car, but that 5-liter Olds built 307 4-bbl was a dog. Probably better than the standard Buick V-6, but not by much since it was a heavy car. Ironically, the 1996 Roadmaster Limiteds were also called “Collectors Editions” (since that was its last year) & they had the exact same hood ornament as the 85 LeSabres. Buick must of had a bunch of those 1985 hood ornaments in a warehouse somewhere.
307 gutless oil burner. I had one. But this is a beauty in a world of horrible riding SUVs that cost $60,000 with so many problems. I also had a 79 Park Avenue back in the early 90s. Living room on wheels. If all car buyers were like me, there wouldn’t be one SUV on the planet. Imagine that. My current rude is a mint 2003 Grand Marquis.
Well said George!! I’ve owned a couple SUVs out of unexplainable urges to “have it all”. What rubbish! My current daily is a 50K mile 2005 Pontiac Bonneville.
My 2001 Bonneville was one of my favorite cars I owned. It was a perfect fit of sport and comfort
I was an early 80’s High School kid and my mother had a 79 park Ave. and after an almost endless day of cleaning ( inside and out) and waxing I would be allowed to use it for my Saturday night date. The memories that were made in that car… I swear it was bigger inside than my first apartment.
Need less to say that thing went to the next owner with about 50 coats of wax on it.
Bids approaching $14k wow!
This is what I wish they still built today these cars were nice riding road trip cars where the poorly maintained highways didn’t beat the tar out of you by the time you got across the country
I owned a new 307 powered 1983 Riviera, worst motor of all time, gutless gas burner, couldn’t go over 80 mph, unless pushed off the top of a building, replaced w 88 Lincoln MKVII
Nice,very nice! I had a beater 225 Buick when I took my Pantera off the road in the winter. Nice car except lacked power. Its on the wrong coast.
This guy consistently finds the best GM cars. They are always low mileage, original paint, properly stored examples which most any collector would love to own.
I have watched his cars for years and they have always beyond belief.
I ordered-out my own 1980 LeSabre “Lawman”. BT1 was Buick’s option code for their police car in 1980. Though it had Buick’s own (& last) 350, it meant just 155 net horsepower. W/2.73 gears & single exhaust,107mph was all it mustered. Having said that, it was nonetheless the finest-handling, most confidence-inspiring, nimble car I’ve ever owned, & @ 74, there’s been a plethora of rides in my garage during that time. I attribute much of Lawnan’s innate driving pleasure to its Goodyear Blue Streak 225-70/R15s. Though they were NOT steel-belted, they were a 6-ply tire, ie. 4 “Aramid” fabric belts & 2 polyester. I got 60K miles out of ’em…best tires I ever owned!
Back in 79, I was 18, and bought a new 79 Grand Prix, 2 tone blue, pretty car, considering it was downsized, and I put Fenton Double Spokes, and Vogues, and they too, said Miracle Aramid Radials, they rode so soft, it was like driving a Cadillac, little 301 4 barrel, first new car
Had one. Nice car but extremely underpowered!
100-spoke Dayton knock-offs,airbags and sound…bam
What a beauty. This guy finds them. Might have looked better with a burgundy top to match the interior. Interior is stunning. One of my favorites of all time. Best fake woodgrain ever. I know GM fit and finish of the 80s left something to be desired but hard to believe a factory stripe could be THIS wavy and askew. All ’85 Lesbres were NOT collectors editions. The “base” Custom model, for instance. All Limiteds were collectors editions and used the 1984 Park Avenue interior. The Park Ave was downsized to FWD for ’85. See brochure: https://www.xr793.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/1985-Buick-Lesabre.pdf
Why oh why can a person not buy a car like this nowadays with beautiful interior like this car has. All we get today are hard seats with fabric with the consistency and comfort of burlap.
Brad,
That’s why I have had leather in our cars for a few years now. Today’s fabric interiors have all the excitement & look of a super market grocery bag!
I had one of these back in the late ’90s. It was gray with gray interior, and leather seats. It was a very good ride. Never had any issues with it. Felt like you were riding on a cloud. I have to say I miss cruisers like this…
I just picked up an ’85 with 59k miles and original working AC! The car has some minor electrical issues but runs smoothly and quietly. It has to be the most comfortable car on the road.