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Low Mile: 1970 Buick LeSabre

The Buick LeSabre was part of the full-size Buick line-up from 1959-05, making it one of the most enduring nameplates in Detroit. It was usually the entry-level model and you could work your way up to the Electra 225 if the budget were there. This 1970 LeSabre hardtop looks like a well-kept survivor that has low mileage for being more than 50 years old. Located in Gadsden, Alabama, it’s available here on eBay where the no reserve auction currently hovers at $3,650. A nod of the noggin to local_sheriff for another great tip!

The LeSabre replaced the long-standing Special in the Buick portfolio at the end of the 1950s. The name came from the 1951 GM Le Sabre show car designed by the famous Harley Earl. Buick closely related their 1956-57 models to that prototype by replicating the top section of the rear wing into their design. The word LeSabre is French for “the sabre”. Buick’s third generation of the LeSabre was built between 1967-70 and – as the 1969 models were heavily restyled – changes for 1970 would be rather minimal. A new GM feature that year, which the LeSabre shared, was a hidden radio antenna that consisted of two wires embedded in the windshield (it worked okay, at least in my ’70 Nova). The LeSabre’s standard engine was the 260 hp, 350 cubic inch V8 which is also in the seller’s car. With an MSRP of $3,477 before options, Buick built just shy of 15,000 LeSabre 2-door hardtops that year.

We’re not given any history on this 1970 LeSabre, but it presents itself well.  At 63,000 original miles, this car has the look of one that may have only been driven to the store and church by grandma. The Burnished Saddle Metallic paint (i.e., brown) would qualify the vehicle as a UPS chase car. We’re don’t see any readily apparent flaws with the finish or the sheet metal, so we assume this car has had a recent repaint. The Sandalwood interior looks a bit more worn but is still presentable although the carpeting could stand a good cleaning and there may be some separations and dirt in the fabric on the front bench seat (or it’s just the angle of the camera).

Although the Buick comes with an automatic transmission, power steering and brakes, and factory A/C, it doesn’t look as though the options list got much of a workout when the car was ordered back in ‘70. The seller says the car runs and drives great and it sports a new set of tires all way around. The Buick “mag wheels” are a touch that this car wears well.

Hagerty postulates that $8,000 is the average resale value of one of these cars, but this one is above average. But even the nicest one on the planet shouldn’t go for more than $18,000. If this LeSabre settles somewhere in the middle, this would a nice family type of car to take to Cars & Coffee. Not a fortune to buy or keep it and nobody else is likely to show up with one.

Comments

  1. Avatar nycbjr Member

    So little space in the back for such a boat lol

    Like 1
    • Avatar David W. King

      That’s one of the disadvantages of a two door sedan.

      Like 0
      • Avatar JoeNYWF64

        The wheelbase is longer on a ’70 4 door lesabre?
        This car is certainly not stingy with trunk space, tho.

        Like 0
    • Avatar Geo

      The front seat may be pretty far back. Even on a two door those back seats were huge compared to today’s cars

      Like 0
  2. Avatar Superdessucke

    The 50s-70s full size cars had huge front and rear overhangs. Good for fitting in a lot of motor and for trunk space. Not so good for interior room.

    Like 3
  3. Avatar Skorzeny

    Wow, if I had the space or the extra money this would be in my driveway. My dad had a ’70 Electra, but I like the rear fenders so much more on this and the wildcat without those stupid skirts. His Electra was very well built, very reliable, and gobs of torque with that 455. These are really under appreciated cars. The best of the GM line IMHO. Styling beats the Caddy’s of the era by a mile. Would love this one…

    Like 5
  4. Avatar 1-MAC

    Nice solid car that will last forever with proper care. Built when durability mattered . Easy to repair and find parts for. Only question is why did they leave the wheelwell trim off?

    Like 3
    • Avatar Rick

      This car looks to be the base LeSabre rather than the higher level LeSabre Custom. It’s possible that wheel opening moldings were only available on the Custom or were optional on the base model.

      Like 0
  5. Avatar Patrick Faria

    I really like these long coupes that feel small inside, almost like a personal luxury, but they aren’t small inside as we think. I really like this car with this combination of powerplant, wheels, tires, beige interior, brown exterior and just a few chromes. Nicely done for a 25 yrs old man who grew tired of high impact colors in little toys like Camaro, Mustang and Barracuda. It’s a sports coupe for grown youngsters seeking for a very intimate adventure.

    Like 3
  6. Avatar ADM

    The last good looking Buick Lesabre, although the ’69 had slightly better styling.

    Like 3
  7. Avatar Kevin

    I like it,and would buy it for the right price, wouldn’t change a thing, just maintain, and enjoy.

    Like 3
  8. Avatar Pete Phillips

    Bidding is up to $6,700 now.

    Like 1
  9. Avatar morrisangelo

    Love these large two-door GMs from this era.
    Neat and unusual place for a headlight switch!

    Like 0
  10. Avatar Doug

    Always liked this body style. Like the no vinyl roof on this one. Now if it had bucket seats and an original 455, I could be interested.

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Fahrvergnugen Member

    Inherited my grandpa’s 70 sedan HT Custom in this same color but with dark brown vinyl roof…my oh my how that car rode…funny how i always wanted the 2Dr just like this.

    Like 1
  12. Avatar Car Nut Tacoma

    Awesome looking car. That’s when Buick produced great cars. My grandparents drove Buicks for most of their adult lives.

    Like 1
  13. Avatar Paul

    I had the Oldsmobile version, 70’ Delta 88’ with 455’ 2bbl. Was just 17’ it was my mom’s aunt’s car. I bought it for $500 in 77’ 32,000 miles.

    Like 0
  14. Avatar Michael L Gregory Member

    My dad taught me to drive in his ’65 LeSabre. I owned a mint-condition ’66, a ’76 Estate Wagon, and finally, a tricked-out ’74 Electra coupe I traded in 1983. Always thought Buicks were pretty, and still think that for the most part. I loved the ’70 models in convertible form.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Doug

      The 69-70 Electra convertibles were BEAUTIFUL CARS

      Like 0
      • Avatar ADM

        The ’69 Wildcat was the best. Absolutely gorgeous! My neighbor bought a convertible, in a medium metallic blue, with a dark blue interior. It had those great Buick wheels, and red lines. With that 430 V8, it was certainly no slouch.

        Like 0
  15. Avatar Stevieg

    I had a 1970 LeSabre 4 door hardtop, red with black vinyl roof & black vinyl benches. I bought it from the original owners widow. To me, it was just a winter beater at that time. I don’t recall the miles, but it was rust free & still in great shape, so probably a low mile car. I paid $150.00 for it. I can kick myself for how I treated that car! I wish I still had it now.

    Like 0

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