At first glance, this 1986 Buick Regal looks like a clean and tidy classic featuring a few cosmetic upgrades. However, digging below the surface reveals a point of difference. This Regal isn’t a product of the USA but rolled off the line in Canada. It presents superbly, featuring a range of factory options that increase its appeal to potential buyers. The Buick is listed here on Craigslist in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The seller is asking $21,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this beauty.
Buick’s Second Generation Regal enjoyed a long production run, gracing showroom floors from 1978 until 1987. The most desirable versions are undoubtedly the Grand National, T-Type, and GNX, which offer class-leading muscle. This Regal isn’t one of those muscular classics, although the seller added a Grand National Hood and Vector T-Type wheels. It presents beautifully, with its Code 19 Black paint holding a deep shine and showing no evidence of serious defects. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and this rust-free classic is as solid as the day the first owner took delivery. The Black Landau-style vinyl top is an interesting feature, especially when combined with the factory T-Top. This classic’s lack of interior moisture damage suggests the seals are in good order, and the remaining glass is flawless.
The first owner ticked many boxes on the Order Form that increase this Regal’s desirability. The new owner receives power windows, power locks, a power trunk release, a digital dash, cruise control, bucket seats, a console, and a leather-wrapped tilt wheel. Considering its country of origin, the lack of air conditioning is unsurprising. The buyer could retrofit a system if they live in a warmer location or stow the T-Top panels in their original bags and enjoy what Mother Nature provides for free. The overall presentation is impressive for a 1980s classic, suggesting it has been treated respectfully and sheltered from the worst the sun can deliver. The Burgundy cloth shows minimal wear on the outer seat edges, but there are no signs of developing rips or other problems. The mats effectively protect the matching carpet, and the dash is excellent. The faux woodgrain has survived remarkably well, and the only aftermarket addition is a modern stereo.
Lifting the hood reveals what makes this Regal interesting. Its engine bay houses a V8 but isn’t the 307ci Oldsmobile unit. This is the car’s numbers-matching 305ci Chevrolet powerplant, which should deliver around 150hp and 240 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties fall to a four-speed THM200-4R automatic transmission, with the car also featuring power assistance for the steering and brakes. I have been unable to locate specific performance figures for this configuration. Still, it is fair to assume it will be more comfortable in city traffic or on the open road than at the local strip. The seller indicates the Regal has 79,500 original kilometers showing on its odometer, which equates to around 50,000 miles. It runs and drives perfectly, rolling on a set of new BF Goodrich tires. This YouTube video provides a walkaround and features the engine running. It sounds perfect, with no smoke or odd noises. It is a wonderful time to visit Canada, so flying in and driving home is a viable option.
This 1986 Buick Regal is a cool classic with no apparent needs. It doesn’t possess the outright performance of the company’s more potent variants, but it should still cruise effortlessly all day at 70mph. It has no apparent needs and is ready to provide immediate enjoyment. My only concern is the price, which is well above the market average. This is the moment when I will ask for your input. Do you think the seller will taste success, or will they need to compromise on their price? If so, what do you feel is fair?
If there was ever a car that needed a LS swap, this is it
Well, we had that Gremlin with a small block Chev the other day. I say someone should drop in an American 304, just to balance the world out.
Or go AMC 360 just a bigger bore of the 304 motor
Not a GN alternative.
The GN alternative is the T-Type Turbo, which this in not, but priced like it is.
A 3.6L v6 powertrain from a wrecked Camaro would be a cool swap 😎, and could get this Regal humming.
Saw the hood, the wheels, scrolled down quickly (not reading fully) to the price and thought, wow, may be a good deal…then (still not reading), scroll down to the pic of the engine compartment and wha, wha, wha. Nice looking Limited, but hardly a true GN alternative. It has the looks but not the guts.
Same here, thought it looked like a great deal until I saw the fake wood grain interior accents. Nope!👎
The fake wood is original equipment.
This isn’t a Limited. It’s a J47. You couldn’t get buckets in a Limited. For that matter, it was likely built in Flint, MI. With the rest of the Regals. Just an “export” model. Too bad we can’t see a VIN.
Nice looking car, but the price is a bit steep. USD 21500 is about 29000 waffles, or 1600 bottles of maple syrup. Then you have to import it…
If the price given is $21,500 Canadian dollars, that would equate to approximately $16,900 in the US. At that price, it may be a very good purchase.
It’s an alternative to the GN until you smash the go pedal.
I’m with the guy that said LS swap, then it would be a GN alternative…even better if that LS has twin turbskies.
If we want to get technical, every car other than a Grand National is a Grand National alternative. That being said, I doubt anybody looking for a Grand National would consider this V8 Regal an equivalent.
T-Tops and a half vinyl top, odd combo.
That was a very common combination on these A/G bodies from 1978-1987. My first car was a 79 Cutlass Calais with a Landau top and T-tops. The Regal Grand Nationals, Monte Carlo SS, Hurst Olds and Olds 442s did not have the vinyl tops, but many were made or ordered that way. I wanted (and eventually did find) another 79 Cutlass Calais to resto-mod, and had to look a while to find one with T-Tops but without the vinyl top.
Agreed! Although, they did look better without the vinyl. It was rare to see one with a solid painted roof in those days.
Part of the attraction of this for me is the factory engine option here. Won’t see many of these in the U.S. I would think. Do an engine swap and you’ve lost the rarity of this.
Rare doesn’t always mean valuable or desirable. I have had guys make similar comments about my removing the rare 260 diesel from my 79 Cutlass Calais (which only had 39,000 miles on it). But, who wants a diesel with T-Tops ?? My car is much more fun with a 6.0 engine and 4L80 transmission.
6.0 litre diesel ?
Replying to Claudio – no, I removed a 260 diesel and replaced it with a 6.0 liter LS type GM engine.
Ahaha , a 6.0 ford diesel would hsve been quite the challenge , good on you for choosing an LS engine as they are Great
I paid $28k for my 1954 Buick century, The dealer did not know it was a restomod om a new 1989 Chevy frame with all new goodies, The body was new from are storer bought it in the late 50’s I wound up with a like new car that in our are had no market. When I first saw it with 18 inch wheels disk and Cragar’s I knew I had a find . Not original but perfect for my pocket.
Huh??
Now that sounds like a deal.
It may not have A/C but I’ll bet it has a block heater. I’ve been in Winnipeg in the Winter. Never again.
Dude motor in a decent car with a price fitting a Grand National. It may sell in Canada but I don’t see it selling in the US.