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1973 Buick Regal: A Luxurious Blend of Style and Comfort

The 1973 Buick Regal emerged as a symbol of American automotive luxury during an era of profound change. Born from the prestigious Buick division of General Motors, the Regal was introduced to the public as a personal luxury car, a segment that was gaining popularity in the early '70s. This vehicle stood out for its plush interior and well-balanced proportions, offering a unique blend of comfort and style. A notable moment in its history was when it served as a pace car for NASCAR, cementing its status as a performance-oriented luxury coupe.

Design and Innovation

With a long hood, sweeping lines, and a formal roofline, the exterior styling of the 1973 Buick Regal exuded elegance and power. The vehicle's interior was equally impressive, featuring high-quality materials such as rich vinyl or optional cloth upholstery, woodgrain accents, and plush carpeting that extended even to the lower door panels. For its time, the Regal offered innovative features like MaxTrac, an early traction control system designed to prevent wheel spin during acceleration. Color options ranged from classic hues like "Burnt Coral" to vibrant "Sunburst Yellow," with the darker shades often being favored for their sophisticated appearance. The most iconic body style was the two-door coupe, which perfectly captured the essence of personal luxury that buyers sought.

Historical Significance

The 1973 Buick Regal's impact on automotive design was significant, with its emphasis on a comfortable driving experience and upscale amenities setting a new standard for personal luxury cars. It distinguished itself from contemporaries through its balanced approach to performance and luxury, influencing future generations of vehicles in this segment.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the standard engine for the Regal was a 350 cubic inch V8 that provided ample power for everyday driving. While top speed and acceleration figures were modest by today's standards—with 0-60 mph times hovering around the 10-second mark—the Regal's performance was more than adequate for its era. The ride quality was smooth, absorbing bumps with ease while providing a quiet and comfortable cruising experience. The sound of the V8 engine conveyed power without being overbearing, contributing to an overall serene driving experience.

Ownership Experience

The 1973 Buick Regal found its niche as both a daily driver for those who appreciated its luxurious touches and as a show car for enthusiasts of classic American autos. Maintenance was relatively straightforward due to GM's widespread use of parts across multiple models, which also made repairs more accessible to the average owner.

Fun Facts

A curious piece of trivia about the '73 Regal is that it shared its platform with cars like the Chevrolet Monte Carlo and Pontiac Grand Prix. While not known for breaking speed records, it held its own in terms of sales success. Despite some criticisms over time regarding fuel efficiency—a common issue among vehicles from this period—the Regal maintained a loyal following.

Collector's Information

In today's market, the value range for a well-maintained 1973 Buick Regal can vary significantly based on condition, mileage, and originality. While production numbers were substantial—with tens of thousands built—finding one in pristine condition can be challenging. As such, prices can range from $5,000 for models in fair condition to upwards of $20,000 or more for show-quality examples. The market trend shows appreciation for well-preserved or restored models due to their increasing rarity.

Conclusion

The 1973 Buick Regal stands as a testament to an era when comfort and style were paramount in automotive design. Its blend of luxury features with everyday usability has ensured that it remains a cherished model among classic car enthusiasts today. Whether cruising down boulevards or showcased at car meets, this quintessential American luxury coupe continues to turn heads and captivate hearts decades after it first hit the road.

1973 Buick Regal Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 3/4" high-BN 1Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 3/4" high., with 7/16" I.D. Each

1973 Buick Regal Front coil-spring insulator-BN 110Front coil-spring insulator. Fits '41-'60 Oldsmobile and '50-'83 GM passenger models. 5-3/8 in. OD x 3-3/4 in. ID x 3/4 in. high with 13/16 in. wide bottom flange 1/4" thick, 12 flutes. Each.

1973 Buick Regal Door Side Seal-C/LP 40-KDoor Side Seal. Made of smooth skin sponge extrusion, with clips installed. (For seal without clips, see LP 40-K) Sold by the foot.

1973 Buick Regal Molded Door Seals with Clips. For 2-door hardtops-LM 12-YMolded Door Seals with Clips. For 2-door hardtops. Replaces OEM #9870752/3. Each is 95-1/4" long. Pair R&L

1973 Buick Regal Trunk Liner. Loose weave-M 23Trunk Liner. Loose weave. Black with scattered white threads. 54" wide. Sold by the foot

1973 Buick Regal Basic kit-RKB 2003-115Basic kit. '73-'76 GM A-body Colonade, Formal, and Sport Coupe (Body Style 57 only). Includes Buick Century Luxus Colonade Coupe, Buick Centurion Sport Coupe, Buick Regal Formal Coupe, Buick LeSabre Sport Coupe and Custom Sport Coupe. Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme and Supreme Salon Coupes. Doors (LM 12-Y), roof-rails (RR 5019-G), and trunk (TK 46-E/16) seals. 5-piece kit.

1973 Buick Regal Brake Master Cylinder Cover Seal. Replaces OEM #5470861-RP 2-EBrake Master Cylinder Cover Seal. Replaces OEM #5470861. 5" X 2-1/2". Each

1973 Buick Regal Sun Visor Support Sleeve. Clear plastic. Each-RP 303-ASun Visor Support Sleeve. Clear plastic. Each

1973 Buick Regal Oil Filler Hole Cap. Made of rubber-RP 8Oil Filler Hole Cap. Made of rubber. Fits a 1-3/16" to 1-1/4" hole. Each

1973 Buick Regal Molded roof-rail seals. 2-door hardtop-RR 5019-GMolded roof-rail seals. 2-door hardtop. Fits '73-'76 GM A-body Colonade, Formal and Sport Coupe (Body Style 57 only). (Ex: Buick Century Luxus Colonade Coupe, Centurion Sport Coupe, Regal Formal Coupe, LeSabre Sport Coupe, LeSabre Custom Sport Coupe.) Replaces OEM#'s 9629700/01. Pair. R&L.

1973 Buick Regal Trunk Seal. Each-TK 46-E/16Trunk Seal. Each

1973 Buick Regal Unbeaded Door and Trunk Lock Gasket. 1-3/16" O.D., 7/8" I.D-UM 1600-100Unbeaded Door and Trunk Lock Gasket. 1-3/16" O.D., 7/8" I.D. Each

1973 Buick Regal Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 203Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 5/8" x 15/16". Each

1973 Buick Regal Rear Quarter Window Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 204Rear Quarter Window Molding Clip. Made of steel. 3/4" x 1-3/8". Each

1973 Buick Regal Quarter Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of Steel-WF 205Quarter Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of Steel. 1-3/8" X 11/16". Each

1973 Buick Regal Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 13/16" x 1"-WF 209Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 13/16" x 1". Each

1973 Buick Regal Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 211Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 15/16" X 3/4". Each

1973 Buick Regal Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 223Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 1/1/8" X 3/4". Each

1973 Buick Regal Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 224Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 1-1/4" X 3/4". Fits many models. Each