1987 Buick Regal Turbo - bat

1987 BUICK REGAL TURBO – Y56 T PACKAGE

80,663 Miles | Turbocharged 3.8L V6 | Extreme Automatics Stage II 200-4R | Satin Vinyl Wrap | Extensive Recent Service | Charity Sale

MOTORVAULT is proud to offer this 1987 Buick Regal equipped with the Y56 “T” Package and Buick's LC2 turbocharged 3.8-liter V6. Showing 80,663 miles, this example combines the understated appearance of Buick's turbocharged T-package Regal with several performance upgrades and substantial recent mechanical investment.

Most importantly, however, this Buick is being offered for a purpose beyond simply finding its next owner. The vehicle was donated to Indianapolis Cars & Coffee to help raise funds benefiting Folds of Honor Indiana, and MOTORVAULT is donating its services and waiving its seller commission in support of that effort.

THE STORY BEHIND THIS REGAL

There is a story behind why this 1987 Buick Regal is being offered by MOTORVAULT.

The owner originally contacted us to consign the Buick for sale. While driving the car to MOTORVAULT for drop-off, he crossed a pair of railroad tracks and shortly afterward experienced a transmission failure approximately ten minutes from our facility.

When he called to let us know what had happened, we offered to retrieve the Buick with one of our Futura trailers. A towing company was located nearby, however, so he initially elected to wait for a tow. Approximately an hour and a half later, with no tow truck having arrived, he called us back. We went out with our trailer, loaded the Regal and gave him a ride back to MOTORVAULT.

During that drive, the conversation naturally turned to cars, family, life and the Regal. He had previously learned about our involvement with Indianapolis Cars & Coffee, and just before arriving at the shop he made an unexpected decision: rather than simply repair the transmission and continue with the consignment, he wanted to have the Buick repaired and donate the vehicle to Indianapolis Cars & Coffee so its sale could help raise funds for Folds of Honor Indiana.

That decision is ultimately why the Regal is being offered today.

Indianapolis Cars & Coffee is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt national nonprofit operated entirely by volunteers. The organization uses the automotive community to raise funds for charitable causes and proudly supports Folds of Honor Indiana. In 2025 alone, Indianapolis Cars & Coffee raised more than $65,000, bringing its four-year contribution to more than $255,000.

MOTORVAULT was originally retained to sell this Buick on consignment. After learning of the owner's decision to donate the car, MOTORVAULT elected to donate our services as well and will charge no seller commission for the sale, allowing more of the proceeds to support the cause.

We are incredibly grateful to the donor for entrusting us with the Regal and, more importantly, for turning what began as an unfortunate breakdown on the way to our shop into an opportunity to give back.

VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS

Year: 1987
Make: Buick
Model: Regal
Package: Y56 “T” Package
VIN: 1G4GJ1179HP405060
Mileage: 80,663 miles
Engine: 3.8L Turbocharged V6
Transmission: Extreme Automatics Stage II 200-4R 4-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
Exterior: Silver / Satin Silver Vinyl Wrap
Interior: Gray Cloth
Wheels: 15" Turbo-T Style Alloy Wheels
Tires: BFGoodrich Radial T/A P215/65R15 95S
Tread Depth: Approximately 9/32" all four
CARFAX: Clean Vehicle History Report

HIGHLIGHTS

• Buick LC2 turbocharged 3.8-liter V6
• Y56 “T” Package
• 80,663 indicated miles
• Precision 62/62 turbocharger
• TR Performance intercooler
• 60 lb/hr fuel injectors
• MAF translator
• Pypes exhaust system
• Extreme Automatics Stage II 200-4R transmission installed in 2026
• Extreme Automatics Grand National Spec 9.5" lockup torque converter
• Vintage Air climate-control system installed in 2026
• Bilstein shocks
• Satin silver full-body vinyl wrap
• Gloss red accent pinstripe
• Brembo Red-painted brake calipers
• BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires with 2024 date codes
• Approximately 9/32" tread on all four tires
• Approximately $26,600 in documented cosmetic and mechanical work from 2024 through 2026

HISTORY & OWNERSHIP

The CARFAX history begins in Texas in November 1986 before the Regal moved to Florida, where it spent much of its earlier life. Recorded mileage includes 40,000 miles in 1993 and 70,445 miles in 2008. The Buick subsequently came to Indiana in 2013 with 76,239 miles recorded.

According to the previous seller, the car was acquired by a friend in 2013 and subsequently stored as part of a collection until being purchased from him in early 2023.

The Regal was sold again in June 2024 with 79,099 miles recorded. The current odometer now indicates 80,663 miles, representing approximately 1,564 miles since that transaction. CARFAX most recently recorded 79,809 miles in April 2025.

EXTERIOR

The Regal is finished in silver and was reportedly repainted under previous ownership. Following its 2024 purchase, the exterior underwent substantial cosmetic preparation at Pristine Indianapolis.

In August 2024, Pristine performed paint preparation, touch-up work and Level 3 paint correction before installing a full color-change vinyl wrap. The brake calipers were also refinished in Brembo Red. The documented invoice for this visit totaled $5,955 before gratuity.

The car returned to Pristine in November 2024, when a gloss red accent pinstripe was installed and the right-front fender was rewrapped. This visit totaled an additional $1,000.

The resulting satin silver presentation gives the Buick a distinctive appearance while retaining the chrome bumpers and restrained character associated with the T-package cars.

Exterior equipment includes a black grille, sport mirrors, hood-mounted turbo indicator, T-package badging and chrome front and rear bumpers.

INTERIOR

The cabin is trimmed in gray cloth with front bucket seats, a center console and floor-mounted automatic shifter.

Equipment includes air conditioning, power locks, manual windows and an aftermarket audio system. Interior lighting has been converted to LED.

A Vintage Air climate-control system was professionally installed by Slate Performance Automotive in early 2026. The installation included extensive dash disassembly, system installation and wiring, associated fabrication, conversion to R134a refrigerant and final testing. The service documentation states that both heat and air conditioning operated as intended following completion.

ENGINE & PERFORMANCE

Power comes from Buick's LC2 turbocharged 3.8-liter V6, the same basic powerplant architecture responsible for establishing Buick's turbocharged G-body reputation during the 1980s.

Performance modifications documented during previous ownership include:

• Precision 62/62 turbocharger
• TR Performance intercooler
• Revised intercooler/intake piping
• 60 lb/hr fuel injectors
• MAF translator
• Pypes exhaust system

The previous BaT seller stated that the car did not use oil or smoke on startup at the time of the 2024 auction.

TRANSMISSION & DRIVETRAIN

One of the most significant recent improvements was completed in June 2026.

Following diagnosis of an internal transmission issue, Slate Performance Automotive installed an Extreme Automatics Stage II 200-4R automatic transmission assembly along with an Extreme Automatics Grand National Spec 9.5-inch, 27-spline lockup torque converter.

The transmission TV cable was adjusted according to Extreme Automatics specifications and the vehicle was subsequently road tested.

The documented invoice for this work totaled $7,009.94.

The rear axle was described by the previous seller in 2024 as remaining stock, with no aftermarket components installed.

RECENT SERVICE

This Regal has benefited from significant mechanical attention during the past several years.

CARFAX documents substantial work performed by Pete's Service Center in April 2025 at 79,809 miles, including:

• Front brake pads and rotors
• Ball joints
• Tie rods
• Stabilizer-bar links
• Heater core
• Valve-cover gaskets
• Cooling-system service
• Coolant service
• Wheel-bearing service
• Alignment
• Air-conditioning service and components

Additional extensive work was performed by Slate Performance Automotive in 2026.

FEBRUARY 2026 – SLATE PERFORMANCE AUTOMOTIVE

At approximately 80,370 miles, the Regal received a comprehensive round of repairs and improvements totaling $12,695.85.

Work included installation of the Vintage Air climate-control system along with replacement or repair of the:

• Turbocharger oil-return gasket
• Power-steering pressure hose
• Power-steering return hose
• Transmission output-shaft seal
• Turbocharger wastegate clip
• Alternator wiring/fuse installation
• Front lighting wiring
• Intake-manifold bracket hardware
• Exhaust-hanger mounting
• Front sway-bar mounting point

The engine bay and underside were also cleaned. Following the work, the vehicle was road tested and reinspected for leaks.

JUNE 2026 – SLATE PERFORMANCE AUTOMOTIVE

At approximately 80,400 miles, the Regal received its Extreme Automatics Stage II 200-4R transmission and Grand National Spec lockup torque converter.

The documented total for this visit was $7,009.94.

Combined, the two Slate Performance invoices represent $19,705.79 in documented 2026 mechanical work alone.

WHEELS & TIRES

The Regal rides on 15-inch Turbo-T style alloy wheels featuring black center caps with red “T” emblems.

Mounted are BFGoodrich Radial T/A P215/65R15 95S raised-white-letter tires with 2024 production date codes.

All four tires measure approximately 9/32" of remaining tread.

Red-painted brake calipers are visible behind the wheels and were refinished by Pristine Indianapolis in 2024.

DOCUMENTATION & INCLUDED ITEMS

The sale includes documentation covering the car's ownership and extensive recent work, including the CARFAX Vehicle History Report and invoices from Slate Performance Automotive and Pristine Indianapolis.

The previous BaT auction also documented a selection of removed factory equipment, including original badging, an OEM uncut key set, factory throttle body, turbocharger, air filter, air-dam scoop and stock intercooler.

Any removed factory components included with the current sale should be confirmed with MOTORVAULT prior to purchase.

The CARFAX Vehicle History Report shows no accidents or damage reported and no indication of an odometer rollback.

PREVIOUS MARKET HISTORY

The Regal was previously offered on Bring a Trailer in March 2024, where bidding reached $25,000 without meeting reserve.

Since that auction, the car has undergone significant cosmetic and mechanical work, including its full vinyl wrap and exterior preparation, Vintage Air installation, extensive mechanical servicing, and installation of the Extreme Automatics Stage II transmission and torque converter.

WHY WE LOVE IT

Buick's turbocharged Regals remain one of the defining American performance cars of the 1980s, but the T-package cars offer a different personality from the familiar black Grand National.

This example retains the recognizable turbo Buick formula while presenting in a more understated silver-and-chrome configuration. The satin finish and subtle red accents give the car a distinctive appearance without losing its period character.

More importantly, considerable resources have recently been invested where they matter. With approximately $26,600 in documented cosmetic and mechanical work since 2024, including a new performance transmission, Vintage Air system and extensive supporting service, this Regal has received meaningful attention during its most recent ownership.

At 80,663 miles, it represents an enthusiast-oriented Turbo Buick that can be enjoyed without the concerns that often accompany preserving an ultra-low-mile collector example.

CONTACT

For additional information, documentation, or to schedule a private showing, please contact:

Brian Henry
(317) 522-8260
sales@motorvault.com

Ralph Haga
309-721-9725
sales@motorvault.com

MOTORVAULT
520 W. McCarty Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46225

www.motorvault.com

Visits are by appointment only. Financing assistance, trade consideration, and nationwide enclosed transportation are available.

TERMS & DISCLOSURE

This vehicle is owned by Indianapolis Cars & Coffee, Inc., a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization, and is being represented for sale by MOTORVAULT. MOTORVAULT is donating its seller-side services for this offering and will not charge Indianapolis Cars & Coffee a seller commission.

Independent pre-purchase inspections are welcomed and encouraged. We are happy to coordinate with your preferred marque specialist or independent inspection facility. Financing assistance and nationwide enclosed transportation through trusted enclosed carriers are available upon request.

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, MOTORVAULT makes no representations or warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, condition, originality, or reliability of the information contained herein. Vehicle specifications, descriptions, mileage, equipment, documentation, service history, ownership history, and condition are based on owner-supplied information, supporting documentation, vehicle history reports, inspections, and our own evaluation, but are subject to verification by the purchaser.

Prospective buyers are encouraged to independently verify all information and perform their own due diligence prior to purchase. Unless otherwise stated in writing, all vehicles are sold AS-IS, WHERE-IS, with no warranties expressed or implied beyond any remaining transferable manufacturer's warranty.

MOTORVAULT is a vetted Bring a Trailer Local Area Partner and one of only two approved Local Area Partners in Indiana. We specialize in presenting exceptional enthusiast and collector automobiles with transparency, comprehensive documentation, professional photography, and concierge-level service throughout the buying and selling experience.