In the 70's did Buick make cars in a sales bank, like Mopar did? Or did every car they produced have to be ordered from a dealer or individual buyer? Did Buick decide what the dealer received for his lot inventory, or did he get to pick the colors and options?
Each dealer made the decision on what to carry,models,colors,options,etc....Each order goes into a "bank" and is submitted by the dealer to GM for building. Thus giving the dealer a chance to change his options upon request before a build date is given. Also, of course, a customer can sit down and "check the squares" on a build sheet to order that certain automobile of their dreams, and it is submitted the same way.Also,GM sales can suggest what vehicles a dealer should carry according to the popularity of that vehicle,but the decision rest upon the dealership to decide what to carry on the lot. Case in point......a dealer, which will remain nameless, ordered a 1986 Buick "Mary Kay" Regal Limited. It came in Mary Kay "pink" with a "white" vinyl top. Not bad, but it came in also with the "code 27 blue interior". The salesman checked the wrong color for the interior, dealer was stuck with the car until months later a fellow came in that was color blind and he got one hell of a deal. Also, GM reps would take a model and check off everything available on that vehicle and some options that were not.GM built it. Thats why you run up on some older vehicles that have some weird options that do not make sense. Hope this helps a little.......... David
