1965 Buick LeSabre

The Buick LeSabre enjoyed a lengthy production lifespan stretching from 1959 through 2005. The name 'LeSabre' was first used in 1951 on a show car that wore aircraft-inspired design elements including tail fins which would become popular throughout the industry during the 1950s. All full-size Buick automobiles, including the LeSabre, were completely restyled for the 1965 model year, with softer body lines and a wider stance. They embraced the growing trend toward Coke-bottle profiles and the two-door hardtop coupes wore semi-fastback rooflines. The LeSabre offered a full line of body styles throughout most of its existence, but the LeSabre's built from 1965 to 1969 were devoid of a station wagon. Additionally, in 1977, the LeSabre and other GM full-size models were downsized, with body styles that included a sedan, pillared coupe, and wagon.

The full-size LeSabre was consistently Buick's selling full-size car as it offered desirable comfort and amenities at an affordable price. In 1965, the LeSabre had 142,996 total sales which accounted for approximately 24-percent of the company's total production.

In 1964, all LeSabre models, with the exception of the Estate Wagon, shared their drivetrains with the mid-size Buick models. For the next few years, the standard V8 powering the LeSabre had the smaller displacement sizes of their mid-size counterparts. For 1965, the 300 cubic-inch V8 from the Special powered the LeSabre. It had overhead valves, a cast-iron block, a 9.0:1 compression ratio, hydraulic valve lifters, five main bearings, a Rochester two-barrel carburetor, and delivered 210 horsepower at 4,600 RPM. A three-speed manual transmission was standard or optional four-speed manual or two-speed Super Turbine 300 automatic. A new LeSabre '400' package added a four-barrel carburetor and 10.25:1 compression to the 300 cubic-inch V8, boosting output to 250 horsepower. The 400 package also added the Super Turbine '400' three-speed automatic.

1965 Buick models included the Special and Skylark resting on a 115-inch wheelbase platform, the Sport Wagon on a 120-inch wheelbase, the LeSabre on a 123-inch wheelbase, the Riviera measuring 119-inches, and the Wildcat and Electra 225 on a 126-inch wheelbase platform. The LeSabre's 123-inch wheelbase remained the same as the previous year, but it rested on a new perimeter frame shared with other B-body GM cars, replacing the 'X' frame in use since 1961.

A bright narrow molding traversed the lower portion of the LeSabre's body and the LeSabre signature was positioned on the rear body quarters. At the front was an extruded aluminum grille flanked by dual round headlights. Trim levels included the 'base' and the Custom, with the latter adding custom interior fabrics of cloth and vinyl. The list of standard equipment included door-operated courtesy lights, carpeting, a map light, electric windshield wipers, glove compartment light, dual armrests front and rear, and instrument panel safety pad direction signals. The interiors on the 'base' LeSabre were done in cloth or vinyl. The interiors were new for 1965 with a revised instrument panel with two round dials similar to the ones found on the Riviera. The heating and air conditioning controls were also new.

The 'base' LeSabre sedan was priced at $2,890, the hardtop sedan at $3,025, and the Sport Coupe at $2,970. The most popular body style was the sedan with 37,788 examples built, followed by 18,384 of the hardtop sedan, and 15,786 of the sport coupe.

The LeSabre Custom sedan was priced at $2,960, the hardtop sedan at $3,100, the sport coupe at $3,035, and the convertible at $3,260. The hardtop sedan had 23,394 examples built, followed by 21,049 of the sport coupe, 20,052 of the sedan, and 6,543 of the convertible.

The styling introduced in 1965 would continue through 1970, albeit with updates from year-to-year. The 1966 LeSabre gained new grilles and four-segmented taillights, along with a revised instrument panel with a horizontal sweep speedometer. New optional equipment for 1967 included a stereo 8-track tape player and front disc brakes. The standard drum brakes gained more cooling fins and a dual-master cylinder system. Another update to the grille and taillights arrived in 1968, along with concealed windshield wipers. The 1969 model was extensively restyled, retaining the chassis and inner body structure of the 1965 design, but with more square off styling and formal rooflines on the coupes. Another round of updates was applied to the grille and taillights of the 1970 LeSabre, and wheelbases now measured 124-inches. For 1971, GM completely restyled its B- and C-body cars and the styling introduced would continue through 1976. The LeSabre nameplate would continue to be used by Buick through 2005.

by Dan Vaughan

With over half a century's 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 the rough times, superb engine, tremendous engineering, and unwavering reliability, the LeSabre continues to impress car enthusiasts today.

Buick has kept an age-old reputation for producing 'the best of the best', and the LeSabre has proved capable of weathering the storms of the times and acclimating itself to the ever-changing demands of its clientele. With parts available in a various and wide array, the option to upgrade the Buick LeSabre is simplified and all-encompassing.

A concept vehicle created originally by General Motors Styling and Buick Engineering, the LeSabre was finally revealed in 1951. Eight years later, the LeSabre nameplate was finally put on a production vehicle. Perhaps not as exhilarating as the 1951 dream car, the styling on the 1959 vehicle with its large tail fins was both dynamic and a sign of the times. A mainstay at Buick for four decades, the total sales of the LeSabre model exceeded six million. The LeSabre has been the number-one-selling full-size vehicle in the U.S. and has won both numerous quality and 'best buy' awards for the past six years.

Totally redesigned for the 2000 model year, the LeSabre sported a fresh view and design as well as various innovative safety features, comfort, and convenience.

Consistently ranked as Buick's best-selling full-size car, the LeSabre was Buick's entry-level vehicle. Replacing the full-size Buick Special model in 1959, LeSabre has also carried the title of America's Best-Selling Full-size Car until its discontinuation at the end of the 2005 model year. The vehicle was replaced by the 2006 Buick Lucerne. The LeSabre nameplate has outlasted the Electra, Electra 225, and the Invicta. The LeSabre also carried the lowest base price in the Buick lineup. A full-size car was produced by the Buick division of General Motors, the Buick LeSabre replaced the full-size Buick Special model in 1959.

Originally showcased on a Motorama show car in 1951, the LeSabre nameplate was featured in various line of body styles. Though during 1965 through 1975, the station wagon variant was dropped from Buick's full-size line, the LeSabre has been offered in a full line of body styles. The pillared coupe eventually became the only model available, both sedan and wagon body styles, in 1977 the LeSabre along with other GM full-size models were downsized. Beginning in 1964, all LeSabre models except the Estate Wagon shared their drivetrains with the mid-size Buick models.

Available in two trim levels, the LeSabre Custom and the base model from the start in 1965, the Estate Wagon model was dropped. Dropped in 1970, the LeSabre 400 package included a '400' 3-speed automatic transmission along with a 4 barrel carburation on its small V8 engine. The 3-speed THM 350 transmission became standard on all models. Replacing the base Wildcat model from the year before, the new LeSabre Custom 455 now shared its model number with the Wildcat.

The LeSabre convertible model was dropped in 1973. The following year the LeSabre Luxus, a much more luxurious model, replaced the Centurion model. Available with a new 'performance package', the Luxus included a 455 cubic inch engine, suspension upgrades, and other various equipment. After a year off the market, the convertible coupe model returned to the LeSabre lineup, and the Stage 1 performance package became available on the LeSabre in 1974.

One of the largest vehicles to be powered by a V6 engine, the 1976 Buick was the first American full-size car with a standard V6 engine. The LeSabre Sport Coupe came with a turbocharged V6 with a 4 barrel carburetor in standard equipment from 1978 to 1980. The LeSabre Limited replaced the LeSabre Custom model in 1979. Bucket seats with a center console also became available on the Sport Coupe model. In 1980, the 'portholes' which had showcased on all LeSabre models since 1960 were removed.

Introduced on the new front-wheel drive H platform, the 1986 Buick LeSabre departed from the rear-wheel-drive on the GM B platform. With only minor updates through the years, the LeSabre station wagon, later called the Estate wagon, remained based on the B platform before being discontinued in 1990. A Grand National model was released in 1986, eventually followed by the LeSabre T/Type in 1987 through 1989.

Used throughout the 1980's as a performance package by Buick was the T-type designation. From 87 to 89, the LeSabre T-type was a representation of the highest performing H-body. A notch above other LeSabres, the T-Type's direct competition was the outstanding Regal. Originally, the T-Type was seemed to need a Turbo, the engine output was limited due to transmission durability complications. Instead, Buick chose to improve the acceleration by utilizing a performance axle that was geared lower than most LeSabres. Grand National inspired black-out trim, and the addition of aluminum wheels and both front and rear spoilers improved the vehicle styling. The installation of a console with shift lever and front bucket seats updated and improved the interior. To accent the T-type badges, a Pontiac-style red-orange dash cluster was used, as well as other interior changes. By installing a large 1.25-inch sway bar in the front, and a .75-inch bar in the rear, the handling was greatly improved. Agile, while still incredibly comfortable, the T-type was an amazing vehicle that was beautiful without being flashy.

Redesigned with a fresh image in 1992, the Buick LeSabre now joined the ranks of the new Regal, Century, and Park Avenue Sedans. Available only as a four-door sedan, the LeSabre continued this style until being discontinued in 2005. Featuring GM's plastic body technologies, the high-strength plastic now replaced the front fenders, and the headlight were streamlined with a separated amber turn signal strip that wrapped around the lower front fascia. The front was smoothed with simplified chrome molding and absent bumperettes while the rear fascia featured a wider trunk mouth and lower liftover height to ease loading baggage.

Producing 170 hp in 1992, the LeSabre has had the same engine, the 3800 V6, and is capable of 18 mpg in the city, and 28 mpg on the highway. The LeSabre accelerated to 60 mph in 8.9 seconds and had a top speed of 107 mph.

Offered in two trim levels, the base Custom trim and the premium Limited which featured allow wheels, fold-down access panels to access the trunk from the rear seat, and the hood ornament. The Limited also had an 18-gallon fuel tank, power radio antenna, anti-lock brakes, and many high-tech instrumentation features.

The LeSabre standard 3800 series V6 OHV powerplant received an extra 35 hp in 1995, due to an intake manifold and re-engineered throttle body. Rated at 19 mph in the city, and 29 mph on the highway, the engine on the 3800 series even received better fuel economy.

Introduced in 1999 as the Buick LeSabre 2000 on the G-body, the automobiles eventually reverted to the Buick LeSabre nameplate following the end of the 2000 model year. On an updated revision of the G platform that was also shared with the 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora and the Pontiac Bonneville, the LeSabre was manufactured in Hamtramck, Michigan at GM's Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly factory. Various changes were made that included a grille that did not open with the hood, smaller overall dimensions, a slightly larger interior area, and due to a new chassis; an overall stiffer structure.

The previous Custom and Limited trim levels from 2000 were carried into 2003 models. To commemorate Buick's Centennial, a new Celebration Edition package was featured on all of the standard equipment of the Limited. Buyers were able to choose from a blacked-out grille, pearlescent White Diamond or Crimson Pearl tri-coat paint schemes, 16' chrome wheels, and special badging. Available features that were either optional or standard on the LeSabre included OnStar, EyeCue heads-up display, Stabilitrak, all-weather traction control, side airbags, automatic load-leveling, heated seats, tire-pressure monitoring system, dual-zone climate control, and RainSense automatic windshield wipers.

The final LeSabre was rolled of the Lake Orion, Michigan assembly line on June 18, 2004.

by Jessican Donaldson