Low-Volume Specials – Buick Regal Country Tourer Could Be Yours… At A Price



When a long-term product plan from GM was released a few years ago by a disgruntled employee to a German newspaper, the revelations about what exactly lay ahead for Opel were quickly silenced.

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Luckily, it was not the Guardian who received the documents.

The one thing I recall before all the news … went away … was the Country Tourer name for a potential Vectra replacement wagon.

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An all-road-style option for families who not only need AWD, but need some extra ground clearance and gravel resistance on the lower panels as well.

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These are not some kind of “country” folk, who order from the Sears & Roebuck Co. catalog once a year. These are country folk with cabins in the mountains, boats and jet-ski’s towed behind, and a family full of occupants wearing bathing suits as underwear.

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In other words, full vacation mode. Sounds a lot like… the Buick Roadmaster’s one-time remit!

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Would this model work in America, even without the slightest badge engineering?

On a low-volume basis, yes. Perhaps 2,000 units per year – nothing major.

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The new dawn of retailing and brand management means low-volume models like the Plymouth Roadrunner, Pontiac Firebird, and all the other greats – can be resurrected on a special-edition basis.

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Cadillac, for its first twenty years or so on the market from 1919 to 1939 or so, called itself “Cadillac by General Motors.”

I think this Insignia wagon would be a popular halo model for Buick.

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But I recognize the problems. It would not be a regular price premium for most wagons – $1,000 extra versus the sedan – but more like $5,000 extra.

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But the total potential price in American Buick dealers might still be worthwhile. A $39,000 Roadmaster Buick would still be far cheaper than the Insignia is for UK buyers, based purely on exchange rates. Labor is comparable – but import volume will be small until the broad upcoming US-Euro free trade agreement.

 

A base in the $36,000 price range would make a front-drive, four-cylinder gasoline option the best bet, but this is a long-shot scenario.

Even so, the new Buick Regal GS has a very devoted, and relatively sprightly, young fan base among auto forums and mod shops.

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Roadmaster or Country Tourer?

Stay tuned for more info on — potential — low-volume re-releases of great hits from extinct auto brands…

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More likely is Opel being added to Cadillac dealers, and visa versa.

2014 Opel/Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer

 

 

 

2014 Opel/Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer

 

 

 

2014 Opel/Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer OPC/VXR

 

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