Over the years, some specially trimmed LeSabres have appeared. Among the most interesting was the LeSabre Sport Coupe that appeared in 1977. The model continued in 1978, but shared the turbo-charged V6 with the Regal Sport Coupe. I believe that the turbo model re-appeared for 1979, but I believe the turbo engine was no longer available in the LeSabre after 1979. These cars are quite rare, are very attractive, and are nearly forgotten. Another unique LeSabre was the 1979 LeSabre Palm Beach. This was a specially-trimmed model with a pale yellow and white two-toned exterior, unique interior, and pale yellow bumper rub strips in lieu of the usual black variety. Appearing only in 1986 was the LeSabre Grand National, which was offered only in black and was a forerunner of the 1987-89 LeSabre T-Type cars.
The Le Sabre Turbo coupe was available in 1978, 1979 and 1980. The 78 and 79 models look very nice. The 1980 model has a different grille and taillights, a more formal roofline and it looks less sporty. I have seen only one 1986 le Sabre Grand National in my life. It was about 10 years ago in Fort Lauderdale FL. I was waiting for a rental car with my father at an Alamo Rent-a-Car on the Rd 1 and there was a woman driving one. She stopped to talk to an employee in the parking lot for a few minutes. The car wasn't in perfect shape and it had non-functionning stop lights on the driver side. That's too bad since they made only 117 of these... There was a white 1978 or 1979 Le Sabre turbo parked about a mile away from there also on Rd 1. I have seen this one parked at the same place for a few years as I went to Fort Lauderdale every winter to visit my grand parents from 1992 to 1998.
After several hours of research I finally made it ! :Brow: All model/year of the LeSabre in picture at : LeSabre pictorical Thank you so very much for those very interesting lesson of history , I've learn a lot ! Long life to Buick :TU: p.s I'd like to apologize if ever I put some of your car's picture without permission ... let me know if you don't give me the permission to post them in my personal website . Merci Phil pour les prcieux renseignements ce fut bien aprci :Smarty:
This is a 72! Not a 71 :grin: http://groups.msn.com/Amateurdebeauxchars/buicklesabre.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=3781
one more... http://groups.msn.com/Amateurdebeauxchars/buicklesabre.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=3786 This is a 74 (I am pretty sure), not a 73. Yuk should be able to tell for sure. The rear end is not the same as a 73:TU:
Thank you Adam ... you're giving me some additional work :laugh: you have the eyes of a true "connaiseur" . :TU:
You are right Adam, this is a 74 Le Sabre Luxus. The front end is also different and these cornering lights are exclusive to the 1974 model. The bumper is similar to the 1975 model but has grille motif repeated in it. The rear end was similar to the 1975-76 model but the taillights are larger. 1974 is the only year for the Luxus trim level on Le Sabres. In 1973, the Century model also used it but in 1975, both models went back to the Custom name that was used before that and on other Buick models. Back then the Custom trim was the upgrade trim with the exception of the Century Regal and Electra Limited that were more luxurious than the Custom models. I think that the Custom name was first used on the 62 Invicta. Many other 60's are Custom models but most of them do not have Custom nameplates. A few Skylarks and Invictas had them but, Le Sabres, Wildcats, Electras and Rivieras with Custom trim didn't have Custom nameplates to identify them. I think the first year the Custom name appeared on a Le Sabre was 1971 (Adam tell me if I'm wrong) and in 1979 to identify the better trimmed Le Sabre, the Custom name was replaced by Limited. In in the eighties, "Custom" designed many basic Buick models instead of more luxurious trim. It is still used on the current basic Century and Le Sabre.
Great job on the LeSabre photo album! I'm curious about the story on the '72 LeSabre police car. Can you offer any details about this one? I've seen photos of the '71 LeSabres in service as Flint police cars, and the history of this '72 would be interesting to learn. Judging from the later model vehicles surrounding the Buick, I assume that this car still exists.
Sorry but I didn't have info for the Police car .... And for those who may be interested I also made a "historipic" album for another famous Buick .... the Skylark ! Here and one for the "68-72 A-Body's" ... if you see some mistake again (model/year for the picture) I'll be happy to corected them :Brow: Donald
Donald, the 1974 Apollo is a GSX not a GS. Now you would have to do the same with the other full size Buick models! (Wildcat, Electra, Centurion and Riviera)
I need some help .... I still unable t find a 1981 LeSabre In the album I rather place a "burned" LeSabre of the same gen ... thank for your time Donald
Hi Donald, This is a link to pictures of my "new" 74 Le Sabre which I use as a winter beater. Since I took the pictures, I added chrome rims (with winter tires) and I removed the incorrect passenger mirror and replaced the 67 driver's side remote mirror with a correct 74 remote mirror. http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=30472
Congrats Phil for your "new" car :Brow: it seem very straight and solid . Can I use the pics for my LeSabre album ? Have a good winter time with your Buick Donald
