By 1980, all full-size cars in America had been downsized, but they were still pretty big cars especially compared to the cars we see on the road today. After General Motors downsized in 1977, they did a refresh in 1980. Here is a 1980 Buick Lesabre Limited 4 door sedan for sale here on Craigslist in Chambana, Illinois.
Inside is where the difference in the base Lesabre and the Limited was really seen. These velour interiors were the perfect way to sink into comfort in the eighties. The front seat is divided 55/45. The interior looks clean, but the mirror will have to be put back on. There are no cracks in the dash or rips on the seats. The headliner will need to be replaced.
This car has only 30,000 miles, but that’s where the excitement ends. Unfortunately, the engine is locked up and there are no pictures of it. The parts needed for a rebuild are in the trunk. There’s also no information telling which engine is in it. The choices for a 1980 Lesabre were 3.8 liter V-6 (231 CID), 4.1 liter V-6 (252 CID), 4.9 liter V-8 (301 CID), or 5.7 liter V-8 (350 CID). While the 350 diesel engine was available in the 1980 Electra, it would not be available in the Lesabre until 1981.
The Lesabre Limited wears the optional two-tone paint and wire wheel covers. The bumper fillers will need to be replaced. While the body is in good condition, with the engine issues there could be some costly repairs. This is not the type of car most people want to sink an unknown amount of repair dollars into. At only $1,500, is it still an appealing car to you?
This would be quite the plush sleeper if one replaced the engine with a turbo unit out of a Regal T-Type/Grand National
These were great $50.00 cars.
I am not sure I would pay much more for this one.
“While the 350 diesel engine was available in the 1980 Electra, it would not be available in the Lesabre until 1981.”
So 1980 LeSabre buyers got lucky.
My mom had one of these and hated it because she said it made so much wind noise around all the doors.
I worked at a Buick dealership in 1980. Something sticks in my head that the V-6 equipped cars had a logo, but I can’t find anything to back that up.
This is actually located in Champaign-Urbana, not Chambana. There’s no such place as Chambana, IL
Craiglist has it listed as Chambana, on the top left of the ad. I guess they just shortened it,… due to laziness?
There is too much downside to take a chance. It may look nice, but needs an engine, there is no way of knowing if the transmission or brakes work or the condition of the wiring and exhaust. A small block Chevy swap will require more than just the engine. This could quickly turn into a money pit. Full size GM cars of that era aren’t expensive and come up for sale on a regular basis, there is no need to jump on one that needs this much work.
Steve R
Had an 80 PA 89-90 everything but leather 3x blue (baby blue vinyl) loved it but one of the a frames was split horizontally due water from the moon roof drains.
If you have a replacement engine, and you can get the car at a better price, it could prove to be a good deal.
It all depends on what engine the car has, even seized. Seller should list the engine size or model.
Terrible, terrible car. The list of available engines should be enough to prove that.
Assuming the mileage is original, and the engine is seized, I’d be surprised if it wasn’t the 231. Those engines were really junk in those days. That said, as nice as these cars are, it’s not worth much. An older, stronger V8 would make this a faster car, and as comfortable as they are, a fun car to own. At that price, though, it’ll probably sit in the driveway long enough to start rusting and rotting, leaking water inside so it smells like mold, then it’s junk.
Nothing great about a non running 1980 Buick for 1500. I noticed it has a 3 speed auto. Hopefully not the trouble prone TH200 produced around that time.
The question the seller should ask his or her self is how much that driveway space is worth. $200 opening bid, no reserve.
I knew a gal that in eighties that bought one of these just for the seats the material the seats were made out of it she could lay down on the back seat and get all the action she wanted.
If that car could be had for $500 or $600 bucks I’d be doing an LS swap on it and have myself a fun little sleeper. When’s the last time you saw another one?
I was able to order my own 1980 Buick cop car. It arrived @ the dealer on my 33rd birthday! It was equipped w/Buick’s Lawman (that’s the BT1 option name) police package. Law enforcement never owned it. I still possess all its paperwork. It was the most nimble vehicle I’ve ever owned…& there have been MANY! It was no rocket ship but a very smooth, quiet, predictable handler of exceeding driving pleasure for many, many miles. I lament its sale!