Comments on: CarDomain Obscure Muscle Car Parking Lot – the 1986 Buick LeSabre Grand National

By: TheSnakeOiler

TheSnakeOiler — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 05:05:33 +0000

Ok, just to add my 2 cents. I had a 1988 LeSabre Aero Cpe. with a turbo 6 in it. I did nothing to the motor, just bolted on a turbo unit from a wrecked GN. On the other hand I did have all of the trans guts hardened where I worked; yes the 440 T-4 trans is a little weak. Everything else was stock and let me tell you that SOB was fast and handled; out handled my buddies ’94 TA. By the way after 91 the cars were limited to a top speed of 115mph. With the front, side and rear ground effects, it really kept the car stable and planted at speeds over 130mph. Buick was always forced out of the perf end in the eyes of GM. The GS. Rivera GS and finally the GN ( Regal and LeSabre) were far superior in comfort and quality over the Monte and GP. Even the Last perf supercharged Riv was forced to either go 4dr or get dropped. It out sold the GP, Monte, and Aurora combined and was better looking and more aerodynamic. The 86-88 LeSabre’s, and the last gen of the Rivera s (supercharged) are perf cars; albeit in the Buick fashion of adding luxury to the mix without hampering the perf. By the way the Z34 Lumina is the cheap; in more ways than one; the leftovers of the LeSabre Aero Cpe. design.

By: NickClouse

NickClouse — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 06:23:09 +0000

I saw a 1986 North Wilkesboro Nascar race on ESPN Classics the other night and Bobby Allison and Joe Ruttman were driving these Buicks that I just couldn’t figure out.I knew about the aero packages on the Chevy’s and Pontiac’s,but I didn’t remember aero Buicks or Oldsmobiles.Decked out in race trim,it was hard to recognize because I kept thinking ‘Regal’.It had a side glass sorta like a Regal,but the back glass was slanted and the grill was like a….LeSabre!But I knew FWD bodies didn’t come around until 1988 with the Lumina and it’s brothers.(Looks like I was wrong.)I wonder if these cars were run all season,even at the big tracks?Earnhardt won the race in the blue and yellow Wrangler car.It was a good race.

By: road_monster

road_monster — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:50:43 +0000

An interesting bit of Buick history.
Not muscle, but interesting.
I like it!

By: The_Cordia_Kid

The_Cordia_Kid — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 01:34:43 +0000

It’s stupid to argue about whether this was a muscle car. Like the Pontiac Grand Prix 2+2 and Monte Carlo SS Aerocoups, the Le Sabre GN is a NASCAR homologation special, and as such, it is highly collectible and of historical interest to car enthusiasts.

And it’s surely just as quick as a Grand Prix 2+2.

I have a few questions, though:

First of all, how, exactly, did the modified rear quarter window help aerodynamics? It seems all they did was trade one flat surface for another.

The other question is regarding performance equipment. We know the GN got a non-turbo engine, but what about the suspension, gear ratio, and tires? Were there any upgrades there, or was this purely a cosmetic package?

By: wsbob

wsbob — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:25:32 +0000

While I like this car and can appreciate wat it meant for Buick’s NASCAR efforts, idk if it really deserves a spot in this lot. I’ll say yes because of its name and its looks

By: buickboy92

buickboy92 — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:46:22 +0000

I’d say it’s a Muscle car!

By: meangreenlx50

meangreenlx50 — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 22:02:39 +0000

Just like I said with the FWD Monte and Impala, RWD nope, v-8 nope. Not a muscle car. Now a Regal GN or GNX rwd and Turbo V 6 yes modern muscle!

By: moparornocarman

moparornocarman — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:05:37 +0000

Awesome car! But… no V 8?

By: NobiZero

NobiZero — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:53:08 +0000

Powering the wrong wheels, and it’s V6 can’t hold a candle to the Regal Grand national. I vote no.

By: PureBusiness

PureBusiness — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:05:14 +0000

Tough call as to it being a Muscle Car.. but i like the car!