As the gas crisis of the 1970s took hold, car makers struggled to maintain performance. Buick’s solution was to reformulate power in an efficient way by using turbochargers. With its reliable 3.8-liter V6 as a base, Buick added a Garrett turbocharger for a big boost in output. Buick models typically found at bowling alleys and grocery store parking lots – Regals, Rivieras, Centurys – were suddenly inhaling air like it was going out of style and scooting down the road with authority. Then, in the 1980s, Buick began offering the T-type handling package – including tuned suspension and steering coupled with aluminum wheels – up and down its lineup, starting with the 1981 Riviera. This 1986 Regal T-Type listed here on eBay pairs the “T” option with one of the best iterations of Buick’s turbocharged V6: intercooled and equipped with sequential fuel injection, it’s rated at 235 hp. The selling dealer is asking $44,900 for this example, which he misidentifies as a Turbo-T (production started in 1987). A difficult-to-decipher ad and substantial mileage discrepancies in the CarFax report pose challenges to consummating a transaction here, but let’s forge ahead anyway. Thanks for the tip, T.J.!
Buick’s V6 engine has a storied history. Developed in the early 1960s, the design was sold to Jeep in 1967 due to low demand in the era of big V8s. Once the gas crisis rolled around, Buick repurchased the rights to its old engine. Continuous improvements from then on led to horsepower increases even in its normally aspirated form. A four-speed automatic handles gear changes here.
In the cabin, changes from factory configuration include aftermarket boost pressure and knock sensor gauges mounted on the A-pillar, and a substantial stereo system (the rest of it is in the trunk). The upholstery, door panels, and carpets show wear commensurate with a high-mileage vehicle. Except for the back seats, of course, which are nearly pristine.
The T-Type weighed in about the same as a normal Regal, but the later Turbo-T, with its lightweight components, ran at least 100 lbs less. T-tops were a rare optional feature; some buyers ticked the “sunroof” option – another rarity. Today’s Regal T-Type is priced for perfection: this driver-quality example sold for less than $20k (the sale included desirable documentation), and in late 2024, a ruby-red ’86 in stellar condition brought $36k. While our featured car presents fairly well, I’d need a steep discount to put this one in my garage. What do you think?
Buick turbos have aged very well and I find them to be increasingly attractive.
I’m with you on the price here though. Very optimistic.
I had a 1987 Regal T with the turbo V6. It was a base Regal but it came with the LC2 turbo V6 and Y56 suspension package, yet it had chrome trim and not black. Only 4,268 were made in 1987. Sold it for $13.5K in 2013 and thought I did good; it later sold for $18K about 5 years ago. Don’t think I could get into another one for anything under $15K now that didn’t need a lot of work.