Buick Regal (1st generation)
The birth of a nameplate that defined Buick's personal luxury era.
- Power
- 105 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 13.5 s
- Top speed
- 103 mph
- Est. value
- $7k–$22k
About the Buick Regal
Introduced in 1973 as a top-tier version of the Century, the first-generation Buick Regal was positioned as a 'personal luxury' car to compete with the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. It featured the distinctive 'Colonnade' hardtop styling, mandated by upcoming federal rollover standards, which replaced true pillarless designs with fixed B-pillars. While the 350 cubic-inch V8 was standard at launch, the 231 cubic-inch (3.8-litre) V6 became a significant option later in the generation due to the 1973 oil crisis. This model established the Regal as a comfortable, quiet cruiser with a more formal interior than its stablemates.
Buick Regal specs
The Buick Regal produces 105 bhp (78 kW) and 251 Nm (185 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 13.5 seconds and has a top speed of 103 mph (165 km/h).
| Make | Buick |
|---|---|
| Model | Regal |
| Generation | First Generation (1st generation) |
| Trim | 3.8 |
| Years | 1973–1977 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Country | United States |
| Production | About 91,557 built |
| Original price | About $3,400 when new |
| Engine | 3.8-litre V6 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,800 cc (3.8 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 105 bhp (78 kW) at 3,400 rpm |
| Torque | 251 Nm (185 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 4,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 13.5 s |
| Top speed | 103 mph (165 km/h) |
| Transmission | 3-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,740 kg (3,836 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 60 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Buick Regal worth?
A typical Buick Regal is estimated to be worth $6,500 – $22,000 (about £4,800 – £16,000).
Its original price when new was about $3,400.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Buick Regal rarity in CarSpot
The Buick Regal is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 33 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Buick Regal fun facts
- The 1973 Regal was one of the first GM cars to feature the 'Colonnade' body style, which used slim but fixed centre pillars for improved safety.
- Though the 3.8L V6 became famous in later Regals, in 1973 the model was initially marketed almost exclusively with V8 engines to maintain its luxury status.
- The Regal nameplate was so successful that it eventually replaced the Century name for Buick's mid-size luxury offerings for several decades.
