Some people walk into a dealership and adhere to a strict budget when purchasing a new car. Others will reason that if they’re going to spend their hard-earned cash, they should drive away in a vehicle that precisely fits their needs. The first owner of this 1991 Buick Reatta followed the second philosophy, loading the car with almost every conceivable factory option. It remains in excellent condition and is a turnkey classic needing nothing but a new home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P. for spotting this beautiful Buick listed here on Craigslist in Tucson, Arizona. The seller set their price at $12,500, suggesting that the new owner could fly in and drive this classic home.
Although a common practice among prestige brands, mainstream vehicle manufacturers typically avoid producing hand-built models. It is usually a matter of pure economics because that approach is labor-intensive, resulting in a high sticker price if the vehicle is to turn a profit. However, it was the approach Buick chose when developing the Reatta, with cars assembled by teams of workers in a specialized facility. Launched in 1988, Buick envisaged the Reatta as a “Halo” model, projecting sales of around 20,000 vehicles per year. Sadly, the reality fell far short of expectations, with the company ending production in 1991. This final-year example looks impressive in Code 40 White. The first owner added the color-coded wheel option, a sunroof, and body-colored rub strips, creating a stunning visual effect. The condition is extremely good, with no visible cosmetic shortcomings. The car has spent its time in dry locations, and the seller’s image gallery confirms this Reatta is rust-free. The wheels aren’t stained or discolored, and the seller added aftermarket window tint to improve occupant comfort.
As a “Halo” model, it is fair to expect plenty of luxury features inside a Reatta, and this car delivers in spades. The buyer receives climate-control air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, a sixteen-way power driver’s seat, cruise control, a leather-wrapped tilt wheel, and a premium stereo with an AM/FM radio, an auto-reverse cassette player with Dolby Noise Reduction, and a CD player. The car’s Tan leather trim is in excellent condition, with no wear or other issues. The carpet is clean, and the dash is spotless. The seller has gone through the interior with a fine-tooth comb, eliminating any niggling problems that might spoil the ownership experience. They converted the A/C to R134a refrigerant, confirming that it blows ice-cold. The entire stereo was rebuilt, producing music you can feel. Everything works as it would have the day this Reatta rolled off the showroom floor.
Buick chose to power the Reatta with its transverse 3.8-liter V6. By the time production ended in 1991, this motor sent 170hp and 220 ft/lbs of torque to the front wheels via a four-speed 4T60-E automatic transmission. Unsurprisingly for a car of this caliber, power steering and anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes were standard fare. The seller didn’t restrict their TLC to this Reatta’s interior; they worked through a long list of tasks to guarantee its mechanical health. The car received a new oil pan gasket, a new water pump, new suspension struts, a PCV valve, a new radiator and hoses, and a new master cylinder, along with a brake flush. The list continues beyond the items mentioned, and almost deserves its own hardback book. The results justified the effort, because this Buick is a turnkey proposition that runs and drives perfectly.
Releasing any new model is a calculated risk, but “Halo” cars are always a gamble. They typically cost companies a significant amount to develop and build, and sales volumes are often low. The Buick Reatta was a risk that never paid dividends. The company envisaged sales of around 20,000 vehicles per year, but a high sticker price and worthy competition from the Cadillac Allanté and the Pontiac Fiero meant that Buick never achieved that lofty goal. During its four production years, only 21,751 cars left the Reatta Craft Center in Lansing, Michigan. The jig was up: Buick discontinued its great experiment in 1991, when only 1,519 buyers handed over the cash for a Reatta. This car is one of the last produced and is a gem with no apparent needs. If you dreamed of owning a Reatta when they graced showroom floors but found it was beyond your financial means, could this immaculate 1991 example allow you to right that wrong?
Great looking car and love the wheels here on this Buick Clarkey. 👌 👍
Thanks for that, Stan. I’m quite taken by this Reatta, and wouldn’t mind parking it in my garage.
I agree with Stan. Its the first thing that caught my eyes when I saw the opening photo. Nice one here Adam, I’m with you, I wouldn’t mind owning this one, one bit.
They appear to be “Select 60” wheels.
Yes, all 65 of the 1990 Select 60 Reatta convertibles had these wheels. In 1991 the standard wheels were these but in silver rather than white. However, this N60 option was ordered on 17 1991 Convertibles and 30 1991 Coupes. This car as optioned is one of one.
This one is so close to me. I’m in Tucson every week. I’ve never seen these wheels and am not a fan. Other than the wheels and the lack of space to store it, this is an amazing automobile!
I have to agree with you on those wheels. Yet another example of cringe-worthy aftermarket donuts IMHO. They look like they belong on a Kia SUV. There’s a reason car manufacturers pay people handsomely to style their cars. Give me the stock wheels and tires any day on the Riatta.
The wheels are from Buick. The tires are aftermarket.
They ordered everything but the convertible top, which, if I were so inclined to purchase a Reatta, it would have to be the convertible.
Only I never cared for these. The only two seaters I like are the Cadillac Allanté, Cadillac XLR, MG and Chevrolet Corvette. Im not even a fan of the Ford Thunderbird 2 seaters.
It’s REATTA. There is no “I”.
Wheels ARE stock!
Angel, I agree with your choices 100%. Okay, 90% because I also like the newer TBird droptops.
If you read the sellers ad, “no pets have ever farted in this car”. That has to be a major selling feature 😆😂😆.
But what about drivers and passengers?
And he knows that because he personally interviewed all of the previous owners that are mentioned – father, daughter, and several flippers. LMAO!
Time and time again, through the years car manufacturers have built two-seaters (and many of them great cars) expecting great sales, and it never happened. The latest two examples were the last Thunderbird and this car. Here we have an attractive vehicle with an excellent drive train and proven components, that barely moved the needle on the sales meter, simply because most people want a car that can seat four (even if poorly) whether it’s sporty or not .The original Mustang and GM F-cars would have flopped too if they couldn’t seat more than a couple, or at least wouldn’t have approached the sales figures they did. Two-seaters have their niche but manufacturers can’t expect them to be sales leaders.
I can’t say they expected great sales. These two seaters are “halo” cars. They are never meant to be big sellers but, they are meant to draw people into the showrooms. The best hope would be a break-even.
The mistake that almost always is made is that the buyer of a two-seater is expecting something performance oriented. Had the Reatta continued production into 1992, it would have had the L67 Supercharged 3800, but unfortunately the plug got pulled too soon.
Nice car but ” pimpy ” wheels would be first to go.
what a ghetto tire/ wheel set up. talk about tacky
I hope the next owner un-checks the box next to the tacky Vogue knock-off tires and peels those pinstripes off.
Except for the tires and tint, everything else is 100% stock and original. Yes, all 65 of the 1990 Select 60 Reatta convertibles had these wheels. In 1991 the standard wheels were these but in silver rather than white. However, this N60 option was ordered on 17 1991 Convertibles and 30 1991 Coupes. This car as optioned is one of one.
This link is in the listing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnJcIb7Y3y0
PRA4SNW
I dont care for the 1955, ’56 or ’57 2 seater T-Birds o dont know, they just “grind my gears.” I can make an exception for what I would call the remake T-Bird. My cousin had one in teal and it was a nice car. Just saw one the other day in downtown Baltimore. I think they could have done a better job designing them but they are acceptable.
Do you remember when they first came out all the hoopla about them? Even Neiman Marcus had a special edition in black and silver.
Hi Angel, Yes, I do remember the Neiman Marcus versions. I think they cost both an arm and a leg and probably not worth very much now.
Although it would not be my first choice if I was in the market, the newer T-Bird convertible would be a fun cruiser, even if I have to don a toupe, striped golf shirt, cargo shorts and white New Balance sneakers. LOL! Just kidding.
I always thought the Reatta was a cool looking little car. My neighbor had 2 of them at one point. Those wheels must be rare as I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Reatta with them before, though personally I’d much prefer the stock wheels and minus the window tinting. It certainly looks in premo condition.
I think most people are more likely to remember the 15″ 5 spoke wheels in brushed aluminum finish from the 1988-90 Reatta. These 16″ 7 spoke wheels were normally silver on the 1991 Reattas and on 1992-93 Rivieras with the GranSport suspension. The white (N60 option) version as shown in this Craigslist were only on the 65 1990 “Select 60” white convertibles and on 17 1991 white convertibles and on 30 1991 white coupes.
These same wheels were an option on 1995-99 RIvieras in chrome.
It has wheels. Glad that is settled. As cars go, this one is cherry.
As models go, this one didn’t and still doesn’t grab my attention.
Owned 3 of these over the years, a 1989 Burgundy Coupe, a 1989 Red Coupe and a 1990 White Convertible, really good reliable cars with, in my opinion, bullit proof engines. All had a few niggling electrical gremilins, especially coil packs and ABS modules, however overall I wish I still the Burgundy as that was the most reliable of all 3. If I owned this 1 I would certainly swap out the rims and tires to the 1990 versions. GLWTA
The 1991 had improved engine, brakes, transmission and wiring over the earlier years.
The Reatta was launched into the severe stock market collapse of October ’87.
Along with the Fiero and Allanté, it was axed as GM struggled to boost its stock price by eliminating non-core products.
An excellent product, but it never had a chance.
PS
“Hand built” just means that projected sales volumes are too low to build robots, and seat covers etc are manually attached. Not a lot more. Like “Prize wining,” it doesn’t mean a lot.