In the 1980s, Buick offered several performance variants of its mid-size Regal coupe. Specific to 1986, the Grand National overshadowed the T-Type by nearly 3 to 1 in production (5,512 copies vs. 1,921). These cars had turbocharged V6 engines that were good for 235 hp (which were healthy stats for the era). This ’86 T-Type looks as though it was destined to be a collectible since new in that it has less than 12,000 miles now and is in good running condition. From near Albany, New York, this classic may need nothing more than a new home, and it’s available here on craigslist for $42,000. Kudos to Mitchell G. for the tip!

Rear-wheel-drive cars were on their way out at General Motors in the 1980s. The Regal (and its corporate siblings) were designed in 1978 with a significant styling refresh in 1981 which would carry the cars to the end of the line in 1988. From 1983 to 1986, you could get a Regal with the T-Type option, which came with a turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 and an upgraded suspension package. Of course, there was enough extra bling in the presentation to set it apart from other Regals. Perhaps the color schemes and trim were the only ways to differentiate a T-Type from a Grand National (noted for its shiny black paint).

Until recently, this well-preserved T-Type was last registered in 1987, so the owner must have expected that the car would grow in value over time. The sticker is still on the windshield, another sign that the owner expected great things from the automobile in the future. We’re told it was “totally gone through” before coming out of hibernation, but we don’t know what that means. It completed an 800-mile road trip last year and performed like a champ.

According to the seller, you should be able to cruise along nicely at 75 mph with the A/C on and still get 26 mpg (an economy muscle car?). From what we can tell, the body, paint, and interior all look good, and the seller does not refer to any problems. If you have your heart set on one of these cars, restoring an unhealthy example could run you the same kind of money.