Turbocharging is a technology that has gone in and out of style several times over the past forty years, with Buick as one of its stalwarts during the 1980s. The focus on forced induction saw the company produce iconic classics like the Grand National and GNX, but the 1986 T-Type should not be underestimated. It offered performance that matched or bettered anything provided by the competition, and like its siblings, the T-Type has become a desirable 1980s classic. This example is a solid vehicle that needs love to return to its former glory. However, its unmolested nature makes it a prime candidate for restoration. The T-Type is listed here on eBay in Des Moines, Iowa. Bidding has raced beyond the reserve, sitting at $8,100.
The seller purchased this T-Type from its original owners in 2007, and apart from the occasional short trip, it has remained in dry storage ever since. Its Medium Red paint has seen better days courtesy of its original owners clocking up many miles on gravel roads. A significant collection of chips and scratches suggests a repaint will probably be on the new owner’s “to-do” list. However, the panels are straight, and the underside shots confirm it is rust-free. It is typical for bumper fillers to crumble due to age and UV exposure, and this T-Type is no exception. However, the seller supplies new fillers for the successful bidder to paint and install. The remaining plastic is in good order, as are the chrome and glass. The car rolls on its original alloy wheels that show no evidence of stains or curb strike.
American manufacturers struggled to come to terms with emission regulations during The Malaise Era, with traditional V8s strangled to the point where they were a shadow of their former selves. Buick thought laterally when its attention turned to performance models. It decided that what worked effectively in motorsport could be applied equally to road cars. The company’s 3.8-liter V6 produced a respectable 110hp, but it knew that careful engineering could push that figure considerably higher. By bolting on a turbocharger, intercooler, and other high-tech gizmos, 110hp suddenly became 235hp. That power feeds to the road via a four-speed automatic transmission, allowing the T-Type to storm the ¼-mile in an “official” 15.2 seconds on its way to its top speed of 136mph. The term “official” is loose because contemporary road tests consistently produced effortless 14-second passes. Since 2007, the seller has only clocked around 300 miles behind the wheel of this classic. Although they have performed significant mechanical work, more is required before it could be considered roadworthy. It appears to have a minor fluid leak, the brakes may need new pads and shoes, and the engine runs rougher at idle than it used to. The tires are over twenty years old and probably well beyond their best. However, there are no warning lights indicating major engine faults, so returning this classic to a roadworthy state may not be difficult or expensive.
Focusing on this T-Type’s interior, the news seems initially positive. There are no visible aftermarket additions, and the seller replaced the carpet and repaired the headliner to improve the appearance. The Maroon seat upholstery isn’t perfect, but it remains presentable. The plastic looks good for its age, with the dash and pad free from cracks or other problems. However, the car suffered a rodent infestation before they purchased the vehicle, and although they have worked to eliminate the problem, there are still traces of the distinctive odor. The successful bidder may need to consult a professional because long journeys subjected to the smell doesn’t sound like my idea of fun. The air conditioning doesn’t function, nor do the front speakers. Time spent with this classic will undoubtedly unearth other defects, but addressing them could prove a rewarding past-time. In addition to A/C, the buyer receives power seats, cruise control, the ultra-cool digital gauge cluster, an AM/FM radio/cassette player, and a leather-wrapped tilt wheel.
For years the 1986 Buick T-Type has existed in the shadow of the highly-sought Grand National. Now seems to be its time in the sun, with values climbing by nearly 40% in the last year alone. Its cause is undoubtedly helped by its relative rarity, with 2,384 T-Types rolling off the line compared to 5,512 Grand Nationals. Prices above $30,000 are typical, while spotless examples regularly sell for more than $40,000. This car needs work to achieve that standard, but it possesses the potential for that dream to become a reality. It has already received ten bids, but plenty of time remains if you wish to throw your hat into the ring. Are you tempted?
Though not a hardcore enthusiast of these, IMHO this one could be a dd should one take it on for that. The fact that the seller is honest enough to list the mechanical but most importantly the past pest poop problem (can you ever get rid of that smell, really?) speaks volumes for them, more so in advising the new owner of what they’re facing by taking on this project.
Aaaaand it has blown up into the upper 12’s already. It’s such a shame when these cars get to eBay and the “speculators” get involved. 😞
You gotta love the unusual color too.
Rosewood Metallic, pretty sinister sleeper!
Certainly not a project for someone not intimately familiar with these cars…I’ve owned my 87 T for over 30 years….the 86 – 87 Turbo Buicks can be a little temperamental, especially after decades of aging, even with good stewardship……I love these cars, they have tremendous mid-range torque.
I would take a solid punt on this example, has solid bones and a good starting point.
Best to the new owner!
👍🤓
Just weighing in to say the color is great, among a sea of black Buicks. We had a GNX where I was a car jockey in 1987 – Jeez that car was fast.
I lived on a few gravel roads in my life. Vehicles do not stand a chance on them. Even if you baby them. Dust can go anywhere air can go. There’s dirt on this car that will never be found without a complete teardown.
Beats the white one from earlier today.
Fully agree, ACZ… 👍🤓
Rosewood is the color.
I ordered the same with grey interiors and added silver & charcoal pin striping.
Required the D60 Edit Override for non-factory recommended color combinations.
Did the same on Centurys and RWD LeSabre wagons.
Fanning Cadillac-Buick in Chicago.
I’ve been wrong before but wasntT-Type a appearance PKG,not necessarily a turbo,seem to remember seeing them with 3.8 no turbo.
You are correct. It was an appearance and ride and handling package. I’ve seen them with the Olds 307 in them. Not nearly as desirable but still very unusual
All T-Types came with the turbocharged V6 for 1986.
The Grand National was in fact a $635 option package for the T-type.
I took photos of some 1986 Regal information:
https://i.ibb.co/NLFMvV7/1986-T-type.jpg
No model year 1986 Regal T-Type came with the 307 Olds V8.
This is a page from the 1986 Regal brochure, it shows you that the 3.8 litre V6 Turbo was standard, the other engines were not available:
https://i.ibb.co/bKJtvtf/5.jpg
Anyone who ordered a T-Type package automatically received a Regal equipped with a Turbocharged 3.8 liter V6. Along with the Turbocharged engine, the T-Type designation came complete with a special performance suspension package, special wheels, and T-Type emblems strategically placed throughout, among other things.
That’s what I thought.
Read what “Tom”, above you, wrote. He’s correct.
The model year 1986 Regal T-Type was a separate series, not an option package:
https://i.ibb.co/NLFMvV7/1986-T-type.jpg
Last Buick turbo v6 I worked on was in a 78 Le Sabre in the mid 80’s.Customer at our shop had one. Had a q-jet on it and it was silver in color with I think some additional trim items.Ran okay.No power though.
I hear ya, really helped define the statement “there’s no replacement for displacement”….. 😂
For what was available at the time, a turbo LeSabre was a well balanced car . Good power, great handling and comfortable. Ask a man that owned one. That’s me.
And was one of the finest, well balanced and handsome Gran touring Coupes the General ever produced ACz
Beautiful lines on those cars 🙌
Lesabre Coupe. 🏁
I almost bought a turbo LeSabre in the early 80’s. It had high miles and no maintenance paperwork. I passed. And you’re right. Not much power.
Shows this car at or near its’ best. More interesting color inside and out than the GN and the restrained trim shows the crisp lines off better than the once-common landau-roofed base model.
The lingering mouse smell is going to require chemical bombardment, but I think the T-Types are very undervalued and this one’s color makes it even more desirable IMHO
“Turbocharging is a technology that has gone in and out of style several times over the past forty years, with Buick as one of its stalwarts during the 1980s”
1980’s?
Check out this 1978 Buick advertisement:
THERE ARE FOUR TURBOCHARGED PRODUCTION CARS IN THE ENTIRE WORLD
TWO OF THEM ARE BUICKS
(the other two cars are the Porsche Turbo Carerra and the Turbo Saab)
https://i.ibb.co/GPnL45g/Turbo-Buicks.webp
Corvair Spyder and Corsa beat them by 20 years….
Spyders suffered from swing axles, but the Corsas were fitted with the Corvette type rear suspension and are great cars. Have one.
“Beat them by 20 years”, that’s would be in 1958.
But what year did the Chevrolet Corvair with the turbo really came out?
Wasn’t that 1962, the same year for the Buick built 215 CI (the later Rover 3500 from British Leyland) turbo V8 engine?
I quote:
“In 1961, Buick unveiled an entirely new small V8 engine with aluminum cylinder heads and cylinder block. Lightweight and powerful, the aluminum V8 also spawned a turbocharged version, (only in the 1962–63 Oldsmobile Jetfire)”
It says “Medium Red paint” in the text, but that was not a model year 1986 Buick colour. This car is painted “Rosewood”, a colour that was available that year for the Regal T-Type: https://i.ibb.co/5xzr42G/1986-buick-colours.jpg
I would be worried about the wiring the rodents love a good harness and vacuum lines too. you would have to remove the interior and the carpet. new carpet would help with the smell, thoroughly clean under the seats and possibly re foam and cover.
SOLD for $19,166.