GN Style Turbo! 1987 Buick Regal T-Type
I was watching one of those big classic car auctions on TV and the commenter was extolling the virtues of the Buick Regal Turbo T-Type as in it’s got all of the Grand National goodness without the Grand National $$$. As long as you don’t want to look like Darth Vader on wheels, it was intimated that this was a Buick to consider. Well, for your review, here’s a 1987 Turbo T-Type that’s a real looker. You can see the Grand National bones, but it has a kinder, gentler bearing about itself. Interested bidders will find this Buick coupe domiciled in League City, Texas where it’s available, here on eBay for a current bid of $31,000 with the reserve not yet met.
The seller tells us that there were 20K Grand National Regals assembled in its final year of 1987 but he estimates that his Turbo T-Type is one of approximately 200 (1%) built that were finished and equipped as this Regal is. What that 1% number is based on is not identified so it may or may not be exactly accurate. But let’s not quibble over numbers as it doesn’t matter – this Regal stands on its own merits. It was restored in 2022 and refinished in its born-with Code 58 Light Brown Metallic finish. I can’t say that I recall seeing a T-Type finished quite like this but there are no complaints on my front. I think I actually prefer this less monochromatic look over the GN’s blacked-out menacing intimidation. And it possesses GN power so it seems to be a reasonable substitute.
Speaking of power, this Regal came with a 245 net HP, turbo-charged 3.8 liter, V6 engine working its magic via a four-speed automatic transmission. The seller tells us, “The engine was built with room to grow by Turbo 6 performance in Ohio. The car is currently tuned to run on E-85 but can be tuned to run on 93. Every accessory (a/c, water pump, pwr. steering, alternator, tensioner, injectors, relays) replaced at this time. The Transmission has an Extreme Automatics valve body, built by Jimmy’s Transmissions in Illinois…MAF kit, engine oil kit, and pulley kit by RJC. Precision b.b. turbo, RJC Mega Cooler intake and downpipe, Pypes 2.5 exhaust“. The seller suggests that as far as power goes, “it represents well”.
The interior received a complete makeover when the exterior was refinished. GM gets tagged for using cheesy interior material in cars that they built in this era but this Regal’s innards are as good as it gets. Subjectively speaking, I’m not much on the tan and black upholstery scheme but it looks well executed. Additional gauges have been incorporated into the driver’s side A-pillar molding but the rest of the exceedingly clean interior environment presents as original. The only missed connection here is the one created between this car’s significant power output and its 85 MPH federal speedometer…
Like it? Man, you bet! This is a Buick that I actually would rather have, how about you?
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Comments
I’m in love!
Same here! I’ve always liked these and I’m a sucker for a nice shade of gold paint. Absolutely stunning car.
Gold is best.
Don’t think I’d pick this color if I were painting but as the author says it’s so different that if I wanted one of these cars I’d have to have it.
The “T-Type” model ended in 86. In 87, most refer to a turbocharged Regal as a “Turbo T” but I think that there is more correct terminology as to how Buick referred to them. I am fairly certain that the “T” package did not necessarily get you the turbo engine, but I can’t recall what the option was labeled. Maybe some can enlighten us…
There was a 305 “T” offered. The T is for “touring”. LC2 is the engine code for the V6.
I was always a fan of the “T” Types. My mom had a 86 Century “T” Type in black with a gray interior which was a fun little car. I really like this one and the unusual color combo. The GNX wheels look great on this as the factory turbine wheels in my opinion were a letdown. I could be wrong but the performance difference with the T-Type vs the GN was the intercooler. I didn’t think the T-Type had an intercooler so the performance was down on these but I do see that this one has an intercooler badge so again, I may be mistaken? Any way you slice it, I’m a fan and would love to add this to my collection. GLWS!
Actually Buick did not designate all the turbocharged Regals as Turbo T,s .
Although most had the T emblem on the fenders. The name Turbo T was only used by Buick to describe the limited production Regal with the WE4 option code.
Dano
Incorrect. All of the turbo V6 Buicks had intercoolers starting in 1986. These engines were EXACTLY the same as the GN, and these cars actually weighed about 300lb less without the GN’s trim. They were truly bad A sleepers. And yes, very rare…Ironically, you can get one for about 30k (if you can find one)
Not to Jason. Like the different exterior color; wish the seats were all tan or light brown instead of 2-tone.
All in all, looks like the buyer is getting virtually a new car for $31,000. Not a bad deal in my opinion.
The T-type Limiteds are the rarest models.
You would be wrong…100%. A Turbo T-Type was the exact same car as a GN, just different trim.
The Limited trim is the difference. Loose pillow backed seats. I heard about 1,100 or so were made.
I like the color but not the two tone seats on this one.
But on a black gn i like the two tone seats
OOPS I forgot to say , I think this is one of very few Turbo Regals in this color and I think it is Beautiful, as I have owned a few this one ROCKS !
Dano
What a refreshing change from the all alike black GN. Variety is the spice of life. About this time you could order your MC SS in a similar color with tan interior. Only have seen one and it was gorgeous.
id love to see an MCSS with such color; and a turbo ! :)
the T type, semantics of title aside, ive always thought a nicer, more refined package over its GN brother, and this one has spicey flavour indeed.
The “T Package” was the handling bits (suspension, wheels, tires); it was only available with either the 5.0 Olds V8 or the turbo V6. The “Turbo Package” was the turbo V6 and special driveline; the T Package was a “mandatory option” if you wanted the Turbo Package.
With all the mods listed in the ad, including a dual ball-bearing turbo, you can rest assured that this bad boy makes considerably more than the original 245 horsepower. A lot more, as a matter of fact. I bet this Turbo T will make you grin like you’re on nitrous every time you smash the gas pedal!
I’m really NOT a fan of brown paint on a car, but this one I would happily make an exception for. There’s just something about this Regal that pushes my buttons, wish I was in the market, because I would love to have it and exorcise the freshly built engine and transmission as often as the weather permits.
The 86 Ttype had an intercooler. The 87 was called a buick Regal T. All the 86 and 87 Turbo Regals were intercooler. The Grand National was heavier because of Steel wheels.The Ttype and Regal T had aluminum wheels and were lighter. The car pictured has as someone said has Gnx
Wheels. I ordered a Ttype from Smyly Buick in March of 86 for around 15k
I also bought an 87 Regal limited with The T package. Leather bucket seats, factory moonroof every concievable option plus the GNX wheels and a speedy that looked like the original but went to 140 instead of the silly 85mph one. The stock 86 was faster than a Ferrari Testarossa and Lamborghini Countach from 0 to 60 in 86.
Another reason Turbo T-types are lighter because both bumper bars are aluminum.
200-250 lbs light than grand too
This is to the GN what a Firebird Formula is to a Trans Am. Count me in as a big fan of these sleepers. And I don’t mind the color at all; it just adds to this car’s sleeper status. Welcome change of pace from all those Grand Nationals out there.
It’s nice, sure. But the price is ridiculous. I know I know it’s whatever someone is willing to pay for it. But this is a perfect example of someone who lives in a 5 year old mcmansion who doesn’t like their kitchen, so they remodel it for a hundred grand and expect to get back every dime and then some. It doesn’t work like that.
Yep, very similar to a car I really wanted to buy – an ’86 T-Type Turbo in gold. I liked that it wasn’t black and had chrome bumpers. Sort of a sleeper look.
I could not find one and the money was burning a hole in my pocket, so instead bought an ’86 GLH-T that showed up at a local dealer’s lot.
Sold $38,550 today
To me. Not cheap but I’m planning on holding for 10 years or so. Not a fan of the seats either but I love the gold and t tops