Black Beauty: 1989 Buick LeSabre T-Type

There were many cars loaded with promise that came out of GM’s Buick and Pontiac divisions in the late 80s through the early 90s. The goal was simple: build a model compelling enough to tempt a BMW shopper and/or someone under the age of 52 to waltz into a Buick showroom and try a LeSabre on the for size. Did it work? Not really. But the T-Type was a valiant effort to change the conversation about a fabled model like the LeSabre, and relatively few are left in this blacked-out version of the bread-and-butter two door. This LeSabre T-Type is listed here on Facebook Marketplace for $8,000.

It was clear at the time that Buick was aiming for a European car shopper based on appearance alone. The low stance, subtle rear spoiler, blacked-out trim, and amber/red taillights are all traits that you’d find on a modified BMW or Mercedes from the same era. The color-matched center cap is a small but noticeable touch to tie the entire black theme together. Overall, there’s no denying the Buick looks quite sporty – but did the driving experience measure up? Well, that asks the age-old question as to whether the drivetrain can cash the check that the body is writing.

The interior wasn’t what you’d expect from the outside. I mean, if you’re going after a 3-Series shopper, you need narrow, thick-bolstered sport seats at a minimum. You also need an instrument cluster with some small, central dials, not the vast expanse of dashboard that reminds me of the Great Plains in terms of its expansiveness and lack of detail. The leather seats look comfortable, but someone in the targeted demographic didn’t want comfort as much as they wanted grippy tires and seats that held you in place when the chassis was being pushed to the limits.

The steering wheel was classic in style, but that dash! What a shame. The engine was a standard-issue 3.8L 150 horsepower V6, while stopping power is also right out the playbook for every other model at the time with a disc/drum setup. Not even 4-wheel discs? For a car that was clearly marketed as a more exciting/engaging model, the actual performance credentials fall far short of what a car like the BMW 325is was offering with 4-wheel discs, a limited-slip, 5-speed manual, Recaro-like bucket seats, and more. Still, these T-Types are nearly extinct, so if you’ve been hunting for one, here’s your chance.