- Seller: Steve K
- Location: Rego Park, New York
- Mileage: 63,200 Shown
- Chassis #: 1G4EC13L4MB901077
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 3.8-liter V6
- Transmission: Automatic
Halo models are not a new phenomenon in the automotive world, and manufacturers typically create them to showcase their engineering prowess or as a lure to draw potential buyers into their showrooms. Buick adopted the practice when it introduced the Reatta in 1988. Sales volumes were low, but buyers knew they were about to enjoy a comfortable and luxurious motoring experience. This 1991 Reatta Coupe emerged during the final production year, and it was undoubtedly a case of Buick saving its best until last. These cars were considered the ultimate expression of the badge and represented a fitting way for the company to pull down the curtain on its premium offering. This classic presents beautifully, is unmolested, and has a genuine 63,200 miles on its odometer. The owner has been its custodian for two years and immensely enjoyed the experience. However, he feels the time has come for it to find a new home, so he is listing the Reatta exclusively with us at Barn Finds.
Buick followed a different production process when creating the Reatta. Rather than utilizing a typical production line, each Reatta worked through a series of workstations at the Reatta Craft Center in Lansing, Michigan. The focus was on quality, with various aspects of the car’s build “signed off” when it had passed a rigorous inspection. Our feature car emerged during the final year and is 1-of-1,214 Coupes produced before Buick retired the badge. The first owner ordered it in Arctic White. The previous owner purchased the car from the original owner’s daughter, with the seller becoming its custodian in May 2022 after an exhaustive search. He didn’t focus on locating a trailer queen, preferring a high-end survivor. The search was fruitful because this Buick ticks that box. A close inspection reveals a couple of minor paint scuffs and imperfections, but none would justify a cosmetic refresh. Evidence shows that the first owner performed a repaint in the original shade, and the impressive shine suggests it was performed to a high standard. This Reatta features White-painted 16″ alloy wheels, which were a new addition in 1991. There are a couple of spots of curb rash but no severe flaws or defects. This Reatta has never seen salt or snow, having spent most of its life in Denver, Colorado. The underside shots reveal areas of mild surface corrosion but no evidence of developing or existing penetrating rust. The power sunroof works as it should, and the glass is crystal clear.
Reatta buyers received a transverse 3.8-liter V6 engine throughout the badge’s production run, but upgrades for the 1991 model year boosted power and torque from 165hp and 210 ft/lbs to 170hp and 220 ft/lbs. Also new was the four-speed 4T60-E automatic transmission and an improved ABS feature for the four-wheel disc brakes. Buick electronically limited the Reatta’s top speed to 125mph, although some contemporary road tests saw cars nudge 130mph. The owner confirms that this rare gem is in excellent mechanical health. He experienced higher-than-expected engine temperatures when he first took delivery, but the problem was traced to the fan control module. The fault has been rectified, with the owner stating that he would happily drive the car across a Californian desert at the height of summer. The first owner replaced the starter, plugs, front brake pads, and the O2 sensor. It recently received a service and is a turnkey proposition. The sale includes the Owner’s Manual, the Owner’s Plaque, the Sign-Off Book from the Reatta Craft Center, a Service Manual, and a Parts Manual. This Buick drives perfectly, with no vices or issues. The engine is powerful, and the car tracks straight and true.
Buick guaranteed that Reatta buyers would enjoy a very special motoring experience, and this car’s first owner pushed out the boat with factory appointments. A driver’s airbag was new in 1991, while this car also features the optional sixteen-way power driver’s seat. The buyer receives climate-control air conditioning, power windows, power locks, heated power mirrors, cruise control, supple leather trim, monogrammed mats, a leather-wrapped wheel, digital gauges, a trip computer, and a premium stereo with an AM/FM radio, along with a cassette and CD player. The owner confirms that he replaced the passenger window regulator. He also indicates that the CD player is inoperative. Otherwise, everything functions as it should. Faulting the overall presentation is difficult, with the interior carrying the hallmarks of a classic that has been treated respectfully since Day One. There is no evidence of wear or physical damage and no aftermarket additions. It should receive positive comments due to its condition, while the luxury appointments guarantee that every trip will feel like a special occasion.
The Buick Reatta was a halo model, and while the company created the badge to lure buyers into showrooms, it believed that a sales volume of 20,000 cars per year was realistic. Sadly, the Reatta never came close to achieving that goal, with Buick announcing in early 1991 that production would end. This is one of the last cars produced, and its condition is impressive for a driver-grade classic. If you crave the finer things in motoring life, this Reatta could be the ideal car to park in your garage.
The price was overwhelming for a Buick of that era
Are you referring to the original MSRP? If so, i agree. But compared to the Pinto wagon, this beauty is a steal!
Where’s the auction link?
This one is a fixed-price ad. The offer form is at the top of the listing!
I worked at Buick when this was made. That engine is one of my favorite of all time. It was designed so well that we didn’t even turn it over before assembling it into the car and turning the ignition key to drive it out of the plant. I’d certainly be making an offer if I had an open stall in the stable.
GM always leaves the best to last. The tuned port 3800 and the 4T60E make this car perform flawlessly. An absolute pleasure to drive. I have a 91 Reatta convert. Bought new and love it.
Great cars and bargains at the moment.
I am interested in this vehicle . Before I bid I would want to know the options for shipping and brokerage fees to Nova Scotia Canada . Any advice appreciated .
Look for a transport broker. They do this everyday, and may know someone. Ebay might be a possible source. Going between the U.S. and Canada may take some additional paperwork, and I don’t know anything about that.
While I am a Buick fan and really dig this Reatta, I question the adherence to reality by the author. Never seen snow because it’s lived in, wait for it, … DENVER???? DENVER AVERAGES 57 INCHES OF SNOW A YEAR. FOUR AND ONE HALF FEET PLUS!!!
Excellent point!
The previous owner stated that they don’t use salt there. Here in NY, it is used. I have a garage under the house where I keep the Reatta, dry and safe. I never used it when snow and ice was on the ground.
My bro’ and I argue whether this is a “chick” car. Personally I like it, and the Buick Cascada too.
I would love to own one of these but it has to be a convertible and the fact only 2437 were produced they rarely come up for sell. I’m looking through. One of the only FWD cars I like and would buy.
nother ‘nice’ car but overweight (~ 3400#). and…
I’m with the vert guys.
Local here bought 2 (1 for investment $) a few yrs B4 his buick dealership went out. Wonder how that’s doin 4 him now? (Not sure if he got it on loan, would make a difference even by today as they bring ?2 – 15K$?).
huh??
Gary, I concur.
Lovely looking car. I remember when the Buick Reatta was first intro’d to the car buying public. I thought it was Buick’s best looking car in a long time.
Seems like a lot of repairs for 63,000 miles.
But they did most of them .
Those repairs would be maintenance on a 33 year old car, my guess. I’m slowly but steadily getting my red 91 recently purchased and featured here up to standards to make sure it stays reliable. All fluids changed, chase down a few minor issues, update the lighting to LED, and such. There’s no hurry to get it on the road until it cools down here in Florida. That is a nice 91, and I dig the white painted rims.
Nice car. I read about the repairs,and mechanically,the previous ownerdid some wear and tear stuff; nothing unusual.This owner had to replace,at hisown expense,some things that didn’t need replacing.Once the real cause was found, it got fixed. The upside is there’s a lot of new things you don’have to worry about.