We really don’t build sleepers anymore, do we? It seems the very idea of a vehicle that doesn’t scream in your face what it’s capable of goes against the current grain of society. Nowadays, if you’re a social media user who posts photos of ordinary items that are well-built or highly capable but visually boring, you’ll likely drive zero engagement. If you’re like me and don’t care much about such things, then a sleeper is still one of the most desirable types of cars to stick in your garage, knowing full well it will catch most other drivers off guard. The 1987 Buick Regal Turbo T is the epitome of this philosophy, and this nearly-stock example is listed here on eBay for $31,800 or best offer.
The Regal Turbo-T represents the epitome of car guys and bean counters working together. The car guys in the room, like most of us, love the idea of a vehicle that packs peak performance but look’s like grandma’s grocery getters. The bean counters are thrilled with squeeze out another whole model out of existing architecture and parts sitting on the shelf. It’s a win-win, but the real winners were the consumers who got to buy a high-performance model that was actually both lighter and rarer than the Grand National that got all the buzz. The only thing I’d change about this particular Regal is to throw the factory wheels back on (which the seller claims to have). It even has intact bumper fillers!
It’s not unusual to see an owner of the Turbo-T stick the Grand National floor mats or some other cosmetic touches to point out the family relations, but this is truly the way to fly: mouse gray cloth everywhere, and outside of a small badge below the gauge cluster and the 3-spoke steering wheel, this feels like a rental car inside. There’s just under 70,000 miles indicated on the clock, and it sure looks like it has lower miles than that based on the interior condition. The seller notes he purchased this Regal from the first owner but has yet to register it, so technically, this is still a one-owner car according to the paperwork.
The turbocharged 3.8L V6 packs an impressive 245 horsepower, and driving videos of various Turbo-Ts show that this Buick still pulls like a freight train. While it can be tempting to modify it for more power, it’s incredibly refreshing to see one like this that has mostly been left alone. The Turbo-T package also unlocked an upgraded FE3 sport suspension package, offering drivers some additional “under the radar” upgrades that helped keep this factory hot rod on the right side of the road. Nearly $32,000 is a lot to spend on one of these, but I would bet the seller included the “best offer” option for a reason. What do you think a factory sleeper like this is worth?
Maybe it’s just me but something doesn’t add up right. Dude purchased from owner and flipping at ridiculous price. Looks like it’s been put back together, be weary of Centerlines, Kenne Bell cold air, no cat, no turbo heat shield and 70K original miles one owner car ???
All excellent points. I believe that any perspective buyer might want to sneak up on this one with a whole bunch of pessimistic.
That would be pessimism…….
Utes, had I intended to use “pessimism”, that is the word I would have used. I take it that word play is not your strong suit.
Actually, Utes is correct and quite the wordsmith. Additionally, the correct word would be a “prospective” buyer and not “perspective.”
Clamp to throttle body on intake is just hanging there.
What Bill V. said. Way over priced. Barrett Jackson syndrome.
Must be some strong herb growing on that farm……….
I think this guy has been inhaling exhaust fumes. This car is nice but no way worth what he’s asking for it. $20k tops. That odometer looks sus to me.
I do not care for flippers.
Looks like the bumper fillers have been replaced. Not a very good paint match. Not transferring after purchase and then reselling may be considered title jumping. Not sure if that is legit.
I agree with you Larry on the match of the body fillers. With modern technology, pro body shops can match colors almost exactly (of course some colors may be harder to match than others but this certainly could have been done better). Also an interesting crack/hole in the fiberglass nose on the driver’s side of the hood ornament. Strange place for such a “blemish”. Don’t know where this car is (unless I missed the location), but here in Louisiana and in neighboring Mississippi the seller could not pass that title that’s still in the original owner’s name unless this seller is a licensed car dealer. Otherwise he/she would first have to title the vehicle in his/her name and pay any and all registration, taxes and other state fees before being able to pass the vehicle on to a new owner (at least legally that is).
those wheels should go.31k and buyer has to deal with a cracked header panel? seems a bit unfair to me. i am pretty sure that spoiler under the front bumper is an ad on. these are rare today, but the ask is too much IMO
“We really don’t build sleepers anymore, do we?”
Considering an unassuming Ford Flex (with the Ecoboost) in stock form can run a 14.2, but with a little tune and some sticky tires can turn 12’s – there is sleepers out there.
Golly, I just discovered a feature on Barn Finds that I was not aware of, proper English oversight. Who would have known that such a vital service would be provided free of charge?
In the interest of (hopefully) arresting the decline of English usage, I appreciate seeing gentle corrections; it’s very discouraging to see mistakes such as “RPM’s”, “mpg’s”, “needs replaced”, etc. made repeatedly, especially when used by automotive writers. I, for one, appreciate ANY correction that helps to improve my knowledge base. :-)
Ford Taurus SHO I would consider a sleeper. Very little in appearance to distinguish it from a regular Taurus but under the hood is a totally different story. My 2016 SHO is such a blast to drive and very docile when just crushing. Plus you can find nice clean cars for affordable price.
A lot of things here going on. Heater core is by passed, Throttle body clamp loose, Header panel damage. A lot of money here. I get that it is a Buick turbo but price should be around 20K tops. Or just save your money and find a Grand National for there asking price!!