T-Type was the performance marker used on Buick automobiles during the 1980s. Marketed during a hiatus of the Gran Sport branding, the T-Type vehicles were the sportiest versions of each Buick model line, in line with Super Sport-branded Chevrolet vehicles. In addition to handling and performance upgrades, T-Type vehicles were distinguished by exterior styling, with chrome trim reduced or blacked out altogether and some models featuring two-tone paintwork; all vehicles were fitted with aluminum wheels.
The first T-Type Buick was the 1981 Riviera, with Buick also offering T-Type versions of nearly its entire line, including the Century, Electra, LeSabre, Regal, Skylark, Somerset, and Skyhawk (excluding only the full-size Estate station wagon and the Reatta sports car).
At the end of the 1980s, Buick shifted away from performance-oriented vehicles across its entire line, though the Gran Sport/GS branding would return to use for the Buick Regal (from 1989 to the present day).
History
The first model marketed with the T-Type (T=Touring) option package was the 1981 Buick Riviera, as Buick renamed its S-Type option package with sportier trim, suspension, and its turbocharged V6 engine. In 1983, multiple models followed; along with the Regal (which also shared its 3.8L turbocharged V6 with the Riviera), Buick introduced T-Type versions of its newest models: the Century, Skylark, and Skyhawk.
The Regal T-Type brought the return of the Regal Grand National, sharing its turbocharged powertrain and exterior trim (though the Grand National was now painted completely black); both form the basis of the 1987 Buick GNX (as of current production, the fastest-accelerating Buick ever produced). In 1984, the reputation of turbocharged Buicks grew when a Grand National defeated a Corvette in a quarter-mile run featuring GM vehicles, thus creating a rare instance of "the fastest American car" that was not made by Chevrolet (despite its 3.8L V6 vs. the 5.7L V8 of the Corvette).
During the 1980s, several additional models received the T-Type package. Following its downsizing, the Electra T-Type was introduced for 1985 (including the rare Electra T-Type coupe). For 1986, the Somerset T-Type replaced the Skylark T-Type coupe; the first Skylark T-Type sedan was introduced for 1987. For 1987, the LeSabre T-Type replaced the LeSabre Grand National.
At the end of the 1980s, Buick began to phase the T-Type options out of its product lines. In 1987, the stand-alone T-Type option package was dropped in favor of several free-standing options featuring the upgraded performance features, exterior, and interior trim separately.
T-Type interiors typically featured front bucket seats, with center console-mounted shifter, though 1981-1985 Rivieras featured bucket seats, a small console and column shifter. T-Type Electras and Centurys also retained a column shifter with bucket seats and a center console (as a front bench seat was technically standard). The T-Type logo consisted of a large red letter "T", and the word "Type" in small black or white letters. The emblems were only placed on the fenders and on some later models (1986) a grille emblem was used. The single T was only used on the turbo Regals and only in 1987.
T-Type models
thumb|A 1986 Regal T-Type
Riviera T-Type
For 1981, Buick introduced the Riviera T-Type, replacing the S-Type from 1979-1980. Featuring the turbocharged 3.8L V6 from the Regal, the T-Type was intended as a sportier version of the model line, fitted with sportier front seats, Grand Touring suspension, aluminum wheels, and black exterior trim (including side mirrors). For 1984, the T-Type dropped its optional V8 engine, offering only the turbocharged V6; the facelift added additional black trim.
For 1986, the T-Type became an option for the seventh-generation Riviera. Though the turbocharged V6 was dropped, the new option again featured a Gran Touring suspension, 15-inch aluminum wheels, and upgraded seat and interior trim. For 1987, a two-tone exterior (with a silver lower body) was made standard. For 1988, the Buick-designed 3800 V6 became the standard engine for the model line. After the 1988 model year, the T-Type option was dropped from the Riviera (alongside its internal touchscreen option).
Century T-Type
The 1983-1986 Century T-Type was introduced as a cosmetic and performance option package for the two-door and four-door Century. Largely bridging the gap between the Chevrolet Celebrity Eurosport and the Pontiac 6000STE, the Century T-Type was styled with a dechromed roofline and rear fascia, the deletion of the hood ornament, T-Type badging, and 15-inch aluminum wheels. While fitted with the same suspension and powertrain as the T-Type, the Grand Sport was completely devoid of brightwork, with the exception of badging and its aluminum 15-inch wheels. While sharing the stock 3.8L V6 with other LeSabres (a turbocharged version in development was cancelled While the T option could be combined with the turbo engine, few were sold; as a running change, the combination became denoted as the lightweight WE4 "Turbo T" option.
As the Regal moved to the W-body platform for 1988, Buick retired the T-Type option from the model line.
Skylark T-Type
The 1983-1984 Skylark T-Type replaced the Skylark Sport, offered as an option package for the two-door sedan. Largely a Buick counterpart to the Chevrolet Citation X-11 (which used the same GM X-body platform), the Skylark T-Type was fitted with a 2.8L V6, firmer suspension, numerically-higher gearing, and wider 14-inch wheels. For 1987, the Skylark T-Type returned; a redesign made it the four-door counterpart of the Somerset.
For the 1988 model year, the Skylark/Somerset T-Type was retired, with the coupe reverting to the Skylark nameplate.
Skyhawk T-Type
For 1983, Buick introduced the Skyhawk T-Type. Along with serving as the sportiest variant, the T-Type served as the flagship trim for the two-door coupe, offering the highest feature content. Though the Skyhawk did not feature a traditional grille between the headlamps, its lower grille opening below the bumper was blacked out (along with the headlamp openings) and featured amber front turn signals; in line with its Skylark counterpart, the Skyhawk T-Type was styled with a two-tone exterior. The T-Type was offered with a 1.8L inline-4; for 1984, a turbocharged version of the engine became an option (unavailable with a 5-speed manual transmission). The T-Type also became the first Skyhawk available with the 3-door hatchback bodystyle (offered by Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac since 1982). For 1987 (in line with the Regal), the T-Type trim was repackaged into several stand-alone options; while the appearance option lost its two-tone paint, turbocharged cars were now fitted with 14-inch wheels.
Legacy
Buick ended the T-Type line following the retirement of the 1990 Electra (the final year of the nameplate). The retirement of the T-Type stemmed from several factors. While demand for performance-oriented cars remained in place, the sales of several Buick model lines had collapsed, leading to their discontinuation. Buick would exit the subcompact segment entirely at the decade, leading to the demise of the Skyhawk T-Type. The Regal T-Type was retired after 1987, following the ground-up redesign of the model line (and its change of market segments). While receiving critical praise,