The 1968 Buick Lesabre, a symbol of American automotive luxury, embodied the spirit of a nation on the cusp of change. This full-sized sedan, with its sleek lines and powerful engines, captured the hearts of drivers seeking a comfortable and stylish ride.
The Lesabre’s design, a testament to the era’s love for bold aesthetics, featured a distinctive grille, flowing body lines, and spacious interiors that epitomized the American dream of comfort and opulence.
Buick, known for its innovative engineering and refined craftsmanship, crafted the Lesabre to be a statement of success and sophistication. The model’s popularity soared, becoming a mainstay on American roads and a symbol of the nation’s burgeoning prosperity.
The 1968 Buick Lesabre: A Classic of American Automotive Design
The 1968 Buick Lesabre, a full-size, four-door hardtop, represented a significant milestone in Buick’s history. It marked the introduction of a new, larger, and more luxurious design, establishing the Lesabre as a prominent model in the burgeoning American luxury car market.
This generation of the Lesabre, with its distinctive styling and advanced features, showcased Buick’s commitment to providing both comfort and performance for discerning drivers.
Key Design Elements, 1968 Buick Lesabre
The 1968 Lesabre featured a distinctive design that defined the era’s American automotive aesthetic. The car’s sleek, long hood and sweeping roofline contributed to a low, sporty profile. The prominent grille, with its vertical chrome bars, and the distinctive taillights with their horizontal arrangement, further enhanced the Lesabre’s visual appeal.
The car’s body featured sharp lines and pronounced curves, creating a sense of motion even when stationary.
The 1968 Buick Lesabre, a full-size sedan, offered a comfortable ride and plenty of space for passengers. While not as flashy as its sibling, the 1966 Buick Riviera , the Lesabre was known for its reliability and practicality, making it a popular choice for families and individuals seeking a well-rounded driving experience.
The Lesabre’s understated elegance and robust performance made it a worthy contender in the competitive market of the late 1960s.
Engine and Performance
The 1968 Lesabre was offered with a range of powerful engines, including the standard 350 cubic inch V8 and an optional 400 cubic inch V8. The standard engine delivered ample power for everyday driving, while the optional engine provided a more spirited driving experience.
The car’s smooth ride and responsive handling made it a pleasure to drive, both in urban environments and on open roads.
Interior Features
The Lesabre’s interior was designed to provide a luxurious and comfortable driving experience. The spacious cabin featured plush seating, rich upholstery, and a comprehensive array of amenities. The instrument panel, with its distinctive curved design, housed a range of gauges and controls that were both functional and stylish.
The car’s extensive sound insulation contributed to a quiet and serene driving environment.
Significance in Buick History
The 1968 Lesabre played a pivotal role in Buick’s history, marking a period of significant innovation and growth for the brand. Its success, driven by its combination of style, performance, and comfort, solidified the Lesabre’s position as a flagship model for Buick.
The car’s popularity also contributed to Buick’s overall sales success, solidifying its place as a leading American luxury car manufacturer.
Design and Styling
The 1968 Buick Lesabre, a flagship model of the Buick brand, epitomized the design trends of the late 1960s, showcasing a blend of elegance, luxury, and muscle. Its design was a departure from the more conservative styling of earlier Lesabre models, embracing the bold, flowing lines and prominent chrome accents that defined the era.
Exterior Design
The exterior of the 1968 Lesabre featured a distinctive combination of sharp angles and sweeping curves. The front end was dominated by a large, chrome-plated grille with a horizontal split, housing a pair of round headlights. The grille’s vertical bars were spaced closely together, creating a solid, imposing presence.
The hood was long and sculpted, with prominent character lines that flowed back towards the windshield. The side profile was characterized by a pronounced beltline that ran from the front fender to the rear taillights, creating a sense of motion.
The rear end was wide and rounded, with large, wraparound taillights that extended into the rear fenders. The chrome accents, including the bumpers, window trim, and door handles, were generously applied, adding to the car’s luxurious appeal.
Interior Design
The interior of the 1968 Lesabre was designed to provide a luxurious and comfortable experience. The materials used were high-quality, with plush carpets, soft vinyl upholstery, and woodgrain accents. The dashboard featured a clean, uncluttered design with a large, centrally mounted speedometer and a variety of gauges.
The steering wheel was thick and padded, providing a comfortable grip. The seats were generously sized and offered ample legroom and headroom.
Comparison to Contemporary Cars
The 1968 Lesabre’s styling was representative of the American automotive design trends of the late 1960s. It shared similarities with other contemporary cars, such as the Chevrolet Impala and Ford Galaxie, in its emphasis on size, chrome accents, and bold lines.
However, the Lesabre’s design was distinct from its competitors, featuring a more elegant and refined aesthetic. The car’s flowing lines, subtle curves, and generous use of chrome contributed to its luxurious and sophisticated image.
Engine and Performance
The 1968 Buick Lesabre offered a range of powerful engine options, each tailored to provide a unique driving experience. These engines were known for their smooth operation and ample power, making the Lesabre a popular choice for both everyday driving and long road trips.
Engine Options
The 1968 Buick Lesabre was available with three engine options:
- The standard engine was a 350 cubic inch (5.7 liter) V8, producing 230 horsepower. This engine offered a balance of power and fuel economy, making it suitable for most driving situations.
- A larger 400 cubic inch (6.6 liter) V8 was also available, generating 260 horsepower. This engine provided more power for towing and acceleration, making it ideal for those seeking a more spirited driving experience.
- For those seeking the ultimate in power, a 430 cubic inch (7.0 liter) V8 was offered, producing 340 horsepower. This engine was designed for high-performance driving and was only available in the Lesabre Custom model.
Performance Characteristics
Each engine option provided distinct performance characteristics:
- The 350 cubic inch V8 offered a smooth and comfortable ride, with adequate power for most driving situations. It was known for its fuel efficiency and reliability, making it a popular choice for everyday driving.
- The 400 cubic inch V8 provided a more powerful and responsive driving experience. It offered quicker acceleration and better towing capabilities, making it ideal for those who frequently drove with a full load or towed trailers.
- The 430 cubic inch V8 delivered the most power and performance, making the Lesabre Custom a true muscle car. It offered impressive acceleration and a thrilling driving experience, but it came at the expense of fuel economy.
Performance Compared to Competitors
The 1968 Buick Lesabre’s performance was competitive with other full-size sedans of its time. While not as sporty as some muscle cars, it offered a comfortable and powerful driving experience that appealed to a wide range of drivers. The Lesabre’s smooth ride, ample power, and luxurious interior made it a popular choice for families and individuals seeking a comfortable and stylish vehicle.
Features and Technology
The 1968 Buick Lesabre was a car of its time, offering a blend of comfort, convenience, and technology that appealed to the American consumer. It incorporated several features that were considered cutting-edge for the era, including advancements in safety and entertainment.
Standard and Optional Features
The standard features on the 1968 Lesabre were designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. These included a spacious interior with plush upholstery, a powerful engine, and a host of creature comforts. Optional features allowed buyers to further personalize their vehicles.The standard features of the 1968 Buick Lesabre included:
- A powerful 350 cubic inch V8 engine
- A three-speed automatic transmission
- Power steering
- Power brakes
- An AM radio
- A vinyl roof
- A rear window defroster
- Full wheel covers
The 1968 Lesabre also offered a wide array of optional features, allowing buyers to customize their cars to their liking. These included:
- Air conditioning
- A four-speed automatic transmission
- Power windows
- Power seats
- A tilt steering wheel
- An AM/FM radio
- A rear window antenna
- A remote control mirror
- A luggage rack
- Whitewall tires
Technological Advancements
The 1968 Buick Lesabre incorporated several technological advancements that were considered innovative for the time. These advancements contributed to the car’s safety, performance, and convenience.One notable technological advancement was the introduction of a new safety feature called the “Energy Absorbing Steering Column.” This feature was designed to reduce the risk of injury to the driver in the event of a collision.
The steering column was designed to collapse in a controlled manner, absorbing impact energy and preventing it from being transferred to the driver.Another significant technological advancement was the introduction of the “Safety-Strut Suspension System.” This system was designed to improve the car’s handling and stability, particularly in cornering and emergency maneuvers.
The Safety-Strut Suspension System used a combination of coil springs and shock absorbers to provide a more responsive and comfortable ride.
Comfort and Convenience Features
The 1968 Buick Lesabre was designed with comfort and convenience in mind. The car featured a spacious interior with plush upholstery, ample legroom and headroom, and a variety of amenities that enhanced the driving experience.The interior of the 1968 Lesabre was designed to provide a comfortable and luxurious driving experience.
The 1968 Buick Lesabre, a classic American sedan, embodied the spirit of its era with its spacious interior and powerful V8 engine. While the Lesabre was a symbol of mid-century American luxury, Buick’s history stretches back to the early days of the automobile, with models like the 1926 Buick Master setting the stage for the brand’s enduring legacy.
The Lesabre, with its iconic design and advanced features for its time, continued this tradition, solidifying Buick’s position as a leader in the automotive industry.
The car featured plush seating with generous amounts of legroom and headroom. The instrument panel was designed to be easy to read and use, with large, clear gauges and controls. The dashboard was also equipped with a variety of convenience features, such as a glove box, an ashtray, and a cigarette lighter.The 1968 Lesabre also offered a variety of comfort and convenience features that were designed to make driving more enjoyable.
The 1968 Buick Lesabre, with its classic styling and powerful engine, was a popular choice for families seeking a comfortable and stylish ride. While the Lesabre was a full-size car, Buick also offered the more compact 1963 Buick Skylark , which appealed to buyers who desired a sportier and more maneuverable vehicle.
The Lesabre, however, remained a symbol of American automotive excellence, embodying the era’s love for spacious interiors and powerful performance.
These features included:
- Power steering, which made it easier to maneuver the car, particularly at low speeds.
- Power brakes, which provided a more responsive and controlled braking experience.
- An AM radio, which allowed passengers to enjoy music while on the road.
- A rear window defroster, which helped to clear the rear window of ice and fog, improving visibility.
The 1968 Buick Lesabre was a well-equipped car that offered a blend of comfort, convenience, and technology. Its features and technological advancements made it a popular choice for American consumers seeking a stylish and reliable full-size car.
Cultural Impact and Legacy: 1968 Buick Lesabre
The 1968 Buick Lesabre, a symbol of American automotive luxury and engineering, left an indelible mark on American culture, reflecting the social and economic shifts of the late 1960s. Its sleek design, powerful engine, and luxurious features captured the spirit of an era marked by both optimism and uncertainty.
The Car’s Role in Popular Culture
The 1968 Buick Lesabre was featured prominently in popular culture, appearing in films, television shows, and music videos. Its association with wealth, status, and a sense of Americana made it a popular choice for filmmakers and musicians seeking to convey a particular mood or setting.
For example, the car appeared in the 1969 film “Easy Rider,” a quintessential counterculture movie that explored the themes of freedom and rebellion. The Lesabre’s presence in such films helped to solidify its place in the cultural landscape.
Collecting and Restoring
The 1968 Buick Lesabre, a timeless classic of American automotive design, has found a dedicated following among collectors and enthusiasts. Its elegant styling, powerful engine, and comfortable interior continue to captivate those seeking a piece of automotive history.
The Current Collector Market
The 1968 Lesabre holds a prominent position in the classic car market. While not as sought-after as some of its high-performance counterparts, it remains a desirable model for collectors, particularly those drawn to the elegance and comfort of the era.
The car’s popularity is further bolstered by its relative affordability compared to other classic Buicks.
Challenges and Rewards of Restoring a 1968 Lesabre
Restoring a 1968 Lesabre presents a rewarding journey for enthusiasts. However, it comes with its share of challenges.
Challenges
- Finding a Solid Foundation:Locating a Lesabre in good condition is often the first hurdle. Many cars have been neglected over the years, requiring extensive restoration work.
- Availability of Parts:While some parts are readily available, others can be challenging to find, especially for less common options or trim levels. Sourcing original parts may require extensive research and patience.
- Technical Expertise:Restoring a classic car demands a certain level of mechanical expertise. Understanding the intricacies of the 1968 Lesabre’s engine, transmission, and suspension systems is crucial for a successful restoration.
Rewards
- Preserving History:Restoring a 1968 Lesabre allows collectors to preserve a piece of American automotive history. These cars represent a bygone era of design and engineering.
- Personal Fulfillment:The process of restoring a classic car can be immensely fulfilling. It requires dedication, skill, and a passion for automotive history.
- Increased Value:A well-restored 1968 Lesabre can appreciate in value over time, making it a worthwhile investment for some collectors.
Finding and Maintaining a 1968 Buick Lesabre
Finding a 1968 Lesabre
- Online Marketplaces:Websites like eBay, Craigslist, and Hemmings Motor News are excellent starting points for finding 1968 Lesabres.
- Classic Car Shows and Auctions:Attending classic car shows and auctions can provide opportunities to connect with sellers and view potential restoration projects.
- Local Clubs and Forums:Joining local Buick clubs or online forums can connect you with fellow enthusiasts who may have leads on available cars or parts.
Maintaining a 1968 Lesabre
- Regular Maintenance:Performing routine maintenance, such as oil changes, tune-ups, and brake inspections, is crucial for keeping a 1968 Lesabre in optimal condition.
- Storage:Storing the car in a dry, climate-controlled environment helps prevent rust and deterioration.
- Specialized Mechanics:Finding a mechanic experienced with classic cars is essential for handling repairs and maintenance.
Closing Summary
The 1968 Buick Lesabre remains a testament to a bygone era, a time when American car manufacturers reigned supreme and automotive design prioritized style and comfort. The Lesabre’s legacy continues to resonate with car enthusiasts today, who appreciate its classic aesthetics and enduring appeal.
As a collector’s item, the 1968 Lesabre offers a glimpse into the past, reminding us of a time when driving was an experience, not just a means of transportation.