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Turbo Project: 1987 Buick Regal T-Type

This 1987 Buick Regal Turbo T follows closely on the heels of a recent post for a survivor-grade example we featured. The Turbo T is effectively a Grand National without the attitude despite having just as much performance on-board, and some might say even more due to the use of aluminum components not shared with the GN. This example is extra light because it’s a roller with no engine or transmission, which the seller had planned to use for an LS swap. The project hasn’t gone past the disassembly phase and is offered up here on eBay with bidding to just over $2K and the reserve unmet.

The seller notes the Regal is a factory sunroof car and body color as silver, which hopefully means he was able to verify the factory paint code – I doubt turquoise was an option. The aftermarket wheels and non-factory paint would suggest this Regal has been modified in the past. The other detail that catches my eye is the black-out trim on the taillights and around the headlights: this was a rare option on the Turbo Ts that only a few got before it was discontinued and switched back to chrome. This car has the chrome bumpers, but there’s a chance those were replaced in a prior accident – or, conversely, the previous owner just painted the housings in their garage.

The aforementioned weight savings from aluminum components includes the wheels, which are thankfully included in the sale. The seller doesn’t provide much detail on this Regal’s past, just noting that it’s a 60,000 mile example that came out of Georgia. The Regal is in a disassembled state, with the interior removed and several unattached body panels, but the good news is that all of this component stripping has revealed a very solid car underneath. Sometimes, the factory sunroof and T-top models have a tendency to let water in due to aftermarket companies performing the conversion, but there’s no evidence of rotten floors here.

The seller’ s listing details a laundry list of spares and original parts that are included, like the aluminum bumper mounts – another staple of the Turbo T. The seller was clearly on his way to performing an LS swap, as he already installed the engine mounts to receive it. I’m personally glad he either got bored or saw that turbocharged Buicks bring good money, as limited production examples like these that aren’t rusty should absolutely be returned to OEM condition – perhaps with some subtle modifications like the one we just featured. Would you keep it OEM or move forward with the LS swap?

Comments

  1. Avatar SMDA

    OHC six with a 2bbl. Dare to be different.

    Like 2
  2. Avatar Dusty Stalz

    Those aftermarket wheels are as ugly now as they were when they came out. Hard to believe anyone thought they were an upgrade.

    Like 15
  3. Avatar KEVIN

    Got to the hard part and project stalled.

    Like 3
    • Avatar Bobby Longshot

      Yeah, the re-assembly part.

      Like 0
  4. Avatar BrianB

    I’d LS or LT1 it and just have fun

    Like 1
  5. Avatar Keith

    Molested way tooooo much, just asking for problems on this project. I’d use it for a parts car, that is if any parts are worth having? Eye of the beholder I guess?

    Like 2
  6. Avatar JoeMac

    Turbo Buick V6 and 2004R tranny right back in there. Only way it brings solid money in the future. Go LS a Monte Carlo…..

    Like 7
  7. Avatar Troy s

    A warmed up LS would be interesting, heck, keep it all Buick and shoehorn a 455 stage 1 in there, then we’ll see which Buick powerhouse is actually stronger. That debate used to come up back then between the ’70 GS 455 and ’87 GN…
    Back to reality, build it anyway you like..,,original or something better perhaps.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Jim Lamb Member

    If the guy wanted to do another LS swap why couldn’t he have picked on a standard Regal.

    Like 4
  9. Avatar PRA4SNW

    SOLD for $3,213.

    Like 0

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