Finding a car that combines affordability with luxury and performance can be challenging. However, vehicles like this 1999 Buick Regal GS manage to fill that void. Its supercharged V6 places plenty of power at the driver’s command. Its interior is loaded with creature comforts, and the seller’s price of $5,500 allows it to fall within the affordable category. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Barney for spotting this Buick listed here on Craigslist in Buna, Texas. The Regal could be ideal for weekend motoring, although it could function as a comfortable and practical daily driver.

Buick introduced the Fourth Generation Regal range for the 1997 model year. The company revived memories of the iconic 1987 GNX with the Regal GS, with both cars featuring V6 engines that benefited from forced induction. Our feature Regal GS rolled off the line in 1999, ordered by its first owner in Black. What helped these cars stand apart from earlier high-performance Buicks was the company’s “mature” approach to vehicle styling. The first owner’s decision to order this car with the optional 16″ chrome wheels is about as extroverted as it gets, with the exterior generally considered subtle and stylish. The seller admits that this car’s clear coat is showing early signs of deterioration on the roof and hood, but the rest of the exterior is free from problems. The panels are straight, there is no evidence of rust, and the plastic hasn’t succumbed to UV damage. Addressing the clear issues could occur at the buyer’s leisure, and shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg.

Buick enjoys a successful history of producing vehicles with forced-induction powerplants. Many enthusiasts believe that it reached the pinnacle with the 1987 GNX, although the 1999 Regal GS is no slouch. Both cars feature a 3.8-liter V6, although the company chose to forego turbocharging by fitting the GS with an Eaton 90 supercharger, which boosted power and torque from 200hp and 225 ft/lbs to 240hp and 280 ft/lbs. Shifting duties fall to a four-speed 4T65-E automatic transmission. Power steering was standard equipment, as were anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes. A contemporary road test by Motor Trend magazine resulted in the GS delivering a ¼-mile ET of 15 seconds. However, the journalist conducting the test noted that conditions weren’t ideal and that a lower figure was possible. The seller confirms that this classic would benefit from a tune-up, new tires, and new valve cover gaskets. Otherwise, it is a turnkey proposition that recently clocked 100,000 miles.

The sales brochure for the 1999 Regal GS makes for interesting reading, demonstrating the luxury leanings of this classic. Dual airbags, climate-control air conditioning, power windows, power locks with keyless entry, power mirrors, a six-way power driver’s seat, a rear defogger, leather trim, floor mats, and a premium AM/FM radio/cassette player with wheel-mounted controls were standard equipment. It appears that the first owner ticked the box to upgrade the stereo to the premium “Monsoon” system that brought eight speakers and 200 watts of power to the audio party. The seller only supplies one interior shot, but it seems to support their claim that the condition is excellent. There is no evidence of wear or UV damage, and no visible aftermarket additions.

The 1999 Buick Regal GS may not be everyone’s idea of a desirable classic, but that doesn’t mean that it should be dismissed entirely. The supercharged V6 engine promises excellent performance, and its interior appointments should guarantee a comfortable motoring experience. Contemporary road tests easily achieved fuel consumption figures of 18mpg in cities, and better than 28mpg on the open road. Those figures, combined with the asking price, could make this Regal a viable and practical daily driver. That makes it worth a closer look.