A custom 1987 Buick Turbo T reimagines a high school legend with WH1-inspired styling and modern turbo performance.
Some cars are restored. Others are modified. And then there are builds like this - machines that carry history, emotion, and a story that spans decades.
This 1987 Buick Turbo T, known as the “One-of-One WH1,” is more than just a performance build - it’s a tribute to a car that left a lasting impression back in the mid-1980s.
A Memory That Never Faded
The inspiration for this build goes back to high school, when the owner first encountered what he still considers one of the most beautiful cars he had ever seen - a 1984 Buick T-Type with a unique burgundy finish and custom black-and-gray striping.
Originally a solid burgundy car, it was repaired after a hydroplaning accident. During that repair, a WH1-style paint scheme - likely inspired by another car in the shop - was applied, transforming it into something completely unique.
The result was unforgettable.
That car passed through several friends over the years, including the current owner, who eventually made it his own before moving on. But like many special cars, it never left his memory.
Recreating a Legend—With a Modern Edge
Above: Victor Segovia, a resident of Forney, Texas, built and owns this superb 1987 Buick Regal Turbo T Type, created as a one-of-one original.
Years later, after owning multiple Turbo Regals - including a genuine 1986 WH1 Designer Series - the idea took shape: recreate that unforgettable 1984 T-Type, but with the performance and reliability of a later intercooled Turbo Regal.
The search led to the perfect platform - a 1987 Turbo T finished in burgundy with T-tops. While many burgundy cars came with matching interiors, this one featured a gray interior, making it the perfect foundation for a WH1-inspired transformation.
The goal was clear: build a car Buick never officially produced, but should have.
WH1-Inspired Exterior Styling
The finished look is both factory-inspired and completely unique.
The deep burgundy paint is accented by a custom gray side stripe modeled after the iconic WH1 package, creating a bold yet refined appearance that stands out in any crowd.
Additional exterior updates include:
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- Restored bumper fillers
- Rear spoiler
- New windshield
- Rebuilt power antenna
The result is a seamless blend of originality and tribute - true to the era, yet entirely one-of-one.
Interior Details That Tie It All Together
Inside, the gray interior complements the exterior stripe theme perfectly, creating a cohesive and intentional design.
Upgrades include:
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- Updated gauges
- T-handle shifter
- Custom floor mats
- New headliner
The interior remains true to the car’s roots while offering subtle enhancements that improve both style and driving experience.
Turbocharged Performance Upgrades
This build doesn’t just look the part - it delivers serious performance.
The turbocharged 3.8L V6 has been refreshed and upgraded with a combination of reliability improvements and performance enhancements, including:
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- Larger turbocharger
- Bigger fuel injectors
- Front-mount intercooler
- Upgraded fuel pump
- New water pump and timing chain
- Valve spring upgrades
- Fully rebuilt A/C system
With approximately 78,000 miles on the chassis, the car is in top mechanical condition and built to be driven.
Built for the Road, Not Just the Show Field
Unlike many show-quality builds, this Turbo T has proven itself on the road.
It successfully completed the Hot Rod Power Tour - seven cities in seven days - demonstrating both reliability and real-world performance.
A Recognized Buick in the Texas Scene
Today, the “One-of-One WH1” is well known throughout the Texas Buick community. It regularly turns heads at shows and events and has appeared in enthusiast features and write-ups.
But beyond recognition, it represents something deeper - a passion project built to honor a memory and bring it back better than ever.
The One-of-One WH1
This isn’t just a tribute - it’s a reinvention.
A car born from nostalgia, rebuilt with purpose, and finished with a level of detail that makes it truly unique.
A one-of-one, in every sense.
Vehicle Specifications
Vehicle
1987 Buick Turbo T (WH1 Tribute – “One-of-One”)
Exterior
- Burgundy paint with custom WH1-style gray stripe
- Restored bumper fillers
- Rear spoiler
- New windshield
- Rebuilt power antenna
- T-top roof
Interior
- Gray interior
- Upgraded gauges
- T-handle shifter
- Custom floor mats
- New headliner
Engine & Performance
- Turbocharged 3.8L V6 (intercooled)
- Upgraded turbocharger
- Larger fuel injectors
- Front-mount intercooler
- Upgraded fuel pump
- New water pump
- New timing chain
- Upgraded valve springs
- Rebuilt A/C system
Drivetrain
- Intercooled Turbo Regal drivetrain (1986–1987 configuration)
Mileage
- Approximately 78,000 miles
Highlights
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- Completed Hot Rod Power Tour (7 cities in 7 days)
- Tribute to a one-of-a-kind 1984 T-Type
- Recognized show car in the Texas Buick community
Build the Buick Regal of Your Dreams with Classic Industries
Whether you desire to have a luxury Regal cruising along the boulevards in style or you are itching to build a high-performance Regal that has more horsepower, torque, and handling than when it first rolled off the assembly line, Classic Industries has you covered. You can have a customer care person mail you a Buick Regal Parts and Accessories Catalog for free. You can also search for Buick Regal and the various sub models online: Grand National, Limited, T-Type, Turbo T, Sport, and GNX.
Classic Industries Archives of Buick Regal Articles
But wait, there's more - there's a growing library about the Buick Regal and the various sub models: Grand National, Limited, T-Type, Turbo T, Sport, and GNX - for your entertainment, education, inspiration, and information. Have fun in the CI library!
- Buick Regal T-Type & Turbo T: The Grand National's Turbo Siblings
- 1985 Buick Regal - A Tribute to Mom
- 1981 Regal Pace Car - The GN's Precursor
- Roadster Shop's 1,600 Horsepower Buick Grand National
- 1987 Buick Grand National - The Dark Side
- Ringbrothers INVADR: The Ultimate Buick Grand National Resto-Mod?
- An American Legend: Throttle House's Retro Review of the Buick GNX
- Mint '87 Buick GNX Sold for $200,000
- Essential Buick Regal Parts Catalog: 1973-1987 Restoration Guide
Above: Don't forget! Classic Industries also has a digital parts and accessories catalog available for the Buick Regal!
