1973 Buick LeSabre

Estate Wagon Wagon

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

4R35T3X198726

Gasoline

You are bidding on a 1973 Buick Estate Wagon. This is the famous "clamshell" body style, with the tailgate and rear window disappearing into the body of the car for a completely unblocked opening to the cargo area. These wagons are often sought out for use in demolition derbys due to their robust frame and leaf-spring rear end. As such, they are hard to find today in any condition. I purchased this wagon on Ebay in 2005 when I lived in Dallas. It had exactly 99,000 miles on it when it was unloaded by the seller. It now has a little over 100,200 miles on it. Besides the 250 mile trip from Dallas to Tulsa when I moved, it has been used for shows, parades, and the occasional drive in movie only. This is a 6 passenger car with a low option count. It has the Buick 455 engine with a 4 barrel carb and automatic transmission. It is finished in what appears to be the original Colonial Yellow paint, with a Brown full vinyl interior. It has air conditioning, tilt steering column, AM radio, and rooftop luggage rack, and that's about it for options. The interior is a solid 9 of 10, with no rips or tears in the seats, carpet, or headliner. There is an area of discoloration on the passenger side carpet that can be covered by a floormat. (See photo.) The dashboard is not cracked from heat, but does have a little damage on the driver's side corner where your knee hits it getting in and out. (See photo.) There are no squeaks or rattles anywhere inside this car. The radio turns on, but has very low volume and cannot be heard. The air conditioner is not cold, but is intact. The heat works fine, and the speedometer and gas gauge function properly. There is a dealer installed digital clock that works, but blows the fuse. This car has a short lived government required buzzer that sounds if the car is in drive and the driver's seat belt is not fastened. Most of these were disconnected, but mine works perfectly. I haven't found any sign of kids in this car, no candy wrappers or toys under the seats, no gum in the ashtrays. The clamshell tailgate works perfectly, but the window can be stubborn if you raise it all the way. I always stop at 3/4, and its fine. The exterior is a mystery. The sheet metal is in excellent condition, and the paint appears to be original, however there is surface rust on the whole front clip. The rest of the body is really nice. I can't find any signs of collision or paint repair to the front, so I am puzzled by the rust. There is a small amount of corrosion in the spare tire well (see photo), but that appears to be the only rust-through on the body. I have felt down to the bottom of the front fenders from the inside, and they are intact. I can't guarantee there isn't some rust under the rocker moldings. These cars are known for rusty roof channels and dog legs, this one has no rust in those locations. Except for the front clip, the paint is in good to excellent condition, with a few door dings and some buffer burn being the only faults. There is a spot on the left front fender that looks like brake fluid that marred the paint, and a small "Granny Dent" on the right front fender. (See photos) There is minor hail damage on the left rear window trim, and the driver's side rocker molding is damaged under the door pillar. Mechanically, the car runs and drives excellent. The car starts on the first try, and the transmission shifts smoothly. The front suspension creaks and groans and could use new bushings in the control arms. The steering is straight and tight, but the wheel is off center a bit. The rear end growls a little when cold and could use new fluid. The tires are in good to fair condition, but are old and should be replaced. There are the usual fluid leaks associated from sitting, the worst being the transmission front seal. I bought this car on a whim, mostly because I hated to see it go to a bidder that intended to use it for a Demo Derby car. I saw the car in person and it was just too nice to destroy. This car is a great start for someone that wants to do a quick restoration. There are no major mechanical problems to correct, and the bodywork needed is minimal. A good paint job is all this car needs to really stand out in a crowd, more than it does already. The car has a clear Texas title and is insured for $5000.00 through Heacock Classic Car Insurance.. I'd love to keep it, but I've had it for five years now, and I haven't done anything to it. I'd love it to go to someone who will do the little it needs to be perfect. My 72 Skylark gets all my extra money and affection now. (Yes, I'm a Buick guy.) I have tried to describe this Buick as accurately as possible. I've bought a stinker or two off Ebay, and I would never want to be that guy. Please feel free to call me at 918-829-5306 with any questions or if you would like any additional pictures. I can help with short term storage and I will work with your transport company. I have a car hauler and can help with delivery within a reasonable (250 miles or so) distance from Tulsa, OK. I have listed this car with NO RESERVE, and I will pull it off the local market with the first bid. Until then, it is available locally. Feel free to call for a personal showing.