1978 Buick Regal
The Buick Regal was the top-of-the-line Buick Century when it was introduced in 1973. The Regal became its own line when the Century name was dropped in 1975. In 1978 the Regal was downsized as it shared the A-body platform with other intermediate GM products, and it stayed exclusively as a two-door model. Turbocharged V6s were always an option for the Regal, which included firmer suspensions with larger tires and sport wheels. Buick was eyeing NASCAR as a means to “win on Sunday, sell on Monday.” So in 1981 the Regal received a major facelift that sloped the front end down for better aerodynamics, helping Richard Petty win the 1981 Daytona 500. With Buick winning the NASCAR manufacturer’s title in both 1981 and 1982, to commemorate they produced the limited production Grand National Regal, which brought back performance to the marketing of Buick. To this point Buicks were considered grandma cars—not anymore. In 1983 Regal got their own “T-Type”- a Buick performance variant found on other lines. Grand National was back in 1984 running through to the end of this body in 1987. In 1987 both a lightweight “WE4” turbocharged Regal, and a modified Grand National called “GNX” were added to Buick’s performance lineup. 1987 was the last year for the A-body Regal, replaced in 1988 by the new W-body front wheel drive platform.
1978 Buick Regal
Available only as a two-door coupe, the new Regal featured a smaller, square body, which was also lightweight to help comply with the more stringent federal average fuel economy and emissions mandates. Massive bumpers and single headlights with heavy-looking square tops distinguish the Regal. Both a V8 and V6 were available, and both three- and four-speed manual transmissions and a three-speed automatic were available.
Available Models:
- Engine Options
- 196ci 3.2-L V6, 90hp
- 231ci 3.8-L V6, 105hp
- 305ci-2bbl 5.0-L V8, 135hp
- 305ci-4bbl 5.0-L V8, 160hp
1978 Grand National VIN Decoder:
First Character: Division
Second Character: Model
- J ~ Regal
- K ~ Regal Sports Coupe
- M ~ Regal
Third and Fourth Characters: Body
Fifth Character: Engine
- C ~ 196ci 2bbl-V6
- A ~ 231ci 2bbl-V6
- G ~ 231ci 2bbl-V6
- 3 ~ 231ci 2bbl-V6
- U ~ 305ci 2bbl-V8
- H ~ 305ci 4bbl-V8
Sixth Character: Year
Seventh Character: Plant
Ninth-Thirteenth Characters: Production Sequence
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