Yes, I know, it’s green, just like a lot of the survivors we’ve come across lately. I’m not sure what it is that makes green (and some would argue brown) cars survivor candidates, but perhaps it’s not just me that feels that way? Regardless of color, this 1973 Buick LeSabre is so original it’s thought that it is still running on its original bias ply tires! It’s for sale here on eBay, with no reserve and current bidding just under $4,000. It’s located in Portland, Oregon.
This picture sums up this car in one quick shot. At first glance it looks perfect, and then you notice the tiny chips in the paint. But they are tiny, and I think they are just honest indications that the car has lived a life. On the other hand, the chrome is gorgeous and while the paint may not be completely original (there is a possibility of some quarter panel repairs) the car just looks terrific.
Nice clean lines here. Honestly, I could do without the vinyl top, but it is so in keeping with the car and the era. Nice chrome in back as well, to no one’s surprise. It’s hard to believe those are the original tires, and if they are I sure don’t want to drive far or fast on them!
While it’s gorgeous–the manual controls here are very different than what you might expect. Wind up windows and a bench seat–pretty plain for a Buick. But look how beautiful the dashboard and seats are. Aside from a set of dirty (factory!) floor mats, it’s almost perfect.
This was a big surprise to me–a 455 cubic inch V8 with a four barrel carburetor! Apparently the original owner wanted to go fast with no frills–I would have been sure looking at this car closer if it would have a small engine. While it could stand to be cleaned up a little, I think it would respond well to some elbow grease. I don’t know about you, but I would have room for this plain green car in my garage!
Cool car! 4drs is ok given the big engine. Maybe some Buick mag wheels, red-lines and front bucket seats/console to up the “cool” factor.
Speak softly and carry a big stick is what this creampuff is.
The old man drove nothing but Buicks…strippers ..after one Chrysler stripper in 1970. At least in the sixties and early seventies, Buicks were at the lower end, the utilitarian, no nonsense practical means of transportation. Well at least in my family. This puppy is huge and would have been too fancy for us!
Yes, green and brown low milers seem to be the most popular, along with three-speed manuals where available. Our family had a Buick dealership back then. This is a rare bird indeed.
The reason there are so many brown and green cars from the early 1970’s?? They were popular colors.
Appliances came in copper tone and avocado then also.
The house I grew up in in the 50’s-60’s was painted green, the living room, masyter bedroom and family room were painted green with green carpeting & furniture and a couple of the cars were green. To say green was a popular color is an understatement. I still have the green bedroom furniture which I inherited after my folks died.
Like I have said before ex loved green, she wanted everything in green. I still do not like green, though at least I do not hate it anymore. Lol
I like his eBay add that reads ,They don’t make them like they used to ,he is right new cars are a lot safer 🚗
A Buick LeSabre with crank windows, no tilt wheel and no power seat was not exactly a rarity back in the day. In fact, because the LeSabre was the entry-level big Buick similar to Oldsmobile’s Delta 88 and Chrysler’s Newport, this particular car was outfitted as was typical for this series – except for the optional 455 V8 (350 V8 was standard) – options I see include air conditioning, clock, radio, vinyl roof and custom seat belts, items such as automatic transmission, power steering and power brakes were standard equipment by this time.
It’s a battering ram! Take off the trunk lid and put a pickup box in there, weld some hooks to the frame and use it to pull stumps.
Sam Raimi used used these cars in at least 7 of his movies. Always wanted one after Bruce Campbell drove them in the Evil Dead movies.
Buicks were considered old man cars in the day, and green and brown ones made it even worse. But, the old farts hardly drove them so thus the survivors.
Wasn’t Bruce’s car an Olds?
Whoops. Yes, Olds 88.
Here what you have is 44 year old high quality daily driver. And be a great buy for anyone not concerned with fuel consumption. You’d get years of dependable, comfortable use at a most modest price. As a desirable collector it just doesn’t cut it… Style less interior and exterior, nondescript appearance and function.
Threshold luxury. My kind of car… My newest one is akin to this but “only” 29 yrs old!
“I would have been sure looking at this car that it would have a small engine”.
Hmmm, that sentence makes no sense, and frankly, if I were making my living as a writer on the internet, I’d make sure to proofread what I write. I’m glad the thumbs-down button is gone, because surely nobody will appreciate this post.
Gee, Rex. First off, I’m certainly not making a living doing this. Secondly, you’re right, I don’t appreciate it. Last night when I wrote this I had a high degree fever and went to bed immediately after writing it. I’m so terribly sorry my syntax error spoiled your enjoyment of the article so much you had to call it to everyone’s attention. I’m glad you are so perfect you don’t ever make mistakes. I’ve corrected the text to what my last draft was, apparently I didn’t save it appropriately.
After 30+ years in the remodeling business, I know that I’ve got to do things right, and when I don’t , I admit that and don’t make excuses. And I don’t bust the customer’s chops, rule #1.
Ok, I’ll grant you that one and will take it on the chin. You’re right. But it is frustrating when errors are called out in the tone you did. I’ll be the first one to tell you that when corrected politely, I make the fix and apologize–you can see my other errors for that. Anyway, Rex, I normally appreciate your comments and expertise, so I’ll retract MY comments and just thank you for the correction.
Jamie thats a good response. I will say I am suprised at the amount intolerance that many show about spelling and syntax. Also about content oh my it was not found in a barn under hay/straw and pigeon poo. Goodness folks it is a free site. Chill out! Even at under $10 a month it is cheap especially considering the volume. There are things that drive me nuts like lamenting about every vehicle being a manual shift. So I asked about it once. Then felt bad that I did, considering every stated above. Come on life is to short.
I really don’t want to get into a fray about grammatical correctness or phraseology construction, I , for one , had no difficulty understanding the statement that looking at this car one would expect a smaller engine. This forum, as with other automotive spirit driven presentations, ought to be taken for value of the thoughts or opinions expressed, and not its literary prowess.
Anyway, that’s my smoke signal from an East Coast hilltop!
wont they the cars that kojak and his team drove in the tv series kojak which I miss on british tv a good morning watch ing kojak set me up for the day ,
I believe the Kojak car was indeed of this vintage, but was a mid size Buick, very lame looking, possibly a Regal.. while this here LeSabre is full size and longer than a wet week.
Anyone else spot the over spray on the distributor?
Paint it light brown, and it looks exactly like the one my grandfather bought new. He bought a new one in 1985, and the 73 got handed down to my cousin. Got driven for quite a while till the 455 finally gave out, and it’s still parked out back of the barn at my uncle’s farm. Right next to the 1966 International pickup I learned to drive in the fields when I was 10 or 11 years old. Many memories of cruising the roads of Western Canada in that car.
If not reduced to a pile of rust that you can picked up with a dust pan get that internationl out and use the buick to get it moving. A 455 international truck. Perfect.
I’m not overly surprised that it still has the original bias ply tires. I still have the original bias tires from my 72 Riv since the car had less than 10k miles when I bought it 16 years ago. I don’t drive on them but I still have them
Ended at $4,150.