1987 Buick LeSabre T-Type
2022.0003.0001, Savoy Collection, Generously donated by the Hizer Family
Engine: 232 cu. in. (3L) Cast-iron block, V-6
Output: 400 HP
Top Speed: 215+ MPH
No. Produced: 1
Manufacturer: Buick
Beginning with their college days at Georgia Tech, Courtney Hizer and Bobby Hogg dreamed of racing. In 1985, twenty-five years later, the pair formed Hinton Performance and began constructing a car to race at the Bonneville Salt Flats. This car is no ordinary Buick LeSabre. The NASCAR style chassis was custom built in EJ Trivette’s garage in Norcross. The blueprinted and balanced Buick engine was enhanced by McLaren with IMSA heads, stainless steel valves and T&D rocker assembly.
The team worked around the clock for 30 days, finished the car on Wednesday, and arrived at Bonneville on Friday. Hizer’s test run of 188 MPH qualified him to attempt a 200+ mph record run. During the first run a backfire left the engine running on five cylinders. However, Hizer’s two runs averaged 215.5 MPH, breaking the existing record by 20 MPH. Courtney Hizer’s dream of joining the 200 MPH Club was now reality.
Awards:
1987 Bonneville, Record Miller American Buick, DLT 215.539
1988 40th Speed Week, Miller American Buick, Record – D?GCC 212-848
1990 Bonneville, Hinton Performance – Buick Record – D/ALT 236.117
1997 49th Annual Bonneville Speed Week, Record Hinton Performance Buick, National Speed Trials, E/FLAT 202.204
1992 Bonneville Nationals Speed Week, Record Hinton Performance Buick, First Place – E/BFALT 235.09
2003 Bonneville Speed Week, Bonneville Nationals, Record Hinton Performance, C/BFALT 246.754
2008 Bonneville Speed Week, Bonneville Nationals, 6oth Anniversary, 1948 – 2008, August 18 – 24, Record #80, Hilton Perfoamce Buick C/BFLAT 254.135