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Buick LeSabre (6th Gen) 1986-1991
The 1986 LeSabre was introduced on the new front wheel drive H platform, after departing from rear wheel drive on the GM B platform. Joining the LeSabre on the H-body included the Oldsmobile Delta 88 and the 1987 Pontiac Bonneville, which returned to full-size after a short-lived run as a mid-size on the G platform. One of the most striking features of the LeSabre version of the H-body was the hood was hinged towards the front instead of towards the back near the cowl and windshield in the same fashion as that of the Chevrolet Corvette of that era.
Most Buick LeSabre models from 1986 until 2005 were powered by Buick's 3.8 liter (231 cubic-inch) V6 engine. It started out with 150 horsepower (110 kW). It added balance shafts and became the famous "3800" V6 for 1988, with 165 horsepower (123 kW). This engine increased to 170 hp (130 kW) in 1991 with the addition of Tuned Port Injection. The Series II boasted 205 horsepower (153 kW) in later years. The 1986 model, however, featured the 3.0 liter (181 cubic-inch) V6 as standard.
Each year yielded slightly different design changes. 1986 is notable for its sealed-beam headlights, 1987 for the addition of more modern headlights with exchangeable bulbs as well as door-mounted seat-belts, 1988 for the change over to the 3800 Vin C motor, 1989 for slight changes in the layout of the engine bay accessories (notably the position of the battery, washer fluid tank, and coolant overflow tank), and 1990 for a change in the design of the front bumper/grille assembly and different tail light design.
In 1986, there was a LeSabre Grand National model built to qualify the coupe body-style for NASCAR competition. The LeSabre Grand National (LGN for short) is among the rarest of all Buicks ever made, with production numbers varying between 112 and 117 units. It was only available in black with gray interior.
Production of the LGN as the LeSabre's "sport" version was ended by the inception of the LeSabre T-Type, which was offered from 1987-89. The LeSabre T Type (BLT for short) had many unique options that were styled after the Regal Grand National and Regal T Type. Some of those options included blacked-out trim, gray-on-black seats (1987 only), gray-on-black door panels, gray dash and trim, and BLT specific front and rear spoilers.
In 1990, the T-Type trim package was dropped due to slow sales and Buick's repositioning within the GM hierarchy as a maker of "Premium American Motorcars" rather than sporty/performance models.
Beginning in 1989 and continuing for several years, the Buick LeSabre received accolades from J.D. Power and Associates as one of the highest rated automobiles as far as customer satisfaction was concerned based on factors such as quality and reliability.
[SIZE="1"]Source: wikipedia.org[/SIZE]
