It is easy to dismiss cars from the 1990s as they don’t typically meet the classic mold. However, there are exceptions to every rule, as this 1992 Buick Regal Gran Sport Coupe demonstrates. It has seen thirty-two years of active service but remains remarkably well-preserved and unmolested. What helps it to stand out is its odometer reading of 22,700 genuine miles. That equates to a touch over 700 miles per year, suggesting nobody has gone out of their way to wear out this survivor. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Dennis H for spotting a survivor worthy of a closer look.
Buick’s Third Generation Regal hit showroom floors for the 1988 model year and remained in production until 1996. It marked a significant philosophical shift for the badge that had spawned legends like the Grand National and GNX because Buick abandoned a rear-wheel drive philosophy and embraced front-wheel drive technology. The latest offering was also physically smaller and lighter than its predecessor as Buick pursued improved fuel economy and efficiency. Buyers could choose from several versions, with this car’s first owner selecting the Gran Sport Coupe derivative. They clad its svelte exterior in conservative White paint, with the spotless 16″ alloy wheels adding to the car’s visual appeal. The seller’s photos are limited, but they reveal no evidence of significant defects in the panels and paint and no sign of rust problems. They admit the clearcoat is deteriorating, with minor scratches, but the Buick still presents well for its age. The plastic hasn’t suffered at the hands of the sun, and the glass is crystal clear.
Lifting this Regal’s hood reveals the company’s 3.8-liter V6, which produces 170hp and 220 ft/lbs of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission performs shifting duties, while the new owner receives power steering and ABS for improved safety. Interestingly, the Gran Sport features the same power and torque figures as Custom and Limited variants but is slower due to its slightly higher curb weight. It can still cover the ¼-mile in 17.2 seconds and wind its way to 131mph, but those aren’t its greatest strengths. This classic comes into its own in heavy city traffic, where the four-speed provides effortless driving in stop-start situations. Cruising at 70mph on the open road will return fuel consumption of around 23mpg, making the Regal an excellent long-distance tourer. The seller claims this classic has a genuine 22,700 miles showing on its odometer, but they don’t mention verifying evidence. Its overall condition makes the claim plausible on a classic that runs and drives perfectly.
Potential buyers preferring life in the lap of luxury will enjoy their time inside this Buick. It features leather trim, climate-controlled air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and a premium AM/FM radio/cassette player. The seller states that everything works as it should, and the embedded video in their listing confirms that the stereo is extremely impressive for a car of this vintage. There is no wear on the upholstered surfaces or carpet and no evidence of abuse or stains. The dash and woodgrain trim are immaculate, and the overall condition further supports the seller’s mileage claim.
This 1992 Buick Regal Gran Sport Coupe is an impressive classic that the seller has listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Gordonville, Pennsylvania. They set their price at $7,200 for a low-mile survivor with no apparent needs. Their price is above the market average, but it isn’t unprecedented. Making a definitive call is almost impossible due to the uncertainty of the odometer reading. If that is confirmed beyond doubt, the price is fair. Even if that doesn’t happen, it certainly falls into the affordable category. Is that enough to tempt you to pursue this Buick further?
Two nice 3.8 liters in 2 days.
Good eye on this Beauty Buick Dennis. Great write-up Clarkey 👍
Comfortable, handsome, and well appointed cruiser here from the Generals Buick division. That top speed number was a surprise 😮 wow 🏁
What Buick dealer did you buy it from? Thanks
I have to admit. I think the Buick Regal of those days was nicer than the LeSabre, and with the 3.8 V8 was probably quicker, since the Regal is smaller.. This car opens eyes, and if you can afford the $7200 it might be worth it in the long run.
I was always a fan of these cars. I drove one as an office car for my college job for maybe a year or two. I liked the 3800 V6, the big alloy wheels and I thought it was pretty good-looking in both the 2 door and 4 door variants.
My dad bought one of these for my mom when her 1989 Lesabre with the same drivetrain clapped out with over 200k miles. The Regal he bought was used with 80k or so mile and really nice. It was a little different trim than this one. Sadly, it developed a strange electrical / sensor issue where it would randomly go dead. They never got it figured out and eventually scrapped the car where I worked at the time. Those drivetrains are usually solid, though. I still have my grandmothers’s 2005 Lesabre with the 3.8 with over 200k miles. My 16 year old daughter is driving it locally right now. Don’t worry, I’ll buy her something else before she goes off to college. She won’t have to drive the grandma car forever. I’m a fan of the Buick’s with 3800’s, though.
I’m confused. My 89 Park Avenue with the 3800 Series 1 regularly got 30 mpg highway. This only 23?
Maybe combined mpg? IDK. My dad, may he RIP, bought one of these in that dark red you used to see everywhere after I bought my 1990 Thunderbird. I think he was a little jealous. It was a nice car and sporty even. When you think of what a couple years old used car with the same mileage or more is going for nowadays this is a bargain. And the newer vehicle is probably going to be a crossover.
I had a 1994 Black Regal GS 2 door with the 3800 engine. It was a fantastic car. Traded for a new 2001 Monte Carlo SS with the 3800. I was angry that Buick quit making the 2 door. Didn’t want a SS. Wasn’t the same quality as the Regal
Liking the Regal. Can’t say anything bad about it other than it’s not a Oldsmobile. Probably rides like my 89’ Grand Prix SE. This Regal interior looks nicer than GP and it has a look like the comfort of an 80’s car.
It’s good to see a console in this front wheel drive car something you don’t see often.
Been awhile since Barn Finds! Always liked these 2-door versions, this color combo and especially leather. Right power train, too. Aluminum rims to boot, low miles. Good price. If it wasn’t so far away.☹️
Some mention of verifying mileage by the author. With a 6 digit odometer, I’d say the miles are legitimate.
Hopefully the clear issue can be cleaned up by either heavy buffing or just re-clearing the finish.