Over the last few years, we have seen an increased appreciation for the R129-chassis Mercedes-Benz convertible. The 500SL, 600SL, and other models in the lineup have always been attainable, but now clean, well-maintained examples are moving higher price-wise when it comes time to sell. This was the car that the Reatta was supposedly built to compete against, but these days, you can find a decent driver-quality version of Buick’s hand-built luxury coupe (or convertible) for short money; this one here on eBay is going for $5,800 or best offer.
The Reatta was a halo car of sorts for Buick, much like the Allante was for Cadillac and the Chrysler TC by Maserati for Mopar. It’s interesting that so many brands were fixated on producing a car that could go toe-to-toe with the incumbents in overseas luxury brands, yet all seemed to fail rather dramatically. The other unifying quality between these three models was the price tag: when introduced, the suggested MSRP seemed to scare buyers away, a tell-tale sign that what was being offered wasn’t sufficient to deter well-heeled buyers from proceeding with their purchase of a Mercedes-Benz convertible (and with optional hardtop.)
But Buick did try to set themselves apart with the Reatta, and in addition to the gorgeous styling, it was also big on technology. The touchscreen “Graphic Control Center” system was indeed a standout in its category, and Mercedes didn’t have anything like it. The unit in this Reatta appears to be fully functioning, with a crystal-clear readout. Despite their whiz-bang gadget appeal, many of these systems proved wonky and premature failures led to the tech being shelved in future models.
Under the hood was a proven powerplant, and one that delivered good power in a reliable package. The trouble is, I wonder if it was too reliable – in other words, was the powertrain not exotic enough for someone who thought they were buying their weekends-only grand tourer? Knowing the engine in the striking coupe/convertible was also found in nearly every GM workhorse across the lineup had to be a tad off-putting. With 165 horsepower and a 4-speed automatic, it was a competent combo – but far from exclusive. Regardless, you can’t go wrong with a Reatta as an affordable cruiser for cars and coffee meets this summer.
The reason the Reatta, the Allante and the TC failed is pretty simple. You can put a candle in a cow pie but that doesn’t make it a birthday cake. During the time when these cars were all offered, GM and Chrysler weren’t exactly known for high quality. People were buying Toyotas and Hondas because they knew they were built better. So why would you plop down big bucks for a vehicle of questionable quality AND zero status? Even if the Mercedes turns out to be a lemon, it’s a lemon with some prestige. People aren’t dumb. That’s why they never fell for the comparison of the Ford Granada to a Mercedes!
A car like this after 30+ years has a lot more appeal. $5800 for one seems reasonable. But they still don’t have the appeal of a 1988 Mercedes.
Apparently, you don’t know much about the Reatta. It was a hand built vehicle made at the Lansing Craft Center. The car was pretty bullet proof. Any problems in getting the CRT dash repaired were usually with the individual attempting the repair, not the car itself. After replacing all the parts you could, then the person attempting the repair would finally start following diagnostics and complete the repair or then maybe the Service Manager would find someone else that knew what they were doing. As far as the tech, the Oldsmobile Toronado went to a color CRT a couple of years after this one was came to market. These were the precursors to the mega flat screen dashes you see today.
Whatever. The reputations GM and Chrysler had in the 80s were terrible. I stand by my statement.
I’ve owned one for 10 years and never had a problem. I would drive it anywhere and not worry. The 3.8 is one of the best engines ever built.
This looks like a really nice example of Buick’s 2-seater. And that was the problem. There was only a limited market for higher-priced 2-seaters and still is. In a crowded field with a limited demand, these just didn’t sell. And this particular model has the full digital setup that is almost impossible to get replacement parts for. Otherwise, these cars ran and drove very well.
Lovely car. I remember when the Buick Reatta, the Cadillac Allante, and the Chrysler TC were offered. I was disappointed when they were discontinued when they were. What exactly is a “halo” car? I’ve heard the term, but I don’t know what it was or what it means.
It is a model meant to attract customer attention to the brand. It is not meant to be a profit center, but to move people into the dealership to look around.
I had a neighbour whose family member owned a Buick Reatta back in the day. I haven’t seen them in a long time, so I don’t know whether they still have the car.
Is this car a convertible with a removable roof?
Appears to be the coupe-looks like the B pillar is solid. FWIW, less than 2500 of these went topless..
No, it’s not a convertible. The Reatta was available as a traditional soft top convertible a couple of years later, but not in ’88, its first year of production.
The CRT screen in my 89′ Reatta worked just fine.
I have 3 of them, one I bought in late 80s with 90k miles and has 268k when it finally died. Lot of comfortable road trips, and very reliable, had to replace a cam position sensor, and maybe an alternator. Great snow car, daily driver in NE Indiana year round for 80 mile round trip to work.
Always liked the look of these. Smooth silhouette. 😌
That 3800 V6 is probably one of the best engines GM ever built…
It’s a Mitsibusi engine.
No, it’s not a Mitsubishi engine. The 3800 was all Buick. Even in 1988, well into GM’s “corporate engines” era, the division that produced the 3800 was the division that originally designed its predecessors — Buick.
In 1995 I bought a new Monte Carlo Z34 and I am certain that it had a 3.8L Mitsubishi engine. I loved that car.
I wanted to buy a Reatta just like this one for an old girlfriend I was madly in love with.This one is a little nicer.
I didn’t like these when they first came out but I do like them now. They digital touch screen was too far ahead of its time and I think they didn’t sell well due to General Motors selling them against the Cadillac Alante and the fact that they used the California Raisins animations in the ads to sell these.
No that was a crappy Car & Driver article, these did not use the California raisins in advertising.
I really liked these when they came out and thought they were great looking cars. The big turn off for me was the “whiz-bang gadgetry” of gauges. I’ve never liked readouts like this on anything which I guess explains why I’ve never owned a digital watch.
Same here. I’ve always found them attractive from the outside and the interior. Except for the digital clock and watch, I’ve never been a fan of digital readouts. My favourite was the Buick Reatta.
This is very nice and able to run a long time for the money. It would be a great beater. I’ve only driven the convertible and the cowl wasn’t strong.
There is one put away in a garage here that I have tried to buy with no luck so far.