1982 Buick Regal coupe, 1982 Buick Regal Sport Coupe, 1982 Buick Regal Limited, 1982 Buick Regal Sedan, 1982 Buick Regal Estate Wagon, 1982 Buick Regal Grand National.
The 1982 Buick Regal, a nameplate that evokes images of sleek lines and, for some, muscular performance thanks to its later Grand National iteration, was a surprisingly diverse offering from General Motors. Far from being a monolithic model, the 1982 Regal lineup showcased a spectrum of body styles, trim levels, and performance orientations, catering to a variety of tastes and budgets. This year marked a subtle but significant evolution for the Regal, bridging the gap between the practical and the performance-oriented, all within the distinctive G-body platform. Let’s delve into the nuances of each variant, dissecting their specifications, options, and production numbers to understand what made the 1982 Regal a multifaceted player in its segment.
The Foundation: 1982 Buick Regal Coupe
At its core, the 1982 Buick Regal Coupe represented the quintessential two-door offering. Sharing the same crisp, angular styling that defined the second-generation Regal, it provided a balance of personal luxury and sporty appeal. Visually, it was characterized by its formal roofline, horizontal grille, and prominent rectangular headlights. The base Coupe was the entry point into the Regal family, offering a relatively unadorned yet stylish package.
Specifications & Powertrain: Under the hood, the standard engine for the Coupe was the venerable 3.8L V6, producing approximately 110 horsepower. This engine was known for its decent torque and fuel efficiency, a crucial selling point in the early 1980s. An optional upgrade was the 4.3L V6 diesel, offering even greater economy but at the cost of performance, typically around 85 horsepower. Both engines were mated to a 3-speed Turbo Hydramatic automatic transmission.
Options & Features: The base Coupe could be optioned with a range of creature comforts. Power steering and power brakes were standard, but buyers could opt for air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, cruise control, and upgraded interior fabrics. Exterior options included different wheel covers, body side moldings, and a vinyl roof.
Production Numbers: The standard Regal Coupe was the workhorse of the lineup, with Buick producing a significant number of units. While precise figures for just the base Coupe can be challenging to isolate from other Coupe variants, the overall Regal Coupe production for 1982 was substantial, reflecting its broad appeal. It’s estimated that over 100,000 Regals of all body styles were produced in 1982, with the Coupe likely representing the lion’s share.
The Sportier Persona: 1982 Buick Regal Sport Coupe
Stepping up from the base Coupe, the Regal Sport Coupe injected a dose of performance-oriented styling and features. While mechanically sharing much with the standard Coupe, the Sport Coupe was designed to appeal to those who desired a more aggressive aesthetic.
Specifications & Powertrain: The Sport Coupe typically came standard with the more powerful 3.8L V6, often tuned for slightly more output, though official horsepower figures remained around 110 hp. The key difference often lay in the availability of performance-oriented options. A notable option, though not universally equipped or exclusive to the Sport Coupe, was the 4.3L V6 Turbocharged engine. In 1982, this engine was a refined version of the earlier turbocharged V6s, producing around 120 horsepower. This offered a noticeable boost in acceleration and was a stepping stone towards the more potent performance variants. The transmission remained the 3-speed automatic.
Options & Features: The Sport Coupe often came with a sportier suspension tuning, larger wheels, and distinctive exterior accents. Options could include a hood decal or stripe package, bucket seats with a center console, a tachometer, and upgraded gauge clusters. The goal was to visually and functionally differentiate it from the standard Coupe.
Production Numbers: The Sport Coupe was a popular choice for those seeking a bit more excitement. Production numbers were less than the base Coupe but still significant, indicating a strong market for this sportier trim. It’s estimated that tens of thousands of Sport Coupes were produced.
The Practical Choice: 1982 Buick Regal Sedan
For those who prioritized practicality and passenger space, the Regal Sedan offered a four-door solution within the stylish Regal package. Retaining the fundamental design cues of the Regal, the Sedan adapted them into a more family-friendly configuration.
Specifications & Powertrain: The Sedan shared the same engine options as the Coupe: the 3.8L V6 (110 hp) and the 4.3L V6 diesel (85 hp), both paired with the 3-speed automatic transmission. The focus here was on comfortable cruising and efficient transportation rather than athletic prowess.
Options & Features: The Sedan offered amenities geared towards passenger comfort. Air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, and a more comfortable bench seat were common. The rear bench seat provided ample legroom for passengers. Exterior options were similar to the Coupe, focusing on refinement rather than sportiness.
Production Numbers: The Sedan represented Buick’s commitment to offering a broader appeal for the Regal nameplate. While not as numerous as the Coupes, the Sedan sold well, catering to a demographic that appreciated the Regal’s styling but needed the practicality of four doors. Production was in the tens of thousands.
The Versatile Workhorse: 1982 Buick Regal Estate Wagon
The Regal Estate Wagon was a fascinating integration of the Regal’s upscale styling with the utility of a station wagon. This variant tapped into the burgeoning market for mid-size wagons that offered a touch of luxury.
Specifications & Powertrain: The Estate Wagon typically featured the standard 3.8L V6 (110 hp) as its primary engine. The diesel option was also available, though less common in the wagon body style. The 3-speed automatic transmission was standard. The weight of the wagon body likely influenced its performance characteristics.
Options & Features: As an “Estate” model, this wagon was designed to offer a more premium experience. Features often included woodgrain exterior paneling (simulated, of course), a rear-facing third-row seat (a popular wagon feature of the era), a power tailgate, and upgraded interior trim. The practicality of the wagon was emphasized, with ample cargo space and the ability to transport multiple passengers.
Production Numbers: The Estate Wagon was a niche but appreciated member of the Regal family. Its combination of styling and utility appealed to a specific buyer. Production numbers were lower than the Coupe and Sedan variants, reflecting its more specialized market segment. Estimates place its production in the thousands, not tens of thousands.
The Pinnacle of Luxury: 1982 Buick Regal Limited
The Regal Limited represented the zenith of luxury within the 1982 Regal lineup, excluding the upcoming performance halo. This trim level focused on refinement, comfort, and advanced features for its time.
Specifications & Powertrain: The Limited could be equipped with the standard 3.8L V6 (110 hp), but buyers could also opt for the more potent 4.9L V8 engine. This V8, an option that became increasingly rare in GM’s lineup due to emissions regulations and the embrace of smaller, more efficient engines, offered approximately 145 horsepower. This V8 provided a more substantial and smooth power delivery. The transmission remained the 3-speed automatic.
Options & Features: The Limited was lavishly equipped. Standard features included plush velour or optional leather seating, upgraded interior trim, power windows and locks, cruise control, automatic climate control, and a premium sound system. Exterior cues often included unique badging, chrome accents, and specific wheel covers. The Limited was designed to compete with other personal luxury coupes and sedans of the era, offering a refined and comfortable driving experience.
Production Numbers: The Limited was a well-appointed and desirable trim. Its production numbers reflected its position as a premium offering, likely in the tens of thousands, but generally less than the base models.
The Legend’s Genesis: 1982 Buick Regal Grand National
The year 1982 marked the birth of a legend: the Regal Grand National. While not initially the fire-breathing monster of later years, the first Grand National was a significant departure, focusing on a two-toned gray paint job, a performance-oriented aesthetic and a potent powertrain.
Specifications & Powertrain: The heart of the 1982 Grand National was the 4.3L V6 Turbocharged engine. This was not the same as the optional turbo in the Sport Coupe; it was a more robustly built and tuned version, officially rated at 175 horsepower. This engine, coupled with the 3-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission (often with a stronger torque converter) and a rear-wheel-drive G-body chassis, offered exhilarating performance for its time, especially for a V6. The Grand National also featured a performance-tuned suspension and brakes.
Options & Features: The most striking feature of the Grand National was its two color (gray/silver) exterior paint scheme and interior. This signature look was a deliberate departure from the chrome-laden styling of other Regals. Other unique features included special badging, a hood scoop (functional or for appearance), a tachometer, and sportier interior accents. The focus was clearly on performance and a menacing presence. The Grand National was only offered as a coupe.
Production Numbers: The 1982 Grand National was an incredibly limited-production vehicle. Buick intentionally produced it in small numbers to gauge market interest and establish its exclusive status. Production figures for the 1982 Grand National are famously low, often cited at just 215 units. This rarity is a key factor in its current desirability among collectors.
Conclusion: A Year of Diverse Regal Offerings
The 1982 Buick Regal lineup was a testament to GM’s strategy of offering a diverse range of vehicles on a common platform. From the practical Sedan and versatile Estate Wagon to the stylish Coupe and the burgeoning luxury of the Limited, there was a Regal for almost everyone. However, it was the nascent Grand National that truly set the stage for the future, hinting at the performance powerhouse that would redefine the Regal’s legacy in the years to come. Understanding the distinctions between these models – their powertrains, features, and production numbers – reveals not just a year of automotive history, but a carefully crafted strategy to appeal to a broad spectrum of consumers, with a bold promise of performance lurking in the shadows.
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