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