Buick has built thousands of memorable cars, but some have become surprisingly difficult to encounter today. Certain models were produced in modest numbers, while others simply disappeared after years of ordinary use. These nine Buicks are all recognizable names, yet finding a surviving example can still be a challenge. For classic-car fans, they offer a look at some of the brand’s less commonly seen automobiles.

Buick Reatta

The Buick Reatta was an unusual two-seat luxury coupe and convertible that stood apart from Buick’s traditional lineup. Its hand-finished construction, sophisticated interior, and early touchscreen technology gave it a distinctly futuristic personality. Production remained limited compared with Buick’s mainstream models. Today, the Reatta has developed a small but dedicated following, and clean examples are becoming increasingly difficult to encounter.

Buick Riviera

The Buick Riviera was one of America’s most recognizable personal-luxury cars, but early examples in excellent condition are now surprisingly uncommon. Its sleek styling, powerful V8 engines, and upscale interior made it a standout when new. Many were driven for years before collectors became interested. A well-preserved Riviera can still attract attention because of its distinctive proportions and unmistakable Buick character.

Buick Wildcat

The Buick Wildcat combined full-size dimensions with powerful V8 engines and a more performance-oriented image than many traditional Buicks. Its dramatic styling made it memorable, but most examples were used as everyday transportation rather than preserved. That has made clean survivors increasingly rare. Today, the Wildcat offers collectors an appealing combination of big-car comfort, substantial power, and classic American styling.

Buick GSX

The Buick GSX was one of the most serious performance cars Buick ever produced. Its powerful V8, distinctive graphics, hood-mounted tachometer, and aggressive styling separated it from ordinary Buicks. Production was limited, and many cars were modified or raced. Genuine examples are now highly desirable, making a GSX one of those Buicks that most people are far more likely to see in photographs than parked in person.

Buick Grand National

The Buick Grand National became famous for its turbocharged V6 and understated black appearance. Its combination of serious acceleration and relatively discreet styling made it one of the most memorable performance cars of the 1980s. Many examples were modified or driven hard, reducing the number of original cars. Today, a clean Grand National can be surprisingly difficult to encounter outside enthusiast gatherings.

Buick Skyhawk

The Buick Skyhawk gave buyers a smaller, sportier alternative during an era when fuel economy was becoming increasingly important. Its compact body and available four-cylinder or V6 powertrains made it quite different from Buick’s traditional large cars. Many were simply used up as inexpensive transportation. Surviving examples are now unusual, particularly those retaining their original trim and mechanical components.

Buick Somerset

The Buick Somerset represented Buick’s move toward smaller personal-luxury cars during the 1980s. Its compact dimensions, comfortable interior, and upscale styling gave it a distinct place in the lineup. It was never as memorable as the Riviera or Grand National, however, and many disappeared through ordinary use. Today, finding a well-preserved Somerset can be surprisingly difficult.

Buick Roadmaster

The Buick Roadmaster returned as a large rear-wheel-drive car during the 1990s, bringing old-school proportions and V8 power into a modern era. Its spacious cabin and huge cargo capacity made it especially practical. Although production numbers were not tiny, many were used heavily. Clean, original examples have become increasingly interesting to enthusiasts who appreciate traditional American full-size cars.

Buick LeSabre Convertible

The Buick LeSabre Convertible offered a combination of full-size comfort and open-air cruising that has become increasingly unusual. Its large body, smooth V8 power, and spacious interior made it ideal for long highway trips. Many were used extensively before disappearing. A well-preserved LeSabre Convertible today provides a rare glimpse at an era when even large family cars could be offered with a folding roof.

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*Research for this article included AI assistance, with all final content reviewed by human editors