This 1986 Buick Regal T-Type might look like a mild-mannered coupe, but don’t be fooled—under the hood is the same turbocharged V6 setup that made the Grand National famous. Listed here on eBay and located with a dealer, this example is more than just a survivor—it’s one of only 1,921 T-Types built for 1986 and boasts an impressive list of factory options and tasteful performance upgrades. The current asking price isn’t listed, but bidding is open and the car carries a clean title.
This particular Regal was ordered with some especially rare options that elevate it above your average T-Type. Most notable is the CF5 Astroroof, a power sunroof found on only about 10% of Regals that year. Even more impressive is the gray leather 45/45 split pillow-top interior—an expensive and seldom-seen upgrade. Combine that with a power driver seat, rear defogger, and factory trunk carpet kit, and this may be one of just a handful—or even one of one—equipped in this exact configuration. The seller claims to have all original documentation including the build sheet, dealer invoice, and special order sheets to support its provenance.
While the exterior shows some age-related blemishes and fading, it’s still wearing its original Code 15 Medium Grey Metallic paint. The body is rust-free and all panels appear to be intact. The factory Turbo wheels are present and wrapped in fresh BFGoodrich rubber. This T-Type may not be a show car, but for collectors who prize originality, it offers an honest, unrestored look that’s increasingly rare among ’80s performance cars.
Performance-wise, this Buick has been given several bolt-on upgrades intended to enhance reliability and power without straying far from its stock roots. The 3.8L turbocharged V6 was refreshed around 94k miles and now features a 340 LPH fuel pump, 60 lb injectors, Turbo Tweak chip, MAF translator, and custom cold air intake. Exhaust gases are handled by a 3-inch downpipe and an ATR stainless system. A new Precision stock-location intercooler (SLIC) helps keep charge temps down, and Bilstein shocks provide improved ride quality. Power is monitored via a VDO boost gauge and Scanmaster unit.
For fans of sleeper muscle and ‘80s turbo era engineering, this Regal T-Type is the kind of car that doesn’t shout but still delivers. With its rare options, documented history, and performance mods, it would make an excellent choice for someone seeking a unique alternative to the more common Grand National.
Oh my. What a beauty, luxurious, perfect color for this model. Love it. And the icing on the cake is the column-shift for maximum sleeper ↩️🏁
What’s going on with that side trim? Way too high up on the car. Makes me initially suspicious of the ‘original paint’ claim.
I suspect that the rub strips weren’t original to the car, but were added the first time that they returned home from running an errand somewhere and had to touch up the first “ding”, because black wouldn’t have been the correct color for a factory install.
I suspect that the rub strip on this car wasn’t original equipment, but added after returning home from running an errand and having to touch up the car’s first parking lot “ding”, as the optional factory molding was available to match this color.
My wife’s Uncle had one of these. Very cool car and a bit of a sleeper in traffic. 😀
The upper door pads and sail panels are wrong for the Limited interior, it must have came with the standard cloth interior and someone changed the seats out. It would also have had Limited badges on the rear quarters and the thick shag type carpet. I may be mistaken on this but if I remember correctly you couldn’t get a Limited T-Type in 86 it was an option in 87.
Correct, T-Type was a model in ’86. In ’87 you could get the T package and/or Turbo package on any Regal, which is what led to the Regal Limited 3.8 SFI Turbos running around out there.
Not sure if the seats would have been an option on a T-Type in 1986. My admitted limited understanding of Buick is no, you’d have had to get a Limited to get those seats.
Changed the seats 💺 front and rear ?
Always preferred these to the GN. The option and color scheme choices make them one fine ride with that GN engine full on sleeper style…
It’s $34,986 on their website. I don’t know what their EBay sell through rate is, but their prices are always high.
I have mentioned this before, but the T-Type Turbo was on my shopping list back in ’86. I did not want to pay the premium of a GN, but these were very hard to find. I ended up buying a GLH-T from a local dealership and the only regret is how much these T-Types are worth now, Maybe I should have tried harder to find one, but I enjoyed the heck out of that GLH-T.
I had one of these, mine I had the boost turned up to 23 psi, TE60 turbo, alcohol injection, chip, powerlogger, 60 lb injectors. And let me tell you it would move.
Ended at $23,100.
Reserve Not Met.