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10 Buicks Only Enthusiasts Remember — And Still Want

Cameron Eittreim November 30, 2025

Buick has carved a unique niche in American automotive lore, blending luxury, innovation, and performance for over a century. Car enthusiasts and collectors remain drawn to select rare models—machines that not only exemplify engineering excellence but also embody the brand’s storied past. From supercharged muscle cars to elegant pre-war cruisers, these Buicks stand as symbols of ambition and style. Their enduring appeal is evident at auctions and car shows, where discerning fans celebrate their legacy. For a deeper dive into Buick’s history, visit the Historic Vehicle Association or Buick’s official history page.

1. 1954 Buick Skylark

1. 1954 Buick Skylark
A beautifully restored 1954 Buick Skylark convertible gleams in the sunlight, showcasing timeless vintage Buick elegance. | Image from www.pickpik.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The 1954 Buick Skylark stands as a dazzling testament to mid-century automotive artistry. With only 836 units produced, its scarcity amplifies its desirability among collectors. Notable for its hand-built details, distinctive wire wheels, and a dramatic wraparound windshield, the Skylark embodied both innovation and elegance. Its lavish styling and limited production make it one of Buick’s most sought-after classics. For more details, see the Hagerty: 1954 Buick Skylark valuation guide.

2. 1970 Buick GSX Stage 1

2. 1970 Buick GSX Stage 1
A classic 1970s Buick GSX muscle car gleams under the sun, showcasing bold stripes and iconic vintage styling. | Image from www.rawpixel.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The 1970 Buick GSX Stage 1 is revered among muscle car aficionados for its formidable 455 cubic inch V8 engine, delivering breathtaking torque and acceleration. Produced in limited numbers—only a few hundred units—it emerged as a true rival to the top performers of its era. Its distinctive stripes, rear spoiler, and bold colors make it instantly recognizable. Over time, the GSX Stage 1 has become a symbol of Buick’s high-performance ambitions. Explore its legacy at Hemmings: 1970 Buick GSX.

3. 1936 Buick Century

3. 1936 Buick Century
A beautifully restored 1930s Buick Century gleams under the sunlight, showcasing its timeless vintage design and classic curves. | Image from www.pickpik.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The 1936 Buick Century is often hailed as one of America’s first ‘factory hot rods.’ By pairing a lightweight body with Buick’s robust straight-eight engine, the Century delivered impressive speed and performance for its era. This innovative combination made it especially popular among driving enthusiasts and helped establish Buick’s early reputation for power. Discover more about this iconic prewar model at Hagerty: 1936 Buick Century.

4. Buick GNX (1987)

4. Buick GNX (1987)
A sleek 1980s Buick GNX muscle car sits gleaming in the sun, showcasing its turbocharged power and bold lines. | Image from www.publicdomainpictures.net (Creative Commons Licensed)

The 1987 Buick GNX is a legend in the world of performance cars. Developed in partnership with McLaren, this limited-production powerhouse saw only 547 examples leave the factory. Its turbocharged V6 engine catapulted it from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 4.6 seconds, outperforming many exotic sports cars of its era. The GNX’s stealthy looks and extraordinary acceleration have secured its place as a highly coveted collector’s item. Learn more from Car and Driver: Buick GNX.

5. 1953 Buick Roadmaster Skylark

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A beautifully restored 1953 Buick Skylark Roadmaster convertible gleams under the sun, showcasing its timeless classic design. | Image from libguides.humboldt.edu (Creative Commons Licensed)

The 1953 Buick Roadmaster Skylark debuted as a limited-edition convertible to commemorate Buick’s 50th anniversary. Renowned for its elegant, sweeping lines and opulent interior, the Skylark set new standards for postwar luxury. It also marked Buick’s first use of a modern V8 engine, making it as powerful as it was beautiful. Today, this milestone model remains highly prized among collectors. Get the full story at MotorTrend: 1953 Buick Skylark.

6. 1982 Buick Grand National

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A sleek 1980s Buick Grand National shows off its turbocharged power, gleaming under the afternoon sun. | Image from www.rawpixel.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The 1982 Buick Grand National marked the bold debut of a performance icon. Produced in limited numbers, it featured a striking two-tone silver and charcoal paint scheme and was powered by a turbocharged V6 engine. This inaugural Grand National established a legacy of speed and style, paving the way for even more potent models in the years that followed. Discover more about its origins at Hemmings: 1982 Grand National.

7. 1963 Buick Riviera

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A gleaming 1960s Buick Riviera coupe sits parked, showcasing its timeless curves and classic luxury detailing. | Image from www.pickpik.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The 1963 Buick Riviera is hailed as a design icon, introducing crisp, European-influenced styling to the American luxury coupe segment. Penned by legendary designer Bill Mitchell, the Riviera’s sharp lines, hidden headlights, and refined interior set new standards for elegance and sophistication. Its combination of athletic handling and V8 power delivered an engaging driving experience. The 1963 Riviera continues to inspire admiration for its timeless beauty and innovation. Discover its story at Hagerty: 1963 Buick Riviera.

8. 1975 Buick Century Free Spirit

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A striking 1970s Buick Century Free Spirit special edition sits trackside, showcasing its bold NASCAR-inspired graphics and colors. | Image from www.rawpixel.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The 1975 Buick Century Free Spirit was a special edition created to honor Buick’s participation in NASCAR. Sporting vibrant red, white, and blue graphics, this limited-run model stands out as one of the era’s most patriotic vehicles. Its unique appearance and racing heritage have made the Free Spirit a quirky and desirable collector’s item. Learn more at Jalopnik: Free Spirit Century.

9. 1988 Buick Reatta

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The 1988 Buick Reatta stands out as a bold experiment in luxury and technology. Hand-built in limited quantities, the Reatta featured a futuristic digital dashboard and distinctive, aerodynamic styling. Buick aimed to capture the spirit of a refined sports coupe, but despite its innovations, production numbers remained modest. Today, the Reatta is a favorite among collectors seeking something unique. Read more at Autoweek: Buick Reatta.

10. 1941 Buick Special Sedanette

10. 1941 Buick Special Sedanette
A beautifully restored 1940s Buick Special Sedanette fastback gleams under the sun, showcasing its classic curves and chrome details. | Image from www.hippopx.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The 1941 Buick Special Sedanette is celebrated for its striking fastback shape and elegant Art Deco accents. Its streamlined roofline and flowing fenders captured the spirit of prewar automotive design, making it a standout in any collection. Vintage car enthusiasts and restorers continue to admire the Sedanette for its timeless beauty and historical charm. Learn more about this classic at Hemmings: 1941 Buick Special.

Timeless Appeal: Why These Buicks Endure

Timeless Appeal: Why These Buicks Endure
A stunning lineup of classic Buicks shines at a vintage automobile gathering, showcasing a passionate car collection. | Image from www.rawpixel.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

These rare Buicks stand as icons of innovation, style, and performance, each leaving a unique mark on automotive history. Their groundbreaking designs and engineering achievements have influenced car culture for generations. Today, collectors value these models not just for their scarcity, but for the stories they tell and the craftsmanship they represent. As highlighted by sources like the Historic Vehicle Association, their legacy lives on—ensuring they remain highly sought-after treasures.

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