For the Buick devoted, the phrase “turbo” typically conjures up photographs of the fearsome Grand Nationwide GNX that first stormed American roadways through the late Eighties. However loads of different Buicks acquired variations of the beloved turbocharged 3.8L V6 too—typically denoted by a T-Sort badge on the fender or decklid.
Then someplace alongside the road, Buick began tossing across the letter T quicker than the forged of Sesame Road—whatever the automotive’s powerplant.
Yup. As complicated because it appears, having the “T” package deal doesn’t at all times imply there’s a turbocharged engine beneath the hood.
And within the case of this superior Regal T we noticed on the 2024 Goodguys Summit Racing Nationals, there’s an Oldsmobile-sourced 307 V8 beneath the hood.
Suffice it to say, we needed to discover the proprietor of this superior G-body and get a proof on this distinctive experience.
“It does idiot lots of people,” Greg Odenkirk admits. “It’s acquired the suspension package deal of a Grand Nationwide, the blacked-out trim, the wheels—the unique proprietor ordered it like this.”
In reality, the one actually apparent telltale that this isn’t a turbo automotive is the absence of a slight hood bulge.
As alluded to earlier, as an alternative of the three.8L turbocharged six and its 245ish horsepower, this specific Regal T carries the LV2-spec 307 Oldsmobile V8 good for round 140 horsepower. The V8 was an possibility proper from the manufacturing unit as a result of, by 1987, Buick had transitioned the “T” designation to extra of an look package deal, therefore the blacked-out grill, turbine-style wheels, and different beauty upgrades.
(It’s price stating that consumers might nonetheless get a turbocharged six with the T trim—it was simply now not obligatory.)
“I’m the second proprietor, and that is my second Regal,” Greg explains. And although this isn’t his first go-around with Buick, he was drawn to this specific period of GM G-bodies for a vital motive.
“I had a ’33 pickup that I bought to purchase this,” he jokes. “However it is a lot extra comfy…and the spouse is extra comfy.”
Certainly, Greg explains that the addition of options like manufacturing unit air-con, shoulder belts, and cruise management make this automotive a fantastic all-around driver.
Higher nonetheless, given its fascinating place within the Buick T-Sort lineage, Greg works laborious to take care of the Regal’s originality. “I can rely on one hand what isn’t inventory,” he explains. “I changed the fender fillers, the headliner, and the lug nuts.”
However Greg reveals a slight deviation from the unique recipe although.
“I did put a twin exhaust system on it,” he laughs. “And that fools folks much more.”
“I’m positively a automotive man,” Greg says, as he describes a number of the reveals and occasions he’s attended with the Regal. From his enthusiasm, it’s clear that this uncommon Buick is in good arms.
We requested Greg if he plans on maintaining the Regal in his steady for some time, and he didn’t waste any time in his reply.
“Oh yeah, I’m going to maintain it, no plans on promoting it,” he tells us. “It’s a automotive that you could simply hop in and go.”
…And also you don’t want a turbo to understand that sentiment.
