You probably don’t recall the four-door convertible based upon a Regal GS.
Name:Buick Zielo (pronounced see A-low), which means “sky” in Spanish
Launched:1999 North American International Auto Show, Detroit
Specs Based on a stretched and widened Regal GS platform with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 240 horsepower and a four-speed automatic transmission. 20-inch wheels
Why It Matters Now:
A four-door convertible isn’t something you see everyday (we’re not including Jeeps obviously), particularly one that was originally a traditional sedan.
The automotive market is bursting with every kind of niche, from crossover cabrios like the Range Rover Evoque Convertible to the upcoming VW T-Roc Convertible. What happened to the sedan-convertible? The sedan convertible died just after the classic Lincoln Continental. There were a few exceptions, such as the 62 S Landaulet and the one-off LS600h Landaulet.
Buick was the first to introduce the Cielo, a part sedan, part cabrio hybrid. Although the name may make you think of a boring Daewoo sedan it is actually more appropriate for this open-top concept because it means “sky” Spanish. It began life as a Regal GS, but it was eventually converted to an electrically retractable Regal GS.
This concept uses a cable system to move the panels and rear glass windows back and forth. In just 30 seconds, the roof was folded into the trunk, transforming the sedan into an easy-to-use five-seat, four door convertible. The Cielo was a unique concept with controversial features and power-operated doors (via voice control).
Buick engineers had to extend the Regal’s wheelbase, widen the tracks and carry the sedan’s suspension. The concept was seated on 20-inch wheels with bespoke Michelin tires that featured the tri-shield logo embedded in the tread. Fancy.
The one-off model was considered for production, but it was replaced by the more traditional Regal Cielo concept in the following year. (See pictures at the end). Buick also considered that this one-off model could be limited edition, but it was never produced.