Limited Production: 1990 Buick Reatta Convertible
The Reatta was a “halo” car for Buick in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Built at the same time as the Cadillac Allante, it was a 2-seat grand touring machine with a transverse V6 engine borrowed from the existing Buick parts bin. It was quite luxurious and well-appointed and saw 21,750 copies built from 1988 to 1991. A coupe came first, followed later by a convertible like the seller’s car. It’s one of just 2,132 assembled in the 1990 model year.
Reatta production was based on a shorter version of GM’s E-platform that was used with the then-current Riviera. It was the company’s first two-seat automobile and was built on a specialized assembly line in Lansing, Michigan. Painting of the cars was outsourced to PPG Industries rather than Buick people. Under the hood was Buick’s 3.8-liter V6 that produced 165 to 170 depending on the year. The cars had ABS brakes, a new feature, and an independent suspension for better handling.
Sales were disappointing as Buick had hoped to sell 20,000 units a year; instead, that was about the number managed across four years. This drop-top has 80,000 miles on the odometer and is said to be in good condition and runs well. But other details provided by the seller are sparse, including photos. If you’re looking for an interesting and rare car, this one can be found in Johnstown, New York, and is available here on craigslist for $6,100. Thanks, again, Mitchell G., for the tip!
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Comments
Limited production brought on by limited number of buyers dumb enough to buy one.
Bumbs would’nt buy one either. Bahaha!
A real cool car, especially in winter. I suppose a/c was manditory.
I’ve always liked the styling of the Reatta. I don’t think anyone is dumb for buying any car if they like it. I’ve owned a string of these GM FWD cars and found the 3.8 auto to be extremely reliable and maintenance is easy. GLWTS
This seems like a good price. Most that I’ve seen for sale are substantially more. I think GM made a mistake by not making these available with a manual.
You would think so. But years later Buick offered six speed manuals with turbocharged versions of the Verano and Regal. I would love to know what the take rate was for those. I haven’t seen any on the used market and I see turbo Regals from time to time. I own a Verano as my daily driver and keep thinking how much more fun it would be with a stick.
I owned a 89′ Reatta and i must say PPG did good paint work.
Were the bodies made of plastic like the Fiero and Saturn?
These are an inexpensive way into the hobby, a car you can take on the interstates, you can get parts for, and will be fun with the top down. A much better car, all around, than “popular” cars like Mustangs of the time.
Story goes that Buick wanted a 2-seat convertible/roadster. They came up with the Allante. When presented to management it was given to Cadillac. With what was left of their budget they modified the new Riviera and came back with the Reatta. Was kind of a big deal internally. The CRT was the advent of screens in cars. Being derived from the E-chassis meant that it was roomy and rode good. My ’92 Riviera was no rocket but had decent performance and 20+ mpg. This one is a good looking color and less common than the red, white or Maui blue.
You’re right. That’s just a story. No truth in it.
only thing good on these cars were the drivetrain. everything else was junk
KEN: I totally disagree. These were hand built and put together very well. I’m sure you never owned one.
I brought my daughter a 2013 Verano with 80000 miles & I’m shocked by the features. Good job Buick. The Reatta lasted longer than the Caddy due to that 3800.