74455

Keith, have you ever run across any Saddle colored tri shield front mats for 74 LeSabre? I am still looking for these to match the rear ones I bought from you a couple years ago! Best regards, Tom

There is a nice Estate Wagon (a California car) for sale on eBay. I have no connection to this car, just wanted to point out for the wagon fans on the forum. Unusual in that it has an ASC sunroof, which apparently was a factory option. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Estate-Wa...1QQcmdZViewItem

I know it's a long shot, but are the cardboard panels for the trunk (which cover access to the taillight bulbs)in decent shape?

2 door or 4 door? Interior color? can you post any pictures?

This wagon was on eBay several months ago. It really looks like a new car - quite a beauty if the mileage can be verified. Looks like it will sell for over $25K. Hopefully whoever buys it will join the BCA!

I got my issue at Borders Bookstore in New Jersey a couple weeks ago. If you have a Borders anywhere near you maybe they can get it for you if they don't have it in stock?

From Sloan: there were 3,627 LeSabre convertibles produced in 1974 model year. 1,613 had a 455 V8. Here are the versions of the 1,613 engines: L72 (455, 2 bbl): Flint: 0 Wilmington: 124 Fairfax: 106 L74 (455 4 bbl): Flint: 0 Wilmington: 454 Fairfax: 732 L76 (455 Hi Performance): Flint: 1 Wilmington: 77 Fairfax: 119 Total: 197 A page I have from the 1974 Buick Service Manual (page OA-6) does call the W code engine a 455 4bbl "E" Stage 1 with dual exhaust. The 7th digit in the VIN (before the sequence) is the plant: H = Flint, X = Fairfax, Y = Wilmington. If you want to contact Sloan Museum, the number I had (2 years ago) was 810-237-3450, you would be looking for what they call the "micro-fiche" info that shows all the options on the car, if you provide them the VIN. They have '72 - '80 model years covered. This is a good way to be double-sure it is Stage 1. It cost $25 and they mail you the information in about a week. Email is sloan@sloanlongway.org. The guy who helped me and gave me the engine info was the curatorial assistant (Andy).

Keith, thanks for the info. Do you know if all the 72-75's for Buicks were identical (would that one from a 73 Centurion that BJM mentioned fit a 74 LeSabre)? Is the hardware complicated to add, or is this something that was only done at the factory? CARS offers the Customline for $758 (including the hardware) or you can buy the hardware for $175. I know I would need it painted as well. I do like these, but trying to determine if it's a big production to add one to a car that didn't come with it, or if even possible.

I had some trouble finding a copy, I eventually found it at a Borders bookstore. So maybe a Barnes and Noble or Borders type of place carries it if there are any of those near you. Ketih's 72 Centurion made me think of this question - does anyone know what years the hard fiberglass parade boot was offered? I have seen '72 Centurions and '75 LeSabres with this, but not any '74s. I cannot find any mention of this option in my '74 literature. Was it offered from '71 - '75?

As noted above, there were 3,627 1974 LeSabre convertibles produced. I have the exact number produced with 455 engines back at home (think it was less than 1/2 the production), I'll try to post tonight. I also recall (based on info I got from Sloan Museum in Flint, MI) that only about 197 (I will confirm later) had the Stage 1 455. These are very rare cars. 1974 is a year for which Sloan can provide the original dealer order sheet for the car and what the color and options were (I got this a couple of years ago for my car, I think it was $25 but may have gone up). I hope this car can be restored with the Stage 1 engine. The big GM convertibles were no longer produced after 1975 model year.

Is this the '76 Estate Wagon shown in Collectible Automobile Magazine December article about the Big 71-76 Buicks? I see several of ElectramanRob's beautiful cars shown in this issue.

There is what looks to be a nice '76 "Clamshell" Estate Wagon on eBay, located in Georgia. I have no connection to this car, but thought some of the wagon fans might be interested. Buy it Now price is $8,500. Ebay Item number: 290165288093 http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1976-Buic...1QQcmdZViewItem

Shaffer - thanks for the info. I called the 800# and ordered the Oct. 06 issue - it was $9.95 including shipping. I paid by credit card and they'll mail it. Should have it in a week or so.

Brian - could you provide again the phone # to order back issue of Collectible Automobile (for the article about the 71-76 Pontiacs). I cannot find this in the other thread. Thank you! I am really looking forward to the December issue about the big Buicks.

Dan - nice car! Not sure if you settled on insurance yet, but I have been very happy with Haggerty's for my 74 LeSabre for the past 2 years. It's < $180/year for full coverage including road service (was handy when the starter died and I had to have it flat-bedded to the mechanic).