2019 is the last year you can buy Buick’s Opel-based Cascada convertible, and the numbers show they are flying off of dealer’s lots. Year-to-date sales for 2019 have reached a staggering 2,058 units. That’s right! A little more than 2,000 Cascadas found owners so far in 2019. Or is it the other way around? Either way, if you want one you better hurry because who knows when Buick will make another ‘vert?

It’s been 25 years since their last one, after all. Remember the Reatta? The what? The Reatta was a two-seater Buick sold from 1988-91. It wasn’t a big seller, either, and probably for the same reasons. I guess Buick forgot the adage, “if you don’t remember history you’re doomed to repeat it.”

From the crappy 3800 V6 GM stabbed into what seemed like every car they made in this era, to the cathode-ray “Graphic Control Center” bonked into the dash that flickered more than it functioned, the Reatta was a nice-looking convertible. Its sin was coming along from those days of bad life decisions GM was suffering through.

Buick ended Reatta production in 1991 with 22,000 sold over those four long years of its life. Not exactly a Buick bestseller. Interestingly, the Cascada is on track to come close to seeing those same numbers. As of today, about 19,000 have found homes.

Might you be looking to snatch one up in this fast and furious buying frenzy before they’re all gone? If so here’s a quick rundown for all of you Motorbiscuit enthusiasts eager to learn more about what should be a future Buick collectible. 

The Cascada is an import from Opel, even sharing its European name. While powered by a capable 1.6-liter four-cylinder, its almost two tons of girth strains the turbocharged banger. All of the extra frame supports, gussetting, and deeper rockers—all in the name of supporting the topless structure, add poundage. This is not like an Audi A3 Cabriolet or 2-series BMW convertible, though we guess these are the Cascada’s targets. It’s a bit hard to compare it to these other Europeans, but they are as close as we can come. Unfortunately, the Cascada would have a tough time filling those big shoes.

Still, if you’re interested in a Cascada it’s not for performance. You want to slip into those leather seats, drop the top, and enjoy that wind-in-your-hair joy of convertible nirvana. This is something the Cascada does very well. Like 17-seconds well–that’s how long it takes for the top to slip into the trunk. 

We should also mention that style-wise the Cascada has smart, contemporary looks with sculptured flanks and a radically raked windshield. Even with the top up, it exhibits a nicely proportioned presence.

And just like the Cascada’s predecessor the Reatta, it’s got a big screen bonked into the instrument panel. This time though, it’s a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen that incorporates navigation and a hotspot.

Some things really have improved in 25 years.