Buick Lesabre
Buick's entry-level full-size car from 1959 to 2005.
The Buick LeSabre was a full-size car produced by Buick from 1959 to 2005, serving as the division's entry-level full-size model throughout eight generations. It was available in various body styles including a 2-door convertible, sedan, hardtop, 4-door sedan, hardtop, and station wagon. The nameplate originated from the 1951 Le Sabre show car and replaced the Buick Special in 1959.
Quick Facts
- Manufacturer
- Buick (General Motors)
- Model years
- 1959–2005
- Predecessor
- Buick Special
- Successor
- Buick Lucerne
- Class
- Full-size car
- Layout
- FR layout (1959–1985)
- Front-engine
- front-wheel drive (1986–2005)
Facts from the source article.
Second generation (1961–1964)<span class="anchor" id="2"&
For 1961, the LeSabre and other full-sized Buicks were completely restyled with finless rear ends, reduced chrome, and boxier sheetmetal. Wheelbases remained at 123 inches, but the cars were slightly smaller in length and width, riding on a new X-frame chassis with a conventional rear axle and driveshaft replacing the torque tube design. The standard engine was a 250-horsepower 364-cubic-inch V8, with a 235-horsepower regular-fuel version and a 300-horsepower four-barrel option available. The two-speed Turbine Drive Dynaflow automatic was standard, though a manual transmission was also offered. Ventiports returned to the front fender. In 1962, the 364 V8 was replaced by a 401-cubic-inch V8; the standard version produced 280 horsepower, with a 265-horsepower regular-fuel option and a 325-horsepower four-barrel optional.
Third generation (1965–1970)<span class="anchor" id="3"&g
The 1965 LeSabre featured a complete restyle with more rounded bodylines, Coke-bottle profiles, and semi-fastback rooflines on two-door hardtop coupes. A new perimeter frame shared with other GM B-body cars replaced the X-frame. The station wagon was dropped in favor of the Buick Sport Wagon. Two trim levels were introduced: base LeSabre and LeSabre Custom, the latter including a convertible not available in the base line. The instrument panel had two round dials similar to the Riviera. The standard engine was a 210-horsepower 300-cubic-inch V8 with a three-speed manual transmission; a four-speed manual or two-speed Super Turbine 300 automatic were optional. The LeSabre "400" package offered a 250-horsepower 300 V8 with four-barrel carburetion and the three-speed Super Turbine 400 automatic. Buick's engine-transmission practice resembled Chevrolet's, with the two-speed automatic paired with smaller engines, while the three-speed automatic required larger V8s.
Fourth generation (1971–1976)<span class="anchor" id="4"&
For 1971, Buick completely restyled its full-size cars, making them larger and heavier than before. Styling featured curved bodysides, long hoods, and wide glass areas. Semi-fastback rooflines were used on two-door hardtop coupes, and convertibles had a new top design for a full-width rear seat. The 350 and 455 V8s were carried over with lowered compression ratios for unleaded gasoline. Variable-ratio power steering and power front disc brakes became standard. In March 1971, the Turbo Hydramatic transmission became standard, remaining so through 2005. A double-shell roof improved roll-over protection. A flow-through ventilation system using trunklid vents was introduced but drew complaints for pulling cold air into the car; it was modified for 1972. An optional MaxTrac computerized traction control system was new. The instrument panel was a wrap-around cockpit design. Base and Custom models were offered in sedan and coupe bodystyles, with the convertible exclusive to the Custom.
Fifth generation (1977–1985)
The 1977 LeSabre and other GM B-body full-size cars were downsized, losing 700–800 pounds and 10 to 15 inches in overall length, yet increasing headroom, rear legroom, and trunk space. The engine lineup included a standard 231-cubic-inch Buick V6, with optional Pontiac 301 V8, Buick or Oldsmobile 350 V8, and Oldsmobile 403 V8. The V6 was standard in base and Custom coupes and sedans; the 301 V8 powered the new LeSabre Sport Coupe; the 350 V8 was in the Estate Wagon. Pillarless hardtop body styles were discontinued. For 1978, the LeSabre Sport Coupe received a turbocharged 231 V6 producing 165 hp and 285 lb-ft. In 1979, the LeSabre Custom was renamed LeSabre Limited. The Sport Coupe continued with the turbo V6 and offered Strato bucket seats with center console. That year was the last for the Pontiac 301 and Oldsmobile 403 V8s.
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