1987 Buick Regal
The 1987 Buick Regal represented the culmination of the sixth generation of Buick's popular mid-size personal luxury coupe. Known for its blend of comfortable cruising, stylish design, and optional potent performance, the Regal was a strong contender in the late 80s automotive landscape. This year saw further refinement of the platform that had been in production since 1981, offering a more modern and efficient package than its predecessors.
Highlights
- Engine Options: The Regal offered a range of engine choices to suit different buyer preferences.
- 2.8L V6: This was the standard engine, providing adequate power for daily driving and decent fuel economy.
- 3.8L V6 (Naturally Aspirated): A step up in performance, this engine offered more torque and a more refined driving experience.
- 3.8L V6 Turbocharged (Grand National/T-Type/GNX - though GNX was a separate, limited production model): This legendary engine was the heart of the Regal's performance image. It delivered exhilarating acceleration and was a significant draw for enthusiasts.
- Safety Features: Buick incorporated several safety features for 1987, reflecting the evolving automotive safety standards.
- Front and Rear Crumple Zones: Designed to absorb and dissipate impact energy during a collision, protecting the passenger compartment.
- Collapsible Steering Column: Engineered to collapse in stages during a frontal impact, reducing the risk of chest injury to the driver.
- Three-Point Seatbelts: Standard for front occupants, offering superior restraint compared to lap belts alone.
- Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs): While not universally adopted yet, some models may have featured DRLs to increase visibility.
- Trim Levels: The Regal lineup for 1987 was structured to appeal to a broad spectrum of buyers, with distinct personalities:
- Regal Custom: The base model, offering a comfortable and well-equipped entry into the Regal experience. It focused on a smooth ride and classic Buick luxury.
- Regal T-Type: Positioned as the sportier offering, the T-Type typically featured upgraded suspension, distinct styling cues, and often came with the more powerful V6 engines, including the turbocharged option.
- Regal Limited: This trim emphasized luxury and refinement, often including more premium interior materials, additional comfort features, and a quieter ride.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Aerodynamic Styling: The 1987 Regal boasted a sleek and somewhat angular design that was aerodynamically efficient for its time, contributing to its refined road manners.
- Independent Rear Suspension: This provided a smoother ride and better handling characteristics compared to solid rear axles.
- Front-Wheel Drive: A significant departure from earlier rear-wheel-drive Regals, the front-wheel-drive platform offered improved interior packaging and traction.
- Enthusiast Appeal (Turbocharged Models): The turbocharged Regal, particularly the T-Type, cemented its place in automotive history with its impressive performance, making it a sought-after classic for performance enthusiasts.
What to Expect
Owning a 1987 Buick Regal typically means experiencing a comfortable and relatively quiet ride, characteristic of Buick's "personal luxury" ethos. These cars were designed for effortless highway cruising. Expect a cabin that, while perhaps showing its age, would have originally offered a good level of comfort with features like power windows, locks, and a decent sound system.
Maintenance: As a vehicle from the late 80s, routine maintenance will be crucial. Expect to regularly check and change fluids (oil, coolant, transmission fluid), inspect brake components, and ensure the suspension and steering systems are in good working order. Parts are generally available, though specialized components for the turbocharged models might be more challenging or expensive to source. Common wear items like belts, hoses, and exhaust components will likely need replacement over time.
Insurance: Insurance for a 1987 Buick Regal will vary significantly based on the specific trim level, your driving record, and your location. Base Regal Custom models will likely be more affordable to insure than a turbocharged T-Type or the rare GNX. Classic car insurance policies may be an option for well-maintained examples, potentially offering better coverage and rates than standard auto insurance.
Potential Considerations
While the 1987 Regal offers a pleasant ownership experience, there are potential drawbacks to be aware of:
- Age-Related Wear and Tear: As a 30+ year old vehicle, expect signs of wear in the interior, such as faded upholstery, cracked dashboards, and non-functioning electronics. Exterior paint and trim may also show their age with rust or clear coat peeling.
- Turbocharger Reliability (if applicable): While the 3.8L turbo V6 is a legendary engine, its longevity and reliability are heavily dependent on how well it was maintained. Neglected turbo models can suffer from oil leaks, turbocharger failure, and other issues that can be costly to repair.
- Interior Electronics: Like many vehicles of this era, some interior electronics, such as power windows, power locks, and the radio, may be prone to failure or require repair.
- Fuel Economy (Turbocharged Models): While the V6 engines offer decent economy, the turbocharged versions, when driven enthusiastically, will consume more fuel.
- Handling vs. Modern Standards: While the Regal offered a comfortable ride, its handling, even in the T-Type, may feel somewhat soft and less precise compared to modern performance vehicles.
Overall Summary
The 1987 Buick Regal stands as a testament to Buick's ability to blend comfort, style, and optional performance. Whether opting for the refined cruiser of the Custom or the potent street machine of the T-Type, the Regal offered a compelling package. For those seeking a classic American coupe with a touch of luxury and, in some trims, impressive acceleration, the 1987 Buick Regal remains a worthy consideration, particularly for enthusiasts who appreciate its enduring design and performance heritage.
