Turbocharged 1979 Buick Regal Sport Coupe

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The legendary Buick Grand National’s origin story started with the Regal Sport Coupe. In the 1970s, Buick faced a challenge: it was still building large cars, but the big V8s that powered them were too thirsty. So in 1978, the powertrain team bolted a turbocharger onto its 3.8-liter V6. And to handle the boost, an innovative Turbo Control Center module with a sensor in the intake tract “listened” for detonation, while electronically controlling ignition timing. The result was a high-tech engine that wasn’t just fuel efficient, it made more torque than Buick’s 350 V8.

And the mid-size Regal Sport Coupe was the perfect home for the turbo V6. Its sturdy perimeter frame and 108-inch wheelbase was smaller than the previous generation, yet it provided a comfortable ride. The two-door body was both stylish and aerodynamic, with a hood bulge and “Turbo 3.8 Litre” badging differentiating it from more pedestrian Buicks. And its roomy interior—featuring classy, silver-backed gauges and a host of power options—was impressively well-appointed. The public agreed, and 21,389 Regal Sport Coupes were sold in 1979.

This example is well preserved and highly original, and features an attractive combination of white paint with a red interior.

Highlights 

• Highly original early Turbo Regal Sport Coupe 

• 3.8-liter turbo V6 with 170 hp and 245 lb-ft of torque 

• Three-speed automatic transmission 

• Finished in 11-code White paint with 74-code Dark Carmine interior trim 

• Turbo Control Center electronic timing control and HEI ignition  

• The chassis number (4K4739Z120857) decodes as: 

  • 4 – Buick 

  • K – Regal Sport Coupe 

  • 47 – Regal 2 Door 

  • 3 – 231 cu-in V6 Turbo 

  • 9 – 1979 

  • Z – Fremont, CA assembly plant 

  • 120857 – Sequential assembly number 

Features 

• AiResearch TB03 turbocharger with integrated wastegate 

• Rochester carburetor with “carb hat” intake pipe 

• 14-inch wheels 

• Cut-pile carpeting with wood-grain applique  

Known Imperfections 

• A few paint chips on nose 

• Minor rust spot on bottom corner of driver and passenger doors 

• Minor damage above passenger side rear wheelwell 

• Crease and dent on passenger side door 

• Dash and steering wheel show slight wear and fading 

• Interior trim panels have some imperfections 

Included 

• Keys 

• Original invoice 

• Original spare tire and jack 

• Buick and Fisher Body owner’s manuals

• Service records 

Ownership History 

Consignor states that this Regal was purchased from the original owner eight months ago, and previous owner kept meticulous service records and always garaged the vehicle.