“… ranks as the most exciting new LeSabre ever”
1987 was the first year for the T Type version of Buick’s sixth-generation LeSabre. Looking toward a looming future where the rear-wheel-drive Regal would no longer exist, Buick did its best to inject some sportiness into these big (110.8-inch wheelbase) front-wheel-drive coupes.
Power wasn’t great—the only engine available on any LeSabre was the LG3 150 bhp 3.8 liter/231 ci V-6 with sequential fuel injection mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Car and Driver recorded a 0-60 time of 9.8 seconds in a coupe with a 3,369-pound curb weight—sprightly but not speedy in 1987. Fuel economy was 18 city/27 highway by the day’s standards (16/25 by 2025 standards). With an 18-gallon gas tank, LeSabre owners could expect a range of about 330 to 365 miles with a 10% fuel reserve.
Exterior features specific to the $15,591 T Type (about $45,800 in 2025 dollars or about what a 2026 Buick Enclave large crossover SUV goes for) included blackout trim treatment, a front air dam, and a rear deck spoiler. Mechanical equipment included a Gran Touring suspension, a 2.97 performance axle ratio, and 215/65R15 Goodyear Eagle GT blackwall tires (a size still readily available) on 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Inside, a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, gray/black 45/45 cloth seats, a gage package with red backlighting, and an ETR AM-FM stereo radio with graphic equalizer, cassette tape, and more red backlighting were included.
Standard exterior and mechanical equipment on all LeSabre coupes included composite tungsten-halogen headlamps, power rack and pinion steering, clearcoat paint, dual horns, Soft-Ray tinted glass, and a fixed-mast radio antenna. Inside, air conditioning, adjustable front-seat headrests, and cut-pile carpeting were standard.
Options, Period Reviews, & Production Numbers
Exterior and mechanical options included an anti-lock brake system ($925), flip-open Vista-Vent removable glass sunroof ($350), electric side mirrors ($91), intermittent windshield wipers ($55), and power antenna ($95). Inside, automatic climate control ($165), power door locks ($145), power windows ($210), tilt steering column ($125), and electronic cruise control ($175) were available.
The automotive press and the auto market itself weren’t quite sure what to make of the LeSabre T Type—Consumer Guide said: “it had nothing exceptional to rave about.” Sales were not good in a year when the LeSabre overall sold quite well; only 4,123 out of the 16,899 coupes sold.
The View From 2025
A few folks do collect these cars, but I haven’t seen a LeSabre coupe of any type for many years. This generation of LeSabres does maintain some presence in the Hemming’s Motor News classifieds, on eBay Motors, and on Bring a Trailer.
Make mine Dark Blue Metallic, please.
Other sporty Buick coupes I have written about include the 1980 Rivera S TYPE, the 1983 Skylark T TYPE, the 1984 Regal Grand National, the 1984 Riviera T TYPE, the 1987 GNX, and the 1988 Reatta.
Last updated September 2025.
Eighties Cars 
I have an 88 T Type, going to hit the Hot Rod Power Tour with it this summer. Yes, it will surely be the only one. The hardest part is that with the slow death of the car forums, parts are unfindable. Glad I restored mine 12 years ago.
Thanks for the comment, Brian. I think it’s awesome that you are taking your T Type on the Power Tour, but I agree with you that you’ll have no trouble telling yours apart from the other cars.