1988 BUICK Reatta 3.8

Vehicle Overview

Buick launched the Reatta in 1988, designing it as a luxurious 2-seat sports coupe for the North American market.

Being Buick’s first 2-seat model in almost half of decade, the Reatta shared its chassis with the Cadillac Eldorado (only shorter) and interior styling with the Riviera. This car was initially offered in a hardtop coupe variant and featured unique body style as compared to previous Buick models.

A roadster version was also optional starting 1990 model year, but sales were rather disappointing during its 2 years of production. Some of the car’s high points were the ECC (electronic Control Center) system, electronically-controlled transmission and standard ABS (in model’s last year of production). Due to poor sales on both coupe and roadster versions (a little over 21,000 units), Buick had to discontinue this model in 1991.

The Reata was produced with the latest technology available at that time, and that meant the GM’s LN 3 3.8-liter V6 – an engine with 165 hp and 210-lb of torque. It was one of the first engines with a counter-rotating balance shaft and port fuel injection which rocketed the car to 100 kph in 9 seconds. The car had a four-wheel independent suspension and the brakes were very efficient due to the four-wheel discs and ABS.