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.