1968 Buick LeSabre

Description

Don't worry, Buick guys, we've got you covered with this handsome 1968 LeSabre convertible. Full of thoughtful upgrades that make it a grade-A summertime cruiser, there's still something special about Buick's combination of performance and luxury.

Full-sized meant full-sized in 1968, and with Buick you got about a mile of sheetmetal to command. The Arctic White paint was done a few years ago but highlights the many interesting details that you'll find on the LeSabre. See that crease running from nose to tail, dramatically sweeping down through the door? That's been a part of Buick design since 1942 and is perhaps the most reliable way to spot any Buick from a distance. This one was also nicely assembled following the freshening, with doors that fit well and great gaps all around. A blue pinstripe both matches the interior and highlights the smooth curve of the upper fenders and quarter panels, which, I might add, are quite straight. This is a really big car, no doubt about it, but the proportions make it look sporty, not ponderous, and there's something special about seeing "Venti-Ports" on the front fenders. Shockingly, there's not a lot of chrome on this LeSabre, however the bumpers are in great condition given that they're likely original and the taillights shine brightly.

You'll appreciate Buick's full-sized frame when you climb inside and find that there's room to spare for every passenger. Newer cloth upholstery makes it comfortable in hot days in the sun and the pleated upholstery looks right for the period. Those wonderfully ornate door panels are probably original and in good shape, echoing the squared-off design of the instrument panel, which was all-new in '68. Buick chose not to overwhelm its owners with information about the engine, so you got only the basics from the factory, but someone has thoughtfully added a set of auxiliary instruments tucked up under the dash where they're unobtrusive. The carpets look newer and are protected by a set of Buick-logo floor mats and a single strip of stainless trim brightens the dash. The original AM/FM radio is still there, augmented by a remote-controlled CD changer mounted in the huge trunk area. Recently replaced, the blue power top offers a glass rear window and a color-coordinated boot, while the trunk is neatly upholstered and includes a full-sized spare tire.

Buick upgraded the base engine in the LeSabre to a 350 cubic inch V8 (replacing the old 340) and if you've ever driven a big Buick with 350 cubic inches of power, then you know it's a great engine. Smooth, torquey, and ready to run, it's an over-achiever of a small block. With Dante Red on the block itself and a few chrome dress-up parts, the engine stands out in the cavernous engine bay. It starts easily and idles smoothly, like a Buick should, and makes that distinctive Buick sound when you lean on the throttle. A snarky dual exhaust system gives it a bit of attitude, and there's really nothing better than loafing along in your LeSabre ragtop listening to the V8 burble away behind you. The automatic transmission is unobtrusive in its operation, and, of course, the ride is incomparably smooth. The undercarriage isn't detailed for show, but looks like it's a good, solid, original car, and it still uses Buick hubcaps inside 215/75/15 whitewall radials.

A handsome ragtop that engenders daydreams about long road trips, this LeSabre is a great choice for making those dreams come true. Call today!