As the last year for Buick LeSabre’s rear-wheel drive models, the fifth-generation cars were a bit smaller and a lot lighter than the previous generation cars. That being said, they still had enough of what customers wanted in a Buick. This beautiful, supposedly ultra-low-mileage 1985 Buick LeSabre Collector’s Edition is posted here on craigslist in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and they’re asking $13,900. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Barney for the tip!
Almost two feet shorter and 700 or so pounds lighter, this last generation of the big rear-drive LeSabres are incredibly quiet, smooth cars, maybe even rivaling the previous cars, in my opinion. I’m sure there are studies showing the decibels at highway speeds and photos showing both cars cornering and showing how much body roll there is, but I really like these ’80s LeSabres. Who’s with me?! (hello?) It’s hard to tell, but the Collector’s Edition has a special hood ornament. Think of this car as a model that buyers in 1985 would have bought with the idea of it being collectible, so finding a perfect, low-mile example isn’t unheard of.
I’m surprised by the super dark window tint on this car, since it’s in Wisconsin and not the desert southwest. Does it really get that hot in Waukesha, Wisconsin? Maybe it’s more of a fashion statement than a sunblocker. Whatever the reason, it can be removed if you live in a state that actually still enforces laws such as window tint, if there is still such a thing. The seller says this beautiful example has 9,800 miles on it, and hasn’t been driven in the winter, and you won’t find a nicer one in the state of Wisconsin. I believe it.
Maybe the window tint was added to try to slow down the fading of the velour seat fabric. They have provided good photos and a nice range, showing inside, outside, the trunk, the engine (!), and even a couple of underside photos. This car was Ziebarted when it was new, according to the seller. The back seat looks nice, as expected. This is what Buick referred to as the Collector’s Edition, or Limited Collector’s Edition, to mark the last year for the rear-drive Limited models. This is the one you want. Here are some features of the Collector’s Edition.
The clean engine compartment houses an Oldmobile-sourced 307-cu.in. OHV V8, which had 140 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque when new. Power is sent through a four-speed THM transmission to the rear wheels. It’s said to run as it should, and everything works, including the AC. Even the tires are new. The seller’s asking price could actually be a bargain. One was recently listed on Hagerty, and the high bid was $16,000, but it didn’t meet the seller’s reserve. It had a whopping 11,000 miles on it compared to the 9,800 miles on this gorgeous example. Any thoughts on this LeSabre Collector’s Edition?
“Wouldn’t you really rather have a Buick?” I know I would if they were this clean and preserved. Nice write up, Mr. G., and you can tell the first owner listened to that salesman in the suit and tie that pressured him into paying $500 for that TruCoat!
Wow. I actually had an ’82 Electra 2 door in Burgundy with a Burgundy interior, so needless to say this brings back some memories. I had a neighbor who had a 2 door Lesabre collectors edition silver with a burgundy interior. I had a chance to drive it and his 307 was a little more livelier off the line than my Electra, turns out they put a slighly lower rear end in the Lesabre so they were a bit more responsive. ( At least thats what I was told, the Lesabre is lighter too so that helps as well.) Once again, nice find Barny and write up too Scotty. Thanks
I drove this exact model/color and year back in the early 90s working P/T for a limo company. This was my favorite ride. It had 55,000 miles super clean looking but it had a 350 as i recall. Very quick and quiet. This is worth the price. If this was a lot closer I would be checking it out. Anyone who wants a simple ride and not cluttered with all this computer junk of today. BUY IT!!! You won’t be sorry. I always love the interior. I could fall asleep waiting at the red light!! 😂 God those seats felt great. I notice this ride has dual exhaust which would be a 307 4bbl. This would be quick also. Good luck to the next owner and enjoy it. Keep it clean!!😂🇺🇸🐻
I don’t think the dual exhaust is factory. They probably replaced the original & decided to go dual.
Beautiful car Scotty & nice write-up Scotty! The way the weather’s been in Mn. lately, you could buy this & drive it around now. I did see a ’72 Chevelle SS 396 out the other day.
These included a collector’s edition leatherette booklet that included special key blanks, custom fobs, a detailed history and frame ready art prints of various LeSabres over the decades.
I ordered dozens of these at Fanning Cadillac-Buick in Chicago.
Essentially, this is a Park Ave. The real Park Ave went FWD for 1985, and the LeSabre in 1986. This was the last of the RWD in the big cars with the exception of the wagons. Then the resurrection of the Roady for 1991 thru 1996 and that was it. No more GM 10 bolts from Buick.
You’re right. The seats are certainly Park Ave. Other than badging it is.
Just like the 1985 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Brougham Luxury Sedan is a 98 Regency Brougham.
It’s almost like they emptied the parts bins from the RWD Buicks & Oldsmobiles.
I saw a white ’85 LeSabre Collector Edition with leather, power recliners on both sides, and twilight sentinel on a dealer site I don’t recall.
These are gorgeous cars, but take a good look at the paint under neon lights to check for cracks & checking even at these low miles.
nice ride for sure. i would bet 10k would buy it. it so nice be a shame to pile miles on it and drive it in foul weather
Beautiful car! But if you go to Waukesha, remember to pronounce it “WAUK-eh-SHAW”, and not “Wau-KEESH-uh”, or the locals will LOOK at you. So MANY places like that around the U.S.! For those near or in Rochester, New York: why is Chili pronounced “CHY-LIE”? And if you happen to be landing between Albany and Hudson, New York, you need to know that Coxsackie is “Cook-SOCK-ee”. And that Valatie is actually “Va-LAY-shuh”. Go figure. And Greenwich, just about everywhere in the English-speaking world, is “GREN-nich”; however, in Washington County, New York (between Satatoga County and the Vermont border, it is “GREEN-witch”. We are indeed a funny people!
in the early 80s I have an 81 LeSabre that was tan and dark blue with tan interior and a half vinyl top but it had the 4.1 V6 in it wasn’t real quick but it sure was nice. Had a 4 mile carburetor on it, but it was hard to get it to kick in no vacuum the road like like a charm.
Jon and ACZ are spot on..except one thing..Even though Buick hit it out The Park in 85′ these weren’t very rare but full of options. And I’ve seen different units..SO SAD GM didn’t keep making them RWDlike this survivor but it’s a lil pricey. I’d be willing to sale my fully Loaded 84′ Rivierawith 60k to get this