1985 Buick LeSabre Limited Collector's Edition Hardtop
Big changes were happening to Buicks in 1986. A completely new platform featuring a transverse fuel-injected V6 and front wheel drive would transform the mid-level luxury LeSabre into a more streamlined, and flat-floored commuter and less of an upright luxury car. So in 1985, to send off the LeSabre with some pomp, Buick deemed them Collector's Editions which included some cosmetic ornamentation and dedicated documentation.
For consignment is the last of a breed...a 1985 Buick LeSabre Limited Collector's Edition Hardtop. A hood ornament, dash plaque and leather-bound commemorative kit denotes its place in Buick history. With just 84,008 non verifiable miles, this example is a well-kept capsule in time and wow...it is a great representative. Whenever we feature these late 70's " mid-80's land yachts on our social media, they get a huge response because they were so ubiquitous and as it turns out, in the cookie cutter automotive world of today, pretty special.
Exterior
Much of the look of the car carries over from the 1977 model when this profile was first adopted. The taillights are single-color bars with design cues from early-80's Regals, only bigger to fit the body. The body is stretched a bit and corners are sharper than the '77, but the successful platform remained very true to Buick's familiar look which varied from its GM brethren. Magnum 500 wheels flank this car and were among a number of choices in '85 that included a turbine wheel and wire wheel hubcaps. Chrome headlight bezels match the chrome bumpers and side mirrors, while the door handles are color matched in this case being Frost Beige. That big chrome grille is topped with a "Limited Edition" hood ornament behind which is a long hood. The roof is hardtop with vinyl landau in tan on the back quarter. Overall the paint is in very good condition with only some chips noted in the left rear quarter panel and some peeling on the door edge and frame.
Interior
This might be what conjures up the most memories because frankly, pillow-topped velour interiors are a thing of the past, having given way to modern materials and the preference for leather. Too bad because the comparison to sitting in a Lazy Boy chair is justified. Front buckets here are only lacking an extendable footrest to make them living room fodder...they are soft and very comfortable. Who needs lumbar support when you're lazily cruising down the street in a soft cruiser intended for comfort? The back seat? Well, one can remember long rides back from grandma's house, sleeping on that big, cushy bench. Anyway, on to the enormous doors which house power window switches, power locks, and the old cable-driven side mirror joystick. Faux wood, velour and carpet material is masterfully used, and the armrest adds to your relaxation. Past the tan steering wheel is a tilt adjustment followed by a basic dash; speedometer, gear indicator, (column shift), and gas gauge. Good enough! The middle has the standard Delco AM/FM radio, the joystick for the passenger side mirror, climate controls, and a continuation of the faux burl wood. The carpet and headliner look good and the visors are showing some sag. (If you're also 39 years old right now and laughing...don't worry...the sag is coming...)
Drivetrain
The original engine is in place; an Oldsmobile 307ci V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor, delivering power through a four-speed automatic transmission, (200R4). All standard fare for the time and put in a lot of GM products. Last of the rear-wheel drives, the axle is a 10-bolt with 2.73 gears. Power brakes reign in this car and are disc up front, drums in rear.
Undercarriage
The suspension components, driveshaft, rear bumper, and rear axle have what we might call "deep surface rust" " that is, noticeable pitting or texture accompanies the rust. Not invasive per se, but a step beyond mere a sandpaper solution. The single exhaust and muffler appear to be in good shape. Independent front suspension is coupled with 4-link and coils in the rear.
Drivability
We were on cloud nine on this ride...and cloud ten, eleven and twelve. As much as I wanted to climb into the back seat and curl into the fetal position with my favorite stuffed monkey, alas, I had a job to do. The little V8 ran smoothly and could barely be heard in the cavernous cloud of the interior. Power was adequate for a cruiser, but don't challenge any Grand Nationals at a traffic light...you won't have a chance. Some yaw on the turns, to be expected for a large luxury car of the era. Brakes worked as they should. All controls are functional...three cheers for GM's swansong!
I think it was best said in some forum discussions from 2009 on Forums.aaca.org: "That generation of rear-wheel-drive LeSabres were incredibly nice. GM also had other "Collector Edition" vehicles in that era, including some Corvettes and later-model Roadmasters, (of a particular model year). These "Collector Edition" LeSabres have a little added status of sorts as "the last year" of rear-wheel-drive LeSabre." Come check out this fine example at Classic Auto Mall.
1G4BP37Y6FH839609
1-USA
G-General Motors
4-Buick
BP-LeSabre Limited
37-2 Door Hardtop
Y-307ci 140hp 4bbl V8
6-Check Digit
F-1985
H-Flint, MI Assy Plant
839609-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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