Riviera T-Type
For 1981, Buick introduced the Riviera T-Type, replacing the S-Type from 1979-1980. Featuring the turbocharged 3.8L V6 from the Regal, the T-Type was intended as a sportier version of the model line, fitted with sportier front seats, Grand Touring suspension, aluminum wheels, and black exterior trim (including side mirrors).[3] For 1984, the T-Type dropped its optional V8 engine, offering only the turbocharged V6; the facelift added additional black trim.[4]
For 1986, the T-Type became an option for the seventh-generation Riviera. Though the turbocharged V6 was dropped, the new option again featured a Gran Touring suspension, 15-inch aluminum wheels, and upgraded seat and interior trim.[5] For 1987, a two-tone exterior (with a silver lower body) was made standard.[6] For 1988, the Buick-designed 3800 V6 became the standard engine for the model line.[7] After the 1988 model year, the T-Type option was dropped from the Riviera (alongside its internal touchscreen option).[8]
Century T-Type
The 1983-1986 Century T-Type was introduced as a cosmetic and performance option package for the two-door and four-door Century.[9] Largely bridging the gap between the Chevrolet Celebrity Eurosport and the Pontiac 6000STE, the Century T-Type was styled with a dechromed roofline and rear fascia, the deletion of the hood ornament, T-Type badging, and 15-inch aluminum wheels.[9] The interior was upgraded with standard bucket seats and a center console (a column shifter remained standard); upgraded leather seats were offered as an option.[9] For 1983, the 3.0L V6 was standard, with the 3.8L V6 becoming the standard engine for the T-Type option; the model was fitted with upgraded suspension.[9]
For 1986, the Century T-Type option was offered for the four-door, as the two-door was offered as the Century Gran Sport.[9][10]
Electra T-Type
The 1985-1990 Electra T-Type was marketed as a sportier upgrade trim of the Buick Electra, slotted beside the flagship Park Avenue. Initially paired with the 3.8L V6 (which became the sole engine offering for 1986), the Electra T-Type traded the Dynaride suspension for a firmer-riding Gran Touring suspension. Along with larger 15-inch aluminum wheels, the T-Type was distinguished by the deletion of lower chrome trim (with the exception of the bumpers and body moldings); the front and rear turn signals were changed in color to amber.
Initially offered for both the Electra two-door and four-door, the T-Type option became exclusive to the four-door from 1986 onward.
Through its production, the Electra T-Type saw few major changes, largely facing internal competition following the introduction from the Oldsmobile Touring Sedan and the Buick Park Avenue Ultra. Following the 1990 retirement of the sixth-generation Electra, Buick retired the T-Type line altogether.
LeSabre T-Type
The 1987-1989 LeSabre T-Type was introduced as sports trim option package, replacing the 1986 LeSabre Grand National (designed to homologate the model line for NASCAR racing).[11] While sharing the stock 3.8L V6 with other LeSabres (a turbocharged version in development was cancelled[11]), the LeSabre T-Type was fitted with upgraded suspension (more aggressive than the Pontiac Bonneville SSE[11]), revised gearing (to improve acceleration and top speed), and larger wheels and tires (5-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels, distinguished by black centers).[11] In line with the Century Gran Sport, the LeSabre T-Type was devoid of chrome trim (with the exception of its Buick badging and its wheels); as with the Electra T-Type, the rear turn signals were amber in color.
Following the 1989 model year, the T-Type was dropped from the LeSabre model line.
Regal T-Type
For 1983, Buick introduced the Regal T-Type, renaming the turbocharged Regal Sports Coupe sold from 1978-1982. In contrast to the standard/Limited-trim Regal, the T-Type was fitted with a three-spoke sport-steering wheel, sport bucket seats, and upgraded suspension and steering. As with the Century T-Type, the Regal T-Type was styled with blackout trim (with the exception of the bumpers), silver alloy wheels, and model-specific badging.
For 1987, the T-Type was repackaged, becoming the Y56 "T" option package, featuring the upgraded suspension and steering separate from the turbocharged engine; the blackout trim became a stand-alone WO2 option for any Regal.[12] While the T option could be combined with the turbo engine, few were sold; as a running change, the combination became denoted as the lightweight WE4 "Turbo T" option.[12] Featuring aluminum bumpers and rear brakes, the Turbo T is the lightest-weight turbocharged Regal; though slower than the GNX, the vehicle can rival the Grand National in acceleration.[13]
As the Regal moved to the W-body platform for 1988, Buick retired the T-Type option from the model line.
Skylark T-Type
The 1983-1984 Skylark T-Type replaced the Skylark Sport, offered as an option package for the two-door sedan.[14] Largely a Buick counterpart to the Chevrolet Citation X-11 (which used the same GM X-body platform), the Skylark T-Type was fitted with a 2.8L V6, firmer suspension, numerically-higher gearing, and wider 14-inch wheels.[14] Though adopting the same grille design of the standard Skylark, the Skylark T-Type blacked it out (along with the headlight surrounds); the taillamps were specific to the option package.[14] While carrying over the lower front spoiler from the Sport, the T-Type was fitted with body-color bumpers and blacked-out window trim.[14] The interior was upgraded over the Custom/Limited with front bucket seats, sportier trim, and a three-spoke steering wheel.[14]
The Skylark T-Type was dropped for 1985 as the model line became solely a four-door sedan; the newly introduced Somerset coupe adopted the T-Type option from the Skylark. While also offering a blacked-out exterior appearance, the option package focused primarily on handling upgrades.
Skyhawk T-Type
For 1983, Buick introduced the Skyhawk T-Type. Along with serving as the sportiest variant, the T-Type served as the flagship trim for the two-door coupe, offering the highest feature content.[17] Though the Skyhawk did not feature a traditional grille between the headlamps, its lower grille opening below the bumper was blacked out (along with the headlamp openings) and featured amber front turn signals; in line with its Skylark counterpart, the Skyhawk T-Type was styled with a two-tone exterior.[17][18] The T-Type was offered with a 1.8L inline-4; for 1984, a turbocharged version of the engine became an option (unavailable with a 5-speed manual transmission).[18]
For 1986, the Skyhawk T-Type underwent a slight facelift, adopting concealed headlamps.[19] The T-Type also became the first Skyhawk available with the 3-door hatchback bodystyle (offered by Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac since 1982). For 1987 (in line with the Regal), the T-Type trim was repackaged into several stand-alone options; while the appearance option lost its two-tone paint, turbocharged cars were now fitted with 14-inch wheels.
