It all started in 1961 when GM introduced both a new all-aluminum, 215-ci (3.5-liter) V8 and an iron-block V6 for its Buick, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac compact cars.

Even before the dawn of forced induction or turbocharging, the Buick 3800 V6 engine gained notoriety for being a workhorse. 1978 welcomed the Buick Regal and LeSabre Sport with a turbocharged 3.8 ...

Time is catching up with Buick's seemingly ageless V6 engine.The venerable workhorse, ... V-6 engine plant, the 3800 has a heavy cast-iron block and uses pushrods to operate the valves.

Buick may have been quick to put the Series II 3800 V6 into its vehicles, but for Chevrolet, another brand under the General Motors umbrella, it took a few more years before it made an impression.

Instead of choosing a heavy and lethargic Malaise-era V8 engine for 1976 pace car duties, Buick opted to add a turbocharger to its newly-reacquired (and lighter) V6 for more power.