This 1989 Buick LeSabre is the rare T-Type variant, built in an attempt to woo buyers from import brands who were getting too cozy with the likes of BMW and Nissan that were producing sport sedans with impressive road-holding abilities. The T-Types were weighted a bit more heavily on the visual enhancements rather than outright performance, but some upgrades under the skin were made at the same time. The seller notes this is an original owner example offered for sale by the family of that owner, and that it has 171,866 miles. It’s in better condition than I’d expect for that mileage, and it’s listed here on craigslist with an asking price of $3,500.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Rocco B. for the find. The T-Types had blacked out treatments from front to back, and you can see it in the taillights, the wheel centers, the bumper trim, and the front grill. It’s subtle, but it leaves no doubt you’re not looking at a base model LeSabre. The T-Type also had special badges denoting it as such, along with the only real performance upgrade, the Gran Touring suspension package. I don’t know if it ever made much of a difference in day-to-day driving, especially without any sort of power boost under the hood. Still, sporting models that weren’t wearing the Grand National or Corvette badge were in short supply, so Buick fans had to take what they could get.
Still, I can’t say I personally don’t dig the interior treatment, with a sporty three-spoke steering wheel and nicely bolstered bucket seats. The dash and instrumentation, however, only served to remind you that most owners of the LeSabre at this time were well into their twilight years. The seller notes that the power features all still work, and the A/C still blows cold. The original window sticker and manuals are still in the glovebox, and the seller claims the interior remains in impressive condition aside from a rub spot on the center console piping and around the window buttons on the driver’s side. That speaks to an owner that certainly loved this T-Type, and the condition does look very good when you factor in the mileage.
The clamshell hood was a clear nod to the BMW 3-Series of the era, as if switching the direction of the hood opening somehow elevated the performance. Still, at least the T-Types produced between 1988 and 1990 got a bump in power to 165 b.h.p. The seller says it still drives well with plenty of power, and no other mechanical issues are noted. The paint is said to be in good shape with no delamination of the clear coat. The T-Type also received a unique rubber front spoiler, which is present and accounted for but has been pitted by rocks (in photos, it doesn’t appear to have suffered any fatal parking lot barrier hits.) While it’s not eminently collectible, it’s always nice to see a car like this in preserved condition.
This is an example of GM building a very good automobile at the time; the Buick City plant in Flint where this was built (now gone) won a build quality award. The engine was good on fuel and had decent power, nice ride (better with the FE2 suspension, as this one has) well appointed, also. And l, if you lived in the Midwest, they went well in the snow. Maybe not too exciting ( I like it), but it not a lot to fault if you had to drive it everyday.
Very good car with literally the wrong number of doors, which left it without a market. By 1989 it should’ve been clear that sport SEDANS were the “in” thing and as handsome as the coupe was the LeSabre T-Type needed to be available as a 4 door.
Only in your mind. I’m buying this car and making it a mini Grand National
buick did make a 4 door T-Type, the Electra T-Type, a good friend had one, sinister all black exterior, blood red interior and every options availible, it was a VERY nice car.
They also made the A-body Century T-type coupe and sedan with the 3800, just not the LeSabre sedan for some reason.
If this was closer, I’d be there with my trailer right now. Great daily driver.
Always did like the style of these handsome coupes in T-type trim, shame they never really got the oomph to back up the looks, but a later 3800 Supercharged powertrain should swap readily to solve that shortcoming if one were so inclined…
Many diffferences abound between those engines. They arent the same at all. That said, if you’re willing to take the time to convert everything and to OBD2, it isnt hard to get near 750HP…reliably.
LeSabre T Type was `87-`89.
Electra T Type was `85-`90, with `85 being the only year for a T Type coupe in addition to the 4 doors.
I was the fleet manager for Fanning Cadillac-Buick in Chicago at that time, and ordered every one we could get our hands on.
I had an `89 LeSabre T Type until 2016.
I can’t really add anything that the prior five comments havn’t already mentioned. I agree 100% with everything that has been said thus far. Great cars.
I only wish they made these RWD. They look killer in black.
If only these were RWD, the T-type would have made a worthy successor to the Grand National.
What a find! These cars were so underrated. And rare! The 3.8 always had plenty of power even though their horsepower rating wasn’t too high. Lots of torque made them zippy. And reliable. One of GM’s best.
’87 had the best seats and steering wheel. Had a Red one, put almost 300k on it.
I’m waiting for a black ’87.
I had a brown straight LeSabre coupe for about five years, absolutely loved it. Tight as a drum, fast if not all that ‘quick’, and a great road car. I would imagine the T Types were an improvement over mine. I’m a few weeks away from moving or I’d be all over this thing. The mileage doesn;t bother me, I had 200k+ on mine and it fit just fine.
Don’t worry about the miles. Buy this car, put a timing chain in it when it needs it (about now) and drive it for another 100,000 miles. You’ll love it.
I have no room otherwise it would disappear.
I have 3 of these now but will be downsizing soon. My latest 89 Silver has 21,700 miles on it. 2nd 87 Silver has about 48k miles on it. The 3rd 87 Maroon is my daily driver and has about 330k miles on it. I’ll be keeping the 89 and selling the 87’s in the next month or so. 2.5 hours drive from Toronto.
the only drawback I can see, is it is missing the truck spoiler, and I would imagine it is IMPOSSIBLE to find, for such a low production car. but still its a great looking car, I was always surprised GM never made a Bonneville coupe. My mother worked for GM during this time period and drove a Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royal coupe for a couple of years, then switched to Pontiac Bonneville SSE’s
There is a lightweight (fiberglass instead of the heavy rubber) reproduction: https://www.dankoreproductions.com/store/buick-lesabre-t-type/1988-1990-rear-trunk-spoiler. It would fit the 87 if you drill the holes in the trunk.
Looks like the trunk here already has the holes from the missing stock spoiler.
I have 3 of these Lesabre T-types. 2 x 87 (Maroon 335k miles & Silver 47k miles) and one 89 (Silver 21k miles). I will be downsizing and selling then 87’s in the near future. I live 2.5 hours drive from Toronto. Love these cars!
@Gary – Please consider listing them here on Barn Finds when you are ready to sell them!
North, east or west?
North-West near Owen Sound
Hey Gary, I would be interested in a silver one. I’ve tried to contact the seller but no response. Im now thinking it’s a fake ad or maybe he sold it but either way I’m looking for one with the same interior or grey.
Where are you located OIL SLICK?
NW Indiana
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/287076582398306/
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3448795068487078/
Nice. I’m just east of you in Meaford.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3448795068487078/
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/287076582398306/
Hellloooooo…does anybody on the east coast have one of these for sale???
Hey Gary, I would be interested in a silver one. I’ve tried to contact the seller but no response. Im now thinking it’s a fake ad or maybe he sold it but either way I’m looking for one with the same interior or grey.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3448795068487078/
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/287076582398306/
My 87 Silver may be ready to go in a few weeks but as you are in the US and I am in Canada and the borders closed that will not work out very well. I will keep you informed.
ok i will need pics
My 87 Buick LeSabre T-type is posted here: https://barnfinds.com/classifieds/1987-buick-lesabre-t-type/
Nice job on the video Gary. Car looks great inside and out. GLWS.