1986 Buick Parts and Restoration Information

1986 Buick VINS, Production Numbers, Fact and Figures

Trying to decode your 1986 Buick VIN to find out where it was made, or exactly what model it is? Keep reading as we have all the information below to help you out!

Take a walk down memory lane and check out the full sales brochure for 1986 Buicks!

1986 Buick VIN Breakdown

Vehicle Identification Number – VIN

The Buick VIN number for 1986 had 17 Characters.

1st = country code Number “1” is for USA.
2nd = Company code, “G” is for GM
3rd = What division of GM, “4” is for Buick.
4th Restraint type
5th = Tell what TYPE of car it is (Skylark, Century, Riviera, ect..)
B – Regal Custom
C – Skylark Custom – Reatta
D – Skylark Limited Regal Limited
F – Electra T-type
H – Century Custom
J – Skylark Somerset Custom
L – LeSabre T-Type
M,K – Skylark Somerset
P – LeSabre Custom
R – LeSabre
S,T – Skyhawk
E – Skyhawk T-Type
X – Electra
W – Electra Park Ave
F – Electra T-Type
V – Electra Estate Wagon
Y – Riviera T-Type
Z – Riviera
6th and 7th = Tells Body Style
11 – Electra 2dr sedan
19 – Electra 4dr
27 – 2dr coupe
35 – 4dr wagon
37 – LeSabre 2dr coupe
47 – Regal 2dr
57 – Riviera 2dr coupe
69 – 4dr sedan
8th = Engine Code
O – 110ci L4 TBI
J – Turbo 110ci L4
P – 121ci L4
U – 151ci
R – 151ci
X – 173ci V6 2bl carb
L – 181ci V6
A – 231ci v6 2bl Carb
3 – 231ci V6 2bl carb SFI
B – 231ci v6
7 – 231 ci turbo
T – Diesel 231ci V6
Y – 307ci V8 4bl carb
9th = check digit
10th = tell what year it is “G” = 1986
11th = What Plant the car was Produced
D – Doraville GA
M – Lansing MI
T – Tarrytown NY
6 – Oklahoma City OK
H – Flint MI
K – Leeds, MO
X – Fairfax, KS
1 – Wentzville MO
12th – 17th = Production Sequence numbers

1986 Buick Production Numbers

model year 1986 – Buick all version, total production U.S. – 850103 units

model year 1986 – Buick all version, total 4-cyl. – 333281 units

model year 1986 – Buick all version, total V-6 – 42699 units

model year 1986 – Buick all version, total V-8 – 74124 units

model year 1986 – Buick all version, total turbocharged – 10171 units

calendar year 1986 – Buick all version, total production U.S. – 775966 units

model year 1986 – Buick all version, total sales U.S. – 757001 units

calendar year 1986 – Buick all version, total sales U.S. – 769434 units

1986 Buick Interesting Facts

In 1986, Buick introduced a new “Powermaster” brake system that combined the power brake booster and master cylinder into a single unit for improved braking performance.
The 1986 Buick Grand National was one of the fastest cars of its time, with a turbocharged V6 engine that produced 235 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds and complete a quarter-mile in 13.9 seconds.
The Buick Riviera T-Type was introduced in 1986 as a limited-edition model with a turbocharged V6 engine and sport suspension. Only 1,250 units were produced.
Buick introduced a new “Electronic Level Control” system for its full-size cars in 1986, which used an electronic sensor to maintain the vehicle’s ride height by adjusting the air pressure in the rear shocks.
The 1986 Buick Somerset was the first front-wheel-drive Buick to be sold in Europe. It was marketed as the Opel Calibra and Vauxhall Calibra in Europe.
Buick’s “Delco-GM” electronic ignition system, which was introduced in 1986, improved engine performance and reliability by eliminating mechanical points and condensers.
The 1986 Buick Skylark received a facelift that included new front and rear styling, a revised interior, and a new “Quad 4” engine option that produced 150 horsepower.