1986 Texas Coach Company 500SE 500.0L
Overview
The 1986 Texas Coach Company 500SE represents a unique chapter in American automotive history, emerging from the specialized coachbuilding industry that flourished during the 1980s. Texas Coach Company, based in the United States, operated by taking existing luxury platforms and modifying them to suit a clientele seeking bespoke appointments, extended wheelbases, or specialized interior configurations. The 500SE was positioned as a high-end executive transport, often utilized by corporate fleets or private individuals who required a level of exclusivity beyond standard production luxury sedans of the era.
Engineering for the 500SE focused on maintaining the structural integrity of the base chassis while integrating custom-fabricated components. The vehicle utilized a robust V8 powertrain, prioritizing smooth power delivery and highway comfort over high-performance agility. Given its low-volume production nature, the 500SE was not mass-marketed through traditional dealership networks but was instead commissioned through direct sales or specialized luxury automotive brokers. Its legacy remains tied to the era of the “American Stretch” and custom luxury, serving as a reminder of the craftsmanship prevalent in small-batch vehicle manufacturing during the mid-1980s.
| Vehicle Overview | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Texas Coach Company |
| Model | 500SE |
| Model Year | 1986 |
| Generation | – |
| Trim | 500.0L |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Vehicle Segment | Luxury |
| Vehicle Class | Midsize Cars |
| Market | USA |
| Platform | – |
| Assembly Plant | – |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Production Start | 1986 |
| Production End | 1986 |
| VIN Identifier | – |
| Base MSRP | – |
| Destination Charge | – |
| Total MSRP | – |
| Powertrain | |
| Powertrain Type | Internal Combustion Engine |
| Engine Family | – |
| Engine Name | – |
| Engine Code | – |
| Engine Configuration | V8 |
| Displacement | 500.0 Liters |
| Bore x Stroke | – |
| Compression Ratio | – |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated |
| Fuel Delivery | Carbureted |
| Valve Train | OHV |
| Engine Block Material | Cast Iron |
| Cylinder Head Material | Cast Iron |
| Oil Capacity | – |
| Oil Specification / Viscosity | – |
| Horsepower | – |
| Torque | – |
| Redline | – |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | Automatic 4-spd |
| Final Drive Ratio | – |
| Axle Ratio | – |
| Fuel Economy | |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Recommended Octane | 87 |
| EPA City MPG | 11 |
| EPA Highway MPG | 14 |
| EPA Combined MPG | 12 |
| Fuel Economy (L/100 km) | – |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (gal) | – |
| Estimated Driving Range | – |
| Annual Fuel Cost | – |
| CO₂ Emissions | – |
| Greenhouse Gas Score | – |
| Smog Rating | – |
| Performance | |
| 0-30 mph | – |
| 0-60 mph | – |
| 0-100 mph | – |
| Quarter Mile | – |
| Top Speed | – |
| Braking Distance (60-0 mph) | – |
| Lateral Acceleration | – |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | – |
| Dimensions & Capacities | |
| Length (in) | – |
| Width (Without Mirrors) (in) | – |
| Width (With Mirrors) (in) | – |
| Height (in) | – |
| Wheelbase (in) | – |
| Front Track (in) | – |
| Rear Track (in) | – |
| Ground Clearance (in) | – |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | – |
| GVWR (lbs) | – |
| Towing Capacity (lbs) | – |
| Payload Capacity (lbs) | – |
| Passenger Volume (cu ft) | – |
| Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft) | – |
| Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft) | – |
| Turning Circle | – |
| Approach Angle | – |
| Departure Angle | – |
| Breakover Angle | – |
| Safety Ratings | |
| NHTSA Overall Rating | – |
| NHTSA Frontal Crash | – |
| NHTSA Side Crash | – |
| NHTSA Rollover | – |
| IIHS Award | – |
| Small Overlap Front | – |
| Moderate Overlap Front | – |
| Side Impact | – |
| Headlights Rating | – |
| Front Crash Prevention | – |
| Technology & Connectivity | |
| Infotainment Display | – |
| Instrument Cluster | Analog |
| Apple CarPlay | No |
| Android Auto | No |
| Navigation System | No |
| Audio System | AM/FM Cassette |
| Speaker Count | – |
| Wireless Charging | No |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | No |
| OTA Updates | No |
| Digital Key | No |
| Warranty & Ownership | |
| Basic Warranty | – |
| Powertrain Warranty | – |
| Corrosion Warranty | – |
| Roadside Assistance | – |
| Complimentary Maintenance | – |
| Specs.Autos Exclusive Data | |
| Engine Assembly Plant | – |
| Transmission Supplier | – |
| Gear Ratios | – |
| Differential Type | – |
| Cooling System Capacity | – |
| Roof Load Capacity (lbs) | – |
| Safety Recall Count | – |
| Production Volume | – |
| Units Sold in USA | – |
Consumer Insights & Market Appeal
The 1986 Texas Coach Company 500SE is a rare collector’s item that appeals primarily to enthusiasts of custom coachwork and niche American automotive history. Reliability for such a vehicle is heavily dependent on the condition of the base chassis and the quality of the modifications performed by the coachbuilder; potential buyers should prioritize inspecting the electrical systems and custom interior upholstery, as these are often the most difficult components to source or repair. Given its limited production, parts availability for specific coach-built features may be scarce, requiring owners to possess a degree of mechanical aptitude or access to specialized restoration services. In the current market, the 500SE is viewed as a curiosity rather than a daily driver, with its value driven more by its historical uniqueness and aesthetic appeal than by modern performance metrics or fuel efficiency.
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