conceptcarz.com

1976 Buick LeSabre

1976 was the final year for the Buick LeSabre styling introduced in 1971, considered its fourth-generation of significant styling updates since its introduction in 1959. The B- and C-body GM cars, including Buick, were completely restyled for 1971, with the full-size cars becoming larger and heavier than previous designs. They had a low beltline, semi-fastback rooflines on two-door hardtop coupe and convertibles, long hoods, curved bodysides, and plenty of glass. The previous 350 and 455 cubic-inch V8s were carried in 1971, but with lower compression ratios and various modifications to make them more suitable for the lower-octane low-lead or unleaded gasoline in compliance with General Motors corporate mandate. Mechanical improvements included standard power front disc brakes and variable-ratio power steering. A Turbo Hydramatic transmission soon became part of the standard equipment list and remained with the LeSabre through its final year in 2005.

1975 was the final year for the LeSabre Custom Convertible which used a 'scissor top' mechanical that folded inward on itself, instead of straight back. Engine choices were dwindled down to two including the 5.7-liter V8 and the optional 7.5-liter V8 with a four-barrel setup. Styling updates included a larger, full-width cross-hatched patterned grille, side-by-side dual headlights, and turn signals located within the front bumper. The three-hole 'ventiports,' previously located on the hood, were relocated to the front fenders. In the back were slightly larger and narrower taillamps with back-up lights positioned in the center, with room for a license plate in the center. The new flat instrument panel was shared with the Riviera and Electra and replaced the previous wrap-around cockpit design, and its horizontal sweep speedometer now topped out at 100 mph instead of 120 mph of previous years.

Minor styling updates were applied to the LeSabre in 1976, its final year for the styling introduced in 1971. 1976 was also Buick's Bicentennial year.

The 1976 Buick LeSabre rested on a 125-inch wheelbase which was larger than the 97-inch platform of the Skyhawk, the 111-inch wheelbase of the Skylark, the 112-inch platform of the Century and Regal Coupe, and the 116-inch wheelbase of the Century and Regal sedan and station wagon. It was longer than the 122-inch Riviera wheelbase but shorter than the 127-inch platform of the Electra and Estate.

In regards to pricing, the Skyhawk and Skylark occupied the entry-level position within the Buick lineup, with prices in the mid-$3,000s and low-$4,000s. The Century, Century Special, Century Custom, and Regal were in the low-to-mid-$4,000 range. The LeSabre and LeSabre Custom were priced from $4,750 to $5,175. The Estate Station Wagon was priced around $5,600 ($5,730 for the eight-passenger version), and the range-topping full-size Electra was in the low-to-high-$6,000s. The Riveria coupe was $6,800.

The 1976 Buick LeSabre wore quad rectangular headlamps from the previous year, resting above clear horizontal quad parking and signal lamps. Buick letters were placed into the wide upper crossbar section of the horizontal crosshatch grille. A wraparound bumper with an integrated front license plate flanked on either side by bumper guards was located below the lights and grills. Clear horizontal cornering lamps were optional equipment, and when optioned, were placed on the front fenders, along with smaller amber lenses. The three-hole horizontal 'ventiport' trim strips continued to reside on the upper portion of the front fenders.

The 1976 Buick LeSabre distinguished itself from other vehicles by being the only full-size, six-passenger vehicle powered by a standard six-cylinder engine, which it shared with the Skyhawk, Skylark, Century, and Regal coupe. The 90-degree overhead valve V-6 had a cast-iron alloy block and head, a 231 cubic-inch displacement, hydraulic valve lifters, four-main bearings, and a two-barrel Rochester carburetor. it delivered 106 horsepower at 3,400 RPM and 185 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 RPM. The LeSabre used the three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission, a recirculating ball steering variable-ratio power steering setup, and front disc and rear drum power brakes.

The two-passenger hardtop coupe with seating for six was priced at $4,815, the sedan at $4,750, and the hardtop sedan at $4,870. The sedan was the most popular with 4,315 examples built, followed by 3,861 of the coupe and 2,312 of the hardtop sedan.

While the full-size Chevrolet and other competing full-size coupes, the coupe on the Buick LeSabre was a true hardtop, with a rear side fixed 'opera window' and a small rear quarter windows that could bed rolled down. The hardtop coupe was also offered in the lower-priced Pontiac and Oldsmobile line. 1976 was the final year for the pillarless body styles on the GM vehicles.

The LeSabre Custom trim included the same body styles as the 'base' LeSabre, with the sedan priced at $5,050, the hardtop coupe at $5,115, and the hardtop sedan at $5,165. The hardtop sedan, however, was the most popular with 46,109 examples built, closely followed by 45,669 of the hardtop coupe, and 34,841 of the sedan. The LeSabre Custom came standard with the 350 cubic-inch V8 engine. It had overhead valves, five main bearings, hydraulic valve lifters, a four-barrel Rochester carburetor, and 155 horsepower at 3,400 RPM and 280 ft-lb of torque at 1,800 RPM. The optional 455 CID V8 also used a four-barrel Rochester carburetor and delivered 205 horsepower at 3,800 RPM and 345 ft-lb of torque at 2,000 RPM.

The combined LeSabre and LeSabre Custom production accounted for approximately nineteen-percent of Buick's total 1976 production.

In hopes of improving fuel economy, and following trends throughout the industry, the Buick LeSabre and other GM B-body full-sized cars became smaller on the outside for 1977, shedding considerable amounts of weight in the process. Despite its smaller footprint, rear-seat legroom, headroom, and trunk space increased. Power was from the 231 cubic-inch Buick-built V6 and several different engine options were available included the Pontiac-built 301 cubic-inch V8, an Oldsmobile 403 CID V8, and 350 cubic-inch V8s built by both Buick and Oldsmobile.

Buick would continue to use the LeSabre name into the mid-2000s.


By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2021

Related Reading : Buick LeSabre History

With over half a centurys worth of memories, the earlier models of the LeSabre inspire a sense of nostalgia back to a time when life was supposed to be simplified. The image of technology in the early stages, design, dynamic lines, unique and individual accessories, and the advanced exterior engineering is apparent in the LeSabre models of old. Maintaining the same qualities that carried it through....
Continue Reading >>

Recent Vehicle Additions

Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

1976 LeSabre
$5,165-$115,000
1976 Buick LeSabre Price Range: $4,745 - $5,165

Compare: Lower | Higher | Similar

Other 1976 Buick Models
$3,935 - $5,100
$6,365 - $6,850

LeSabre

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
24,034
124.00 in.
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 315.00hp
$4,640 - $4,785
183,312
124.00 in.
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 150.00hp
$3,956 - $4,290
35,795
127.00 in.
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 150.00hp
$4,650 - $4,790
128,204
123.50 in.
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 175.00hp
8 cyl., 455.00 CID., 225.00hp
$4,355 - $5,160
122,941
123.50 in., 127.00 in.
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 145.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 165.00hp
$4,770 - $5,590
137,106
124.00 in.
6 cyl., 231.00 CID., 105.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 165.00hp
8 cyl., 455.00 CID., 205.00hp
$4,745 - $5,165

Related Automotive News

Mecum to Return to Central Florida for Summer Special Collector Car Auction

Mecum to Return to Central Florida for Summer Special Collector Car Auction

Orlandos Orange County Convention Center to Host 1,500-Car Auction July 6-9 Following another record-setting result at the worlds largest classic and collector car auction in Kissimmee, Florida, in January that eclipsed %24217 million in sales,...
NEW 8-SPEED ENABLES QUICKER, MORE EFFICIENT CORVETTE

NEW 8-SPEED ENABLES QUICKER, MORE EFFICIENT CORVETTE

DETROIT – The all-new, paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission makes the 2015 Corvette Stingray faster and more fuel efficient, with 0-60 acceleration of only 3.7 seconds and an EPA-estimated 29 mpg on the highway. The Corvette Stingray...
2015 CHEVROLET AND GMC PICKUPS, SUVS TO OFFER EIGHT-SPEED TRANSMISSION

2015 CHEVROLET AND GMC PICKUPS, SUVS TO OFFER EIGHT-SPEED TRANSMISSION

DETROIT – Chevrolet and GMC have confirmed a new eight-speed automatic transmission will be standard on 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra and GMC Yukon DenaliYukon XL Denali models equipped with the 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8. The GM-developed Hydra-Matic...
TRAX RIGHT-SIZED VEHICLE FOR CONSUMERS AROUND THE WORLD

TRAX RIGHT-SIZED VEHICLE FOR CONSUMERS AROUND THE WORLD

Growing consumer demand for small SUVs sets stage DETROIT – Demand for the flexibility of an SUV in a small package could grow by 2 million units in the next few years. Chevrolet is getting ready by introducing the Trax small-SUV in its...
CRAFTSMANSHIP DEFINES ALL-NEW 2015 CADILLAC ESCALADE

CRAFTSMANSHIP DEFINES ALL-NEW 2015 CADILLAC ESCALADE

Precisely crafted interior with more technology Emotional design evolution complemented by quieter cabin, smoother performance and more efficient powertrain Higher levels of luxury, with sophisticated new technology for safety and connectivity ...