Albany Buccaneer Custom

The Albany Buccaneer Custom is a two-door muscle car and lowrider manufactured by Albany set to appear in Grand Theft Auto VI. It was first introduced in Grand Theft Auto Online as part of the Lowriders update. It is a customizable lowrider variant of the standard Albany Buccaneer.

Overview

The Albany Buccaneer Custom is a modified version of the classic Buccaneer, a muscle car that has appeared across multiple entries in the Grand Theft Auto series. This variant reimagines the car as a traditional lowrider, featuring hydraulics and a wide range of cosmetic upgrades. It was first introduced in Grand Theft Auto Online as part of the expanded lowrider customization options available to players.

The Buccaneer Custom is confirmed to return in Grand Theft Auto VI, having been spotted in the first official trailer. Its updated design elements suggest that detailed vehicle modification will remain a major gameplay feature.

Design and Appearance

Within the HD Universe, the Buccaneer Custom is derived from the modern version of the standard Buccaneer, itself heavily influenced by the 1963–1965 Buick Riviera¹. The 1965 model is especially evident in its stacked headlight design, which is a defining feature carried over into the game.

In Grand Theft Auto Online, converting a Buccaneer into the Custom model alters its look significantly. Chrome details are replaced with paintable trims, and the roof is removed by default (though it can be reinstalled at modification shops). The undercarriage is upgraded with a paintable frame, exposed driveshaft, dual exhaust pipes, and hydraulic components. Players can choose a primary body color, interior color, and dial color, while the vehicle comes standard with "Big Worm" lowrider wheels and whitewall tires.

In Grand Theft Auto VI, the Buccaneer Custom shows updated details compared to its earlier version. Notable changes include larger, higher-profile tires, a center keyhole on the rear decklid, and the addition of a new pinstripe-style livery, expanding its customization options further.

Performance

In Grand Theft Auto Online, the Buccaneer Custom's performance is largely identical to the standard Buccaneer. The most significant change is a lowered suspension setup, which makes the car feel more planted and responsive during cornering. However, this can cause minor difficulties when driving over curbs and on uneven roads.

The car is powered by a V8 engine with a displacement of 440 cubic inches (7.2 liters), as indicated by its badges. This engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox in a rear-wheel-drive layout. When fully upgraded, the vehicle can reach a top speed of 182.26 km/h (113.25 mph)².

Modifications / Customization

The Buccaneer Custom stands out for the range of upgrades available through Benny's Original Motor Works, introduced with the Lowriders update in Grand Theft Auto Online. Players can transform the car into a fully personalized lowrider, with both cosmetic and functional modifications.

Available upgrades include:

• Engine block covers and custom air filters
• Interior materials such as leather and velour, with patterned finishes
• Custom-colored dials with unique designs
• A selection of steering wheels and shift levers
• Hydraulics with multiple pump configurations
• High-powered stereo systems with visible speakers and subwoofers
• Paint jobs and exclusive liveries
• Interior plaques
• Custom lowrider rims and tire options

Acquisition / Locations

In Grand Theft Auto Online*
The Buccaneer Custom is not available for direct purchase. Players must first acquire a standard Albany Buccaneer and take it to Benny's Original Motor Works, where it can be converted into the Custom variant for a fee of $390,000.

In Grand Theft Auto VI*
The Buccaneer Custom appears in the first official trailer, seen parked on a street in Vice Beach, positioned behind a Schyster PMP 700. The exact methods of acquisition in GTA VI's Story Mode or Online have not yet been confirmed.

Usage

The Buccaneer Custom is best suited as a showpiece vehicle, making it a popular choice for cruising and car meets thanks to its extensive customization options. While it offers competent performance for a muscle car, its primary value lies in style rather than speed.

In Grand Theft Auto Online, the Buccaneer Custom appears across several missions and activities:

• May serve as a target vehicle during a Vehicle Cargo steal mission at a car meet.
• Used by enemy NPCs in the Grove Street Survival and Scrapyard Survival.
• Appears in the Gerald's Last Play mission End Product.
• Can be an objective vehicle in the Payphone Hit The Popstar if the mission requires eliminating the target in a Vagos lowrider (variant 2).
• Frequently driven by the Ballas and Vagos in various Security Contract and Short Trip missions.

Notable Users / Special Variants

In Grand Theft Auto Online, several non-obtainable variants of the Buccaneer Custom appear during the "Car Meet" Vehicle Cargo mission. These vehicles feature unique combinations of colors, modifications, and liveries that cannot be recreated by players. They spawn at designated car meet locations, including Vinewood Boulevard and the Vinewood Bowl.

Gallery

Trivia

• The standard Albany Buccaneer, which the Custom is based on, has appeared in several previous titles, including Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Grand Theft Auto IV, and Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars.
• In Grand Theft Auto Online, if the player equips the single or triple Intake Bug Catcher hood modification, the air filter can still be purchased but will not be visually present on the engine.
• When upgraded with hydraulics, the Buccaneer Custom can drag its rear bumper along the ground, similar to the Tornado in the 3D Universe titles.