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T-Type
T-Type was the performance marker used on Buick automobiles during the 1980s. Marketed during a hiatus of the Gran Sport branding, the T-Type vehicles were the sportiest versions of each Buick model line, in line with Super Sport-branded Chevrolet vehicles. In addition to handling and performance upgrades, T-Type vehicles were distinguished by exterior styling, with chrome trim reduced or blacked out altogether and some models featuring two-tone paintwork; all vehicles were fitted with aluminum wheels.
The first T-Type Buick was the 1981 Riviera, with Buick also offering T-Type versions of nearly its entire line, including the Century, Electra, LeSabre, Regal, Skylark, Somerset, and Skyhawk (excluding only the full-size Estate station wagon and the Reatta sports car).
At the end of the 1980s, Buick shifted away from performance-oriented vehicles across its entire line, though the Gran Sport/GS branding would return to use for the Buick Regal (from 1989 to the present day).
The first model marketed with the T-Type (T=Touring) option package was the 1981 Buick Riviera, as Buick renamed its S-Type option package with sportier trim, suspension, and its turbocharged V6 engine. In 1983, multiple models followed; along with the Regal (which also shared its 3.8L turbocharged V6 with the Riviera), Buick introduced T-Type versions of its newest models: the Century, Skylark, and Skyhawk.
The Regal T-Type brought the return of the Regal Grand National, sharing its turbocharged powertrain and exterior trim (though the Grand National was now painted completely black); both form the basis of the 1987 Buick GNX (as of current production, the fastest-accelerating Buick ever produced). In 1984, the reputation of turbocharged Buicks grew when a Grand National defeated a Corvette in a quarter-mile run featuring GM vehicles, thus creating a rare instance of "the fastest American car" that was not made by Chevrolet (despite its 3.8L V6 vs. the 5.7L V8 of the Corvette).
During the 1980s, several additional models received the T-Type package. Following its downsizing, the Electra T-Type was introduced for 1985 (including the rare Electra T-Type coupe). For 1986, the Somerset T-Type replaced the Skylark T-Type coupe; the first Skylark T-Type sedan was introduced for 1987. For 1987, the LeSabre T-Type replaced the LeSabre Grand National.
At the end of the 1980s, Buick began to phase the T-Type options out of its product lines. In 1987, the stand-alone T-Type option package was dropped in favor of several free-standing options featuring the upgraded performance features, exterior, and interior trim separately.
T-Type interiors typically featured front bucket seats, with center console-mounted shifter, though 1981-1985 Rivieras featured bucket seats, a small console and column shifter. T-Type Electras and Centurys also retained a column shifter with bucket seats and a center console (as a front bench seat was technically standard). The T-Type logo consisted of a large red letter "T", and the word "Type" in small black or white letters. The emblems were only placed on the fenders and on some later models (1986) a grille emblem was used. The single T was only used on the turbo Regals and only in 1987.
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T-Type
T-Type was the performance marker used on Buick automobiles during the 1980s. Marketed during a hiatus of the Gran Sport branding, the T-Type vehicles were the sportiest versions of each Buick model line, in line with Super Sport-branded Chevrolet vehicles. In addition to handling and performance upgrades, T-Type vehicles were distinguished by exterior styling, with chrome trim reduced or blacked out altogether and some models featuring two-tone paintwork; all vehicles were fitted with aluminum wheels.
The first T-Type Buick was the 1981 Riviera, with Buick also offering T-Type versions of nearly its entire line, including the Century, Electra, LeSabre, Regal, Skylark, Somerset, and Skyhawk (excluding only the full-size Estate station wagon and the Reatta sports car).
At the end of the 1980s, Buick shifted away from performance-oriented vehicles across its entire line, though the Gran Sport/GS branding would return to use for the Buick Regal (from 1989 to the present day).
The first model marketed with the T-Type (T=Touring) option package was the 1981 Buick Riviera, as Buick renamed its S-Type option package with sportier trim, suspension, and its turbocharged V6 engine. In 1983, multiple models followed; along with the Regal (which also shared its 3.8L turbocharged V6 with the Riviera), Buick introduced T-Type versions of its newest models: the Century, Skylark, and Skyhawk.
The Regal T-Type brought the return of the Regal Grand National, sharing its turbocharged powertrain and exterior trim (though the Grand National was now painted completely black); both form the basis of the 1987 Buick GNX (as of current production, the fastest-accelerating Buick ever produced). In 1984, the reputation of turbocharged Buicks grew when a Grand National defeated a Corvette in a quarter-mile run featuring GM vehicles, thus creating a rare instance of "the fastest American car" that was not made by Chevrolet (despite its 3.8L V6 vs. the 5.7L V8 of the Corvette).
During the 1980s, several additional models received the T-Type package. Following its downsizing, the Electra T-Type was introduced for 1985 (including the rare Electra T-Type coupe). For 1986, the Somerset T-Type replaced the Skylark T-Type coupe; the first Skylark T-Type sedan was introduced for 1987. For 1987, the LeSabre T-Type replaced the LeSabre Grand National.
At the end of the 1980s, Buick began to phase the T-Type options out of its product lines. In 1987, the stand-alone T-Type option package was dropped in favor of several free-standing options featuring the upgraded performance features, exterior, and interior trim separately.
T-Type interiors typically featured front bucket seats, with center console-mounted shifter, though 1981-1985 Rivieras featured bucket seats, a small console and column shifter. T-Type Electras and Centurys also retained a column shifter with bucket seats and a center console (as a front bench seat was technically standard). The T-Type logo consisted of a large red letter "T", and the word "Type" in small black or white letters. The emblems were only placed on the fenders and on some later models (1986) a grille emblem was used. The single T was only used on the turbo Regals and only in 1987.