Scan through auto auctions long enough, and one’s bound to stumble across some oddity on wheels like this 2002 Buick hatchback prototype. This de-badged hatchback will cross the Mecum auction block next month, giving bidders the opportunity to own an obscure piece of Buick history.
At first glance, it’s difficult to tell that this nondescript hatchback even is a Buick. There’s no exterior badging, and it seems that it was never even given a nameplate. The listing states that this vehicle is one of three working prototypes, while the other two were given Chevrolet badges, but are thought to have been destroyed. This odd Buick was stored inside for 18 years and has just 239 km (148 miles) on the odometer. Considering that it is not DOT approved for U.S. highways, it has probably not seen a lot of action in its 20-year life.
Hagerty managed to track down a bit of information about this strange Buick hatchback. According to Mehta, the 1.5L four-cylinder engine under the hood is of “unknown origin,” as is its five-speed manual transmission. While its interior is barren and features hard plastics and rather plebeian styling, it does have air conditioning.
The never-produced vehicle somewhat resembles the 1999 Audi A2 or the Dodge Caliber, but its cheap demeanor, dull exterior, and uninspired cabin all signal a low-budget offering that was most likely aimed at developing markets, potentially Mexico and/or China. The exposed gas cap is an interesting, albeit somewhat strange, touch.
It’s also possible that this prototype hatchback could have been a result of GM’s failed partnership with Fiat back in 2000. If that is the case, then the 1.5L engine could have been sourced from Fiat. Whatever the case may be, we’re glad that this econobox never saw the light of day, especially as a Buick, but hey – at least someone will have the opportunity to buy one at the Mecum Auction in Chicago in October.
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Comments
well, like the car … for US$ 7 000 as new, it is ok for us…
So, did I miss how they determined it is a Buick? Does Buick/GM claim it? I would want that documentation, but still cool as a one of a kind, too bad it can’t be licensed.
There’s a Buick logo in the engine compartment.
Go on Macum Auction Chicago site its highlighted at the end of the page. You can see the engine bay with the Buick loge on the valve cover, also on the keys.
This engine in question is a GM Family 1 imported from Brazil, likely to be a 1.4L C14SE or a 1.6L C16SE in conjunction with a Daewoo gearbox. This valve cover is used by all GM Family 1 8V manufactured in Brazil from 1998 to 2015.
Thank you Paulo!
Magnetti Mirelli logo on the speedo is sign that it is tied to Fiat (their in-house parts subsidiary). Really odd that they’d feature that logo there, though.
Opel and Fiat were, under Lutz’s orders, sharing platforms way more than most know. This is why the original Theta steering wheel is so different from the GM standard one it adopted in 05/06.
This was an engineering car, so the parts sharing makes perfect sense.
Tragedy is the ends we got from it. Jeep got the Renegade, and Chevy never got the second-gen HHR. FCA was saved by the stuff and GM got only the cheap cars nobody will want to remember.
This is basically Vue-ick before the Vue.
Not kidding, this was basically the bring-up study to see if a Theta-based crossover made since on Buick.
Instead it went to Saturn. Which explains why GM was so willing to take Vue to Buick, since Vue probably began with this car, as a Buick.
Not DOT approved for US highways. So, cut the top off and fill with dirt. Now, it’s a flower planter. I would not pay more than a similar sized flower planter from Lowe’s. Or maybe $250. Whichever is less.
It’s a museum piece, not a road car.
This is historically significant as it shows the first efforts where GM Europe took over front wheel drive SUV design for GM. It also is significant to the GM-Fiat platform sharing arrangements that spawn cars to this day on the Fiat Compact / Small-Wide Platform (Jeep Renegade, Fiat 500X, even the new Dodge Hornet).
I would pay a lot more than $250 to donate it to a modern automotive museum.