BUICK 47870 Sport Grille

( Manufacturer Part Number: 47870 ), ( Type: Headlight Bezel ), ( Color: Black ), ( Style: Horizontal Billet ), ( Material: Chrome, Plastic ), ( Finish: Chrome, Painted ), ( Placement On Vehicle: Front, Left, Right, Top, Radiator Grille, Grill, Grille, Headlamp Surround, Trim Moldings )

Review BUICK Sport Coupe Chrome Grille fits LESABRE 1977-79

The **Buick 47870 1977 1979 Lesabre Sport Grille** is a meticulously crafted, high-performance accessory designed to elevate the aesthetic and mechanical prowess of your classic Buick Lesabre from the late 1970s. This premium grille is a direct replacement for the factory unit, meticulously engineered to restore the iconic, aggressive stance of the original while ensuring seamless integration with the vehicle s front fascia. Crafted from high-quality, durable materials, the grille features a bold, split design with a central horizontal bar flanked by two vertical slats, each precisely machined to match the contours of the Lesabre s signature front end. The chrome finish is polished to a mirror-like sheen, reflecting the vehicle s surroundings with a striking brilliance that enhances its presence on the road or at the show. Beyond its visual appeal, this grille is built to withstand the rigors of daily driving, featuring reinforced mounting points and a sturdy construction that prevents warping or bending over time. Whether you re aiming for a showroom-worthy restoration or simply seeking to preserve the Lesabre s timeless elegance, this grille delivers both authenticity and durability. Perfect for enthusiasts who demand nothing less than perfection, the 47870 grille is a testament to Buick s legacy of luxury and performance, ensuring your Lesabre turns heads with every drive.

The 1977-1979 Buick Lesabre Sport Grille (also known as the Lesabre Limited or Lesabre Estate Wagon in some cases) is a classic American muscle car with a unique and distinctive grille design. Below are the key pros and cons of purchasing one, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.

### **Pros of Buying a 1977-1979 Buick Lesabre Sport Grille**

1. **Distinctive and Rare Design** The Sport Grille package was a premium option that gave the Lesabre a more aggressive, performance-oriented look with a wide, chrome grille, unique badging, and sometimes special trim. This makes it stand out from standard Lesabres and adds collectible value.

- **455 cubic inch V8** (280 300 hp, depending on year and carburation) The most desirable option, offering strong performance and a classic muscle car feel.

- **400 cubic inch V8** (200 230 hp) A solid mid-range choice with good reliability.

- **350 cubic inch V8** (175 200 hp) The base engine, still capable but less exciting.

The 455 is the most sought-after, especially in later years (1978 79) when emissions restrictions slightly reduced power.

3. **Comfortable and Spacious Interior** The Lesabre was a full-size car with a roomy cabin, making it practical for daily driving while still offering a luxurious feel. The Sport Grille models often had premium upholstery, wood trim, and better sound insulation.

4. **Good Handling for a Full-Size Car** While not a lightweight sports car, the Lesabre had a solid suspension setup that could handle well on the road, especially with proper maintenance. The 455 models, in particular, had a more engaging drive feel.

5. **Potential for Restoration or Modification** The Lesabre is a solid platform for restoration projects. The body is sturdy, and parts are relatively available (though some may require sourcing from specialty suppliers). Performance mods (e.g., fuel injection, exhaust upgrades, suspension tweaks) can enhance its driving experience.

6. **Classic Car Appeal** As a mid-sized luxury muscle car from the late '70s, the Lesabre has a nostalgic charm. The Sport Grille package adds to its collectible nature, making it a fun car for enthusiasts who appreciate classic American design.

7. **Lower Maintenance Costs Than Modern Cars** While not as cheap as a modern economy car, the Lesabre s mechanical simplicity (compared to today s electronics-heavy vehicles) means repairs can often be done with basic tools. However, labor costs for classic cars can still be high.

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### **Cons of Buying a 1977-1979 Buick Lesabre Sport Grille**

1. **Poor Fuel Economy** The Lesabre, especially with a 455 V8, was a gas guzzler. Expect **10 12 MPG in the city and 14 16 MPG on the highway** with the 455. This makes it impractical for daily commuting unless you have unlimited fuel budgets.

- **Engine issues** Older 400 and 455 V8s may have worn valve trains, head gaskets, or rod bearings. The 455, in particular, was prone to oil leaks and camshaft wear if not properly maintained.

- **Transmission problems** The 3-speed automatic (Turbo-Hydramatic 350) was reliable but could develop slipping or rough shifting over time. The 4-speed automatic (in later models) was more refined but still not as durable as modern transmissions.

- **Electrical gremlins** Older wiring, faulty sensors, and weak starters are common in classic cars.

- **Rust** Many Lesabres from this era have rust issues, particularly in the wheel wells, rocker panels, and floor pans. A thorough inspection is critical.

3. **High Maintenance and Repair Costs** Parts for a 40 year-old car can be expensive, especially if they re not readily available. Some components (e.g., specific carburetors, alternators, or suspension parts) may require custom ordering. Labor costs for classic cars are often higher than for modern vehicles.

4. **Driving Limitations** The Lesabre is a heavy car (around **4,000 4,500 lbs** with the 455), which makes it sluggish in acceleration and braking. While the 455 can still pull strongly, it lacks the quickness of modern or even earlier muscle cars. The ride can also be stiff compared to today s cars.

5. **Emissions and Modern Compliance** Older cars may not meet modern emissions standards, which could complicate registration or insurance in some states. Some owners modify their cars to pass smog checks, which adds complexity.

6. **Limited Availability of Parts** While Buick parts are still produced, some specialty items (e.g., Sport Grille badging, specific upholstery, or rare trim pieces) may be hard to find. Restoring to exact original condition can be challenging.

7. **Insurance Costs** Classic car insurance is often more expensive than standard auto insurance, especially for high-performance models like the 455 Lesabre. Some insurers may classify it as a "high-risk" vehicle due to its age and power.

8. **Not Ideal for Daily Use** Unless you re committed to maintenance, the Lesabre is not a practical daily driver. Its size, fuel inefficiency, and potential reliability issues make it better suited for weekends, shows, or enthusiast use.

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### **Conclusion**

The **1977-1979 Buick Lesabre Sport Grille** is a fantastic choice if you re looking for a **fun, stylish, and powerful classic car** that offers a mix of luxury and muscle. Its **distinctive grille, strong engine options (especially the 455), and spacious interior** make it a rewarding project or a great show car. However, it comes with **significant drawbacks**, including **poor fuel economy, high maintenance costs, reliability concerns, and impracticality for daily driving**.

- **Enthusiasts who enjoy restoration projects** and don t mind investing time and money in upkeep.

- **Owners who prioritize driving enjoyment and classic car culture** over practicality.

- **Those who have a garage, mechanical skills, or access to a trusted mechanic**.

- **People who can afford the fuel, insurance, and repair costs** associated with a high-performance classic.

If you re not prepared for the challenges of owning a **40 year-old muscle car**, a more modern classic (e.g., a late '80s/'90s Buick Grand National, a Mustang, or a Camaro) might be a better balance of fun and practicality.

### **Recommendation**

1. **Buy with a Clear Title and Full History** Avoid salvage or rebuilt titles unless you re prepared for extra work. Look for a car with **maintenance records**, preferably one that has been **restored or well-maintained** by a reputable shop.

2. **Prioritize the 455 V8 (1978-79 Models)** These are the most desirable, but ensure the engine has been **rebuilt or thoroughly inspected**. The **1978 79 models** had slight power reductions due to emissions, but they re still more reliable than the early '77 engines.

3. **Inspect for Rust** Check the **wheel wells, rocker panels, floor pans, and frame rails**. Rust can be repaired, but extensive work adds cost.

4. **Test Drive Thoroughly** Listen for **knocking, rough idling, or transmission slippage**. The car should accelerate smoothly and handle well without excessive body roll.

5. **Budget for Restoration or Maintenance** If buying a project car, allocate **at least $5,000 $10,000** for repairs, depending on its condition. If buying a "driveable" example, expect to spend **$10,000 $25,000 ** depending on rarity and condition.

6. **Consider a Lower-Mileage Example** A **Lesabre with under 50,000 miles** (especially if well-documented) is ideal. Avoid high-mileage examples unless they ve been **completely rebuilt**.

7. **Join Classic Buick Enthusiast Groups** Websites like **Buick-L.org, Facebook groups, and classic car forums** are great places to find reliable sellers and learn from experienced owners.

8. **Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI)** If possible, hire a **classic car mechanic** to inspect the engine, transmission

Details:

Reason is each vehicle varies based on sound system, plugs, and lighting. Some radios/CD changers need coding or programming through a dealer. Everything works as it should. Pulled from running vehicle.

Some dealers charge for this service and some do not. I have 50 vehicles im parting out. Ask any questions before purchasing.

part #: 47870 prices

• $40.00-$319.99

specifications grilexte:

• for models: Lesabre
• for makes: Buick
• for years: 1977-79
• mpn: 47870
• type: Headlight Bezel
• color: Black
• style: Horizontal Billet
• material: Chrome, Plastic
• finish: Chrome, Painted
• placement on vehicle: Front, Left, Right, Top, Radiator Grille, Grill, Grille, Headlamp Surround, Trim Moldings

general grilexte:

• condition: Used
• Car Truck Parts Accessories > Exterior Parts Accessories > Grilles

returns grilexte:

• policy: No Returns

seller grilexte:

• rating: 98.4%
• city: Cosby, Tennessee
• # reviews: 1478

shipping grilexte:

• carrier: USPS
• service: Standard, USPS Priority Mail
• transit: 4-11 Days
• cost: $0.00
• class: Standard, Expedited
• type: Fixed

offer grilexte:

• options: Ship-to-home
• sold: 0
• availability: In Stock
• started: March 2, 2026
• quantity: 1
• best offers: True

payments grilexte:

• wallet: Paypal
• credit card: Visa
• other

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