Dealer special editions: where do we stand on them? I suspect most of us think they’re a bunch of hogwash and offer little in the way of additional value when listing a vehicle for sale. However, on a regional level, I suspect sentiment may shift a bit. If you’ve been in a geographic area for some time, you may recognize that a local dealer made a unique trim offering tied into some event of national significance, and I can see that moving someone’s “Buy” meter a nudge. This 1989 Buick LeSabre is a so-called “Presidential” edition, but I doubt it was anything the factory sanctioned. Find it here on craigslist for $15,000.
Right off the bat, that’s a chunk of change. There’s no two ways about it. But it does appear to be a nicely kept example, with lots of survivor-grade details. The original wire-style hubcaps, color-matched mudflaps, the landau roof, the Presidential decals (that indicate to me it’s never been repainted) – it’s hard to deny this Buick’s credentials as a sedan that has defied the odds in terms of surviving in condition like this. The seller reports that it has been garaged since new, and as a New England vehicle, that’s easy to believe. The original dealer sticker on the trunk lid offers a clue as to which franchise created this so-called Presidential edition.
The LeSabre was a well-liked mid-size, mid-market car offering plenty of comfort and almost-luxury features. In fact, you might even consider it the peak vehicle of middle managers at the time. The pillowed-seat cushions were supremely comfortable. The fake wood-look dash trim was handsome. The thick carpets and assortment of comfort and convenience features certainly made it feel like you’ve arrived. And if you pulled into the office parking lot with a Presidential edition – well, you clearly had made it and earned your holiday bonus.
Under the hood was an unkillable 3.8L V6 of the 3800 series engine family. It pushed 165 b.h.p. and 210 lb.-ft. of torque to the front wheels. Across the board, the LeSabre was simply a respectful car. It didn’t knock your socks off but it did everything with a degree of competence that was undeniable. The seller is certainly sitting on a handsome example but I would wager it’s a limited buyer’s pool that wants to pony up the cash to bring this one home. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Tony Primo for spotting this survivor.
I was the fleet manager at Fanning Cadillac-Buick in Chicago at that time.
There was no factory “Presidential Edition”.
The above was all aftermarket or dealer installed.
I did Chicago Edition Cadillacs in silver and black two tone with embroidered skyline roofs, and Palm Beach Edition Century’s in Rosewood with gray interiors and embroidered palm trees on the sail panels.
The only special edition H body LeSabres from the factory were the Olympic models in ’88.
Special badging and embroidered Olympic rings on the head rests.
My Mom bought a 1979 Buick LeSabre Palm Beach Edition, beautiful car, I can’t recall a PBE Century though.
You meet the nicest people in a Buick.
Ha ha, heard about the car on the radio a couple of days ago on a syndicated show on my local radio station. They have people call in with their cars for sale and he “makes an offer” $3k in this case vs the $15k he said he wanted. He did go on about the presidential edition.
Must’ve been the John Claywolf Show.
It’s hard to see many potential buyers, if any, would be interested in paying $15,000 for a $5,000 car. No matter how nice, it’s still a late-80’s GM intermediate with a $15,000 asking price.
Steve R
$1500 on a good day. I would love to see those New England seasons floors.
Price has been reduced to $12,500.
Still not gonna sell, but the seller is at least recognizing that they are being unrealistic.
Looks like the optional master cylinder cover security system has been installed.
Ah….back in the days when the term “presidential” denoted class, elegance and respect. Those were the days.
I guess that depends on if you support the current president or not.
JDC- I came here to say the same. Hopefully, history will correct itself soon…. 🤞🏽
Yes, the new owner could be stuck cleaning the seat cushions from the previous “presidential” pants pooper.
that looks like something that was offer thru auto sunroof corporation. the old dealer i worked for back in the 80s and 90s did the to some of our cars. rather lame IMO to do that when these were not bad looking on their own. 15k is being optimistic. this like an 8k car maybe a tad bit more but not much.
These are fine drivers that last a long time however it is still a 1989 LeSabre with a bunch of dealer add-ons that add no value after the original sale.
I’d love to have this car for a reasonable price to drive daily. It would fit this tired old man and get decent gas mileage at the same time. BUT 15K is way outa line.
I live in Cleveland and from time to time there were special edition cars. All were done by the dealer or a shop they used. Haven’t seen any in years tho.
I’ve seen a lot of “FJB Edition” stickers on pickup trucks. Do those count?
Look at the beautiful open floorplan in that car. What a refreshing sight. No plastic ice cooler or dog house eating up space in the front compartment.
Appraised for $15000? Or $1500? Typical boomer and Gen Zer mentality”I know what I got…this is the only one that exists….mint condition…no low ballers”.
Appraised for $15000? Or $1500? Typical boomer and Gen Zer mentality”I know what I got…this is the only one that exists….mint condition…no low ballers”.
Appraised for $15000? Or $1500? Typical boomer and Gen Zer mentality”I know what I got…this is the only one that exists….mint condition…no low ballers”.
Heard you the first two times , , ,
Starting to think we’d get along well, Dave. :-)