Many enthusiasts prefer two-door classics, but from a practicality standpoint, ignoring four-door variants can be a mistake. If the original owner ordered those cars with the “right” drivetrain combination, they can offer comparable performance to their lesser-doored siblings. More importantly, any enthusiast who has tried to maneuver a small child into the back seat of cars like Mustangs and Camaros can confirm that those additional doors make life easier. If you face those challenges, this 1968 Buick LeSabre deserves a close look. It presents nicely, but leaves scope for the new owner to tweak a few areas to improve its appearance without breaking the bank. It also features a 350ci V8 under the hood and is a turnkey proposition. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P. for spotting the Buick listed here on Craigslist in Swanzey, New Hampshire. The seller set their price for this classic at $15,900.
Buick released its Third Generation LeSabre range in 1965, and as was the practice at that time, treated its latest offering to minor annual styling updates until our feature car rolled off the line in 1968. Its presentation is extremely tidy, with no major cosmetic shortcomings. The seller states that it was repainted approximately twenty-five years ago in its original color combination of Teal Blue Mist and Arctic White. The overall lack of deterioration is consistent with a high-end refresh, with no patchiness or other issues. I can’t spot anything suggesting that rust might be a problem, while the trim and glass are excellent. The wheel covers are undamaged, and the narrow whitewalls feature plenty of tread.
This LeSabre’s interior is almost as tidy as its exterior, but it also contains what I would consider to be one of its few genuine weaknesses. The carpet is tired and faded. Although it hasn’t worn badly, its deterioration detracts from the overall appearance. Replacement carpet sets retail for under $300, and if the buyer sources and installs one, it would make an enormous difference. The seats are trimmed in Blue, utilizing a combination of vinyl and cloth. There is no significant wear, while the remaining vinyl is equally impressive. The dash looks extremely tidy, and the pad appears to be virtually perfect. The first owner ordered this LeSabre with air conditioning and an AM radio. The seller states that the A/C blows cool and requires a recharge to work at its best. They also state that the fuel gauge is inoperative, making that another task for the buyer to investigate.
The big news for 1968 LeSabre buyers wasn’t the cosmetic changes, but those made by Buick below the surface. It marked the introduction of the 350ci V8, replacing the 340ci powerplant that served the company so effectively. This LeSabre features the 350, teamed with a two-speed “Super Turbine” automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. I believe this motor is the “2V” version, placing a factory-quoted 230hp and 350 ft/lbs of torque beneath the driver’s right foot. The news for potential buyers appears to be extremely positive. The seller’s emphasis on originality suggests that this LeSabre is numbers-matching. It is also a turnkey proposition that runs and drives extremely well. Therefore, if you are planning a family summer vacation, this Buick would provide reliable transportation for that journey.
This 1968 Buick LeSabre is a tidy vehicle, and if not for the repaint, it could have been considered a genuine turnkey survivor. The buyer could lift its appearance relatively easily without breaking the bank. That concept might be tempting for enthusiasts in a situation where a full-blown restoration project isn’t an option. It has plenty of interior space, with room to comfortably seat six. Factor in the V8 under the hood, and this LeSabre is a pretty attractive package for the right person. Could that be you?
Hagerty’s price guide does not list a 65 LeSabre 4-door, indicating that it might not be a hot collector car.
But 4-doors don’t bother me at all when it comes to 60-year-old cars. They are still cool, still fun to drive, still easy to work on, and rarely seen so many years on. Oddly, as I drive my 4-doors around town, people can’t get enough of them. They wave and honk and engage me in conversation at the gas pump; but pull into a classic car show and those old goats won’t even get their diabetic butts out of the chair to take a look!
Rex, in my humble opinion, that’s their loss. I’ve said before on here, and will say it again, that the view over the hood of a 4 door model, is EXACTLY the same as the view as the 2 door model. And for whatever it’s worth, I always get drawn to the 4 doors and more common, everyday days feom their day that we no longer see much of anymore. I’d be very happy and proud to own this Buick. Its in amazing condition.
And when I go to the airplane museums (Wright-Patt comes to mind), I always want to look at the bombers and the airliners as opposed to the fighters.
“LeSabre”, the Sword,and the extent of most of our French, it’s not hard to understand why the Buick LeSabre was THE most popular Buick ever sold. Could have been the name, started in 1959, but for most, it was a fancy Chevy , for folks that had no chance of ever having a Caddy. These were the cars that were unloved, unwashed, and most importantly, unmaintained, and still got us to Sunday school, without an issue. We may have taken our road tests in these, but wouldn’t be caught dead driving one through McDonalds. These are the cars coming on the market today with every passing funeral, and while it doesn’t have the zing of a 396 Chevelle, it’s these cars that people will want in the future. A wonderful find.