1986 Buick Regal T Type Turbo

1986 Buick Regal T-Type Turbo             As one of the only turbocharged cars available in 1979, the Buick Regal Turbo Sports coupe was a limited production upgrade of the basic commuter Regal of the time. Just over 2,000 Turbo Sports Coupes were produced generating just 170 horsepower from the anemic V6. From there, the turbo would take a break from the Regal until 1984 when the Grand National was introduced and the drivetrain was also used in the more pedestrian appearing T-Type. Things really heated up in 1986 when an intercooler was introduced making the dressed down T-Types the ultimate sleepers.  For consignment, a 1986 Buick Regal T-Type showing 5,792 miles, but the true miles are unknown due to exemption and our consignor believes these to be actual. This is a two owner car, garage kept, and never driven in the rain. Exterior If you wanted the speed and power of the Grand National in '86 but wanted to fly a bit stealthier, you ordered a T-Type which was available in various trim levels and colors. This one happens to be Black and instead of the chrome sport wheels of the GN, it featured turbine or hurricane wheels from the factory, sporty but not showy and these are wrapped in 215/65R15's with an early 2025 date code and white letters out, just like in '86! There is chrome on the car, reserved for the bumpers, just like your grandfather's base Regal, and the top of the grille, a feature that differentiates '86's from '87's. On the decklid, the coveted 3.8 liter SFI Turbo emblem and on this car, Buick is expressed in large letters. What the decklid doesn't have is the subtle spoiler of the GN, adding to its stealthy profile. Paint and trim are great on the car with imperfections noted as some discoloration of the headlight bezels, oxidation on the wheels, rough and thin paint behind a front wheel, and touched up edge chipping.  Interior Gray is the color of choice for the typical G-body interior, beginning on the door panels with stitched velour inserts over the integrated plastic armrest topping the carpeted lower panel and both doors present in clean condition. So do the gray velour bucket seats with deeper gray piping and electric controls for the driver. There's some compression of the driver's seat and some waviness to the piping of the passenger seat and the rear bench appears barely used. Up front, the standard Turbo Regal steering wheel fronts the factory 85 mph speedometer and the tachometer and boost gauge, both indicated with a progressive light bar. The center square houses the A/C controls and Delco AM/FM/Cassette radio, and the monochromatic gray center console houses the T-shifter, all in very nice condition. Gray carpet covers the floor and the fleece like headliner presents nicely with some typical looseness seen in the visors. The trunk features a fitted black cloth mat and a space saver spare in the dedicated cove, all clean.  Drivetrain Ah yes, here is the magic of it all. The 3.8 liter 231ci V6, turbocharged and intercooled and rated, with a wink by GM, at 235 horsepower. SFI on the car stands for sequential fuel injection and the powerplant is backed by the numbers matching 200R4 4-speed automatic transmission that routes the power to the 10 bolt rear with 3.42 gears and Positraction. Yes enthusiasts, G80 is on board! The engine presents in driver quality and stock condition, an increasingly rare configuration!  Undercarriage Minimal surface rust appears on this clean underside. We do note some residual oil on the starter and cross pipe. Meanwhile, the dual exhaust system includes some stainless parts including the splitter off the cat, and enters a pair of MagnaFlow mufflers before exiting with polished tips. Power brakes are on board as front disc and rear drum and suspension includes coil springs at both ends with a 4 link in back.  Drive-Ability Oh sure, it may look like a mild mannered Regal, but the Turbo V6 is legendary for delivering smiles, and it does