Buick Reatta Coupe
The Buick Reatta was one of the most ambitious and unconventional cars General Motors produced during the late 1980s, a hand-built two-seat luxury coupe that attempted to bring European-style personal luxury to Buick's traditionally conservative customer base. Though it sold in modest numbers and was discontinued after just four years, the Reatta introduced several technological innovations that were years ahead of their time.
The Reatta was built at a dedicated 'Craft Centre' within Buick's Lansing facility, where teams of technicians assembled each car by hand rather than on a conventional assembly line. This artisanal approach allowed for closer quality control and a level of build precision that was unusual for an American car of its era. Each Reatta took considerably longer to build than a standard production vehicle.
The most revolutionary feature was the Electronic Control Center (ECC), a CRT touchscreen mounted in the center console that controlled climate, audio, diagnostic, and trip computer functions. Introduced in 1986 (making it one of the first automotive touchscreens), the ECC was prophetic in concept but limited by the technology of its era. The system was slow to respond and the screen was difficult to read in bright sunlight, leading Buick to replace it with conventional buttons for the 1990 model year.
Mechanically, the Reatta was based on the Riviera's version of the GM E/K platform, shortened to create a two-seat configuration. The 3.8-liter V6 (Buick's venerable 231 cubic inch unit) produced 165 horsepower through a four-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels. While not particularly quick, the Reatta offered smooth, refined performance that matched its luxury-touring character.
The suspension featured independent components at all four corners, providing handling that was competent if not sporting. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS were standard, as were power everything, leather interior, and an impressive list of standard equipment that reflected the car's $26,700 base price, a substantial sum in 1988.
The Reatta's styling was distinctive, with a low, wedge-shaped profile, pop-up headlamps, and smooth body sides that gave it a European flair. The two-seat configuration was both a selling point and a limitation, making it more exclusive than a Riviera but less practical for most buyers.
A convertible version was added for 1990, becoming the first Buick convertible in 15 years. Only 2,437 convertibles were produced across the 1990 and 1991 model years, making them considerably rarer than the coupe.
Total Reatta production was approximately 21,751 units before Buick discontinued the model after 1991 due to slow sales. The car's combination of hand-built construction, innovative technology, and low production numbers has attracted a dedicated collector following. The convertible models, in particular, have been appreciating as their rarity becomes more widely recognized.
The convertible (1990-1991) is significantly more collectible than the coupe. The CRT touchscreen (1988-1989) adds novelty but is expensive to repair if malfunctioning. The 3.8L V6 is extremely reliable but check for intake manifold gasket leaks (common on all 3800-series engines). The 4T60 transmission should shift smoothly. Check for typical E/K platform issues including power window regulators, ABS module failure, and climate control actuator problems. Pop-up headlamp motors can fail.
Total production: approximately 21,751 units (1988: 4,708; 1989: 7,009; 1990: 6,383; 1991: 1,214 coupes + 305 convertibles). The 1990-1991 convertible models total approximately 2,437 units. All Reattas were hand-assembled at the Buick Reatta Craft Centre in Lansing, Michigan. The CRT touchscreen was used for 1988-1989 models, replaced by conventional controls for 1990-1991.