1979 Buick LeSabre Limited from North America - Comments

Alternator burnt out and killed battery.

Tires dry rotted.

Two-toned with chrome.

Bought at auction.

Palm Beach Limited Edition. They said they there were 4000 of them made. No one has heard of it.

Often confused with a pimp-mobile. Wife does not want to get in it.

Seniors keep trying to buy it.

Starts smooth, rides excellent.

Young folk at auto-supply store can't believe it has an X motor in it. They say it is an olds motor, but I know different.

What is an X motor?

For the l979 Buick LaSabre engines where manufacuted by Chevrolet, Pontiact, Oldsmobile, and Buick. The motors for the 5.0L 2BBL,4BBL and the 5.7L (V.I.N. Code L) 4BB were made by Chevrolet. The 4.9L 2BBL and 4BBL were made by Pontiac; the 6.L 4BBL, the 5.7L 4BBL and 6.6L 4BBL were made by Oldsmobile. All other motors including the 5.7L V8 motor with V.I.N. code X were made by Buick motor divison.

I have had my two tone "Old Blue" about 20 years and still enjoy driving it. It has plenty of power with the 350 4 bbl bored and rebuilt before I bought it for $1800. It is the V.I.N. "x" Buick engine which according to my Chilton Buick/Oldsmobile/Pontiac manual, that I picked up for 50 cents at a Flea Market, was rated at 155 Hp at 3400 RPM while producing 280 ft.lbs. of torque at 1800 RPM. The "x" engine was also used in the 1978/79 Pontiac with the 78 rated at 290 Hp at 1600 RPM, 280 ft. lbs. torque at 1800 RPM and 165 at 4000 RPM. I have never managed to get more than 18 MPG at highway speeds-but who cares-no payments and low priced parts such as $39 alternators and starters make up for the low gas mileage.

I've heard of the 1979 LeSabre Palm Beach. It was a limited edition offered only in two tone white over yellow-beige paint with gold accent stripes, special yellow-beige cloth seats, extra wood trim inside and special emblems. I think it was offered only as a two door, not sure though. Only 4001 were made. If you have one of these in decent condition, it would be a good idea to hang on to it...you've got something kind of rare.