The 1987 Buick Regal Limited Turbo-T Was The Grand National’s Plusher And Faster Sibling

What you’re looking at here is a 1987 Buick Regal Turbo Limited, powered by a turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine, paired to a four-speed automatic gearbox.

The second-gen Regal was arguably the coolest iteration of the nameplate, and remained in production for a total of ten years, between 1978 and 1987. This particular Regal Turbo Limited, auctioned off through Bring a Trailer, has only done a little over 8,000 miles (12,800 km).

The Buick Regal Limited Turbo-T

But wait – what’s a Buick Regal Limited Turbo or what enthusiasts call, the Regal Limited Turbo-T, you ask? Well, besides nearly 20,200 Grand Nationals and 547 examples of the famous GNX (Grand National Experimental), Buick also offered 1,547 units per Hagerty or 1,035 per Motorweek, Turbo-T models that slotted between the two more well known iterations of the series. Essentially, it was an option for regular Regals that included the LC2  turbocharged V6.

For 1987, Buick allowed consumers to order the Regal Limited and add the T-Package, the LC2 turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine and even the W02 exterior sport package.

The Turbo Limited used the same 3.8-liter V6 turbo LC2 from the Gran National that was good for 245 HP (248 PS) and 335 lb-ft (481 Nm) of torque when new, but it ended up being slightly faster as it was lighter, thanks to the use of aluminum instead of heavier cast iron on bumpers, wheels and rear drum brakes. It was also offered in various colors and came with what GM perceived as luxury at the time, a full velour, button-infused interior (even though this example was opted with a leather cabin), among others.

Watch: The Grand National Is A Buick With Some Real Desirability

Visually, the burgundy exterior helps this particular Regal Limited Turbo stand out, together with the black pinstripes and landau roof cover. It also comes with a hood bulge, chrome rocker moldings and bumpers, a glass sunroof installed by the original selling dealer and black 16-inch GNX wheels with BFGoodrich g-Force Sport Comp 2 tires.

As for the previously-mentioned Y56 T package, it adds quick-ratio power steering and ‘Grand Touring’ suspension.

The ’87 Regal Limited Turbo featured in this Motorweek review is unrelated to the car being sold

The interior appears to be in pretty good shape. It is trimmed in tan leather with matching carpets, floor mats and plastics, and features aluminum door panel accents, padded seats and a column shifter all thanks to the Limited package.

Other goodies include air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and locks, a Kenwood CD player with USB, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The gauges for coolant temp, voltage and boost were added after the car was purchased.

Finally, let’s discuss performance, because this is by no means a slow or boring car once you put your foot down. Sure, it may not be on the same level as the epic Regal GNX of the same era, but it should still put a smile on your face as the Gran National, which was said to be a hair slower, recorded 0-60mph (96 km/h) in under 6 seconds.