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1987 Buick Grand National

Sale price: $60,000.00 make an offer

Car location: Buffalo, New York, United States

Sale type: Fixed price listing

Technical specifications, photos and description:

Year:
1987
Mileage:
6812
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1987 Buick Grand National for sale

Current customer rating: current rating for this car(2.5) based on 53 votes
Hello Turbo Buick fans!

My Grand National is for sale locally for a private sale. Full amount due in cash, check, wire, etc. Payment must clear in full before my car leaves the garage. Thank-you.

COMPETITIVE starting bid, no reserve.

I am going to give a quick summary and a longer more comprehensive version:

Quick Summary...

Here is an all original, unmodified 1987 Buick Grand National in Showroom Condition

- A Strong 9+ out of 10 inside and out and as a whole

- All options car with hardtop, rare power truck release, twilight sentinel, digital dash, etc.

- 6,812 actual miles, driven about an average of 200 miles a year, sits only through winter in heated storage

- Original new car smell

- Has all original paint, professionally detailed with a deep smooth shine, No checking, No paint flaking, No scratches, No Hand prints (had a professional paint correction which is a multi stage high end polish)

- Sun Glare/white reflections appear in some pictures, also may look like paint flaking or fading damage, NO flaking or fading paint damage, also NO scratches

- With original exhaust system including catalytic converter, tires with NO dry rot, beautiful interior, numbers matching drivetrain.

- I just installed a BRAND NEW (U.S. MADE) powermaster brake accumulator ball; 30% bigger and SAFER for great stopping power and reliability! Tested and works EXCELLENT.  NO Lights come on, works like new! - (In one of the last pictures, ACCUMULATOR NOW INSTALLED) -See before and after pictures.

- Original tires, NO reproductions

- All paperwork from original owner from day 1, including original window sticker, pink slip, registration, manuals, brochure, warranty card, recall letters, lost key paper slip form, etc. All included.

- Car has never done a burnout and evidence will prove it

- Runs smooth, clean. No leaks, No drips and No quietly seeping fluids

- Original rope seal

- Unused (4 piece front and rear) "Grand National" floor mats

- 3 Sets of Original GM keys with 'Selling Dealer' keychain and Original Buick keychain

- Cleanest documented 2 Owner

- All original paperwork as shown

- Dealer inventory lot number on inside of windshield, never removed

- Very High AutoCheck Score.

- Clean and clear title, No damage

- Does not need to be dusted

- I do not charge fees, you pay me only what you bid

- Original examples continuously on the rise for years

- You can view at anytime during daylight hours, I am flexible during auction

- I have taken care of this car before my official ownership

- Never let sit, driven to get proper lubrications throughout

- Although these motors are nearly bulletproof, all original Grand Nationals and most Turbo Buicks require a brief warm up and cool down period

- Look for my all original very low mile showroom Buick GNX for sale later on this year, with window sticker

- Please feel free to contact me at any time. Thank-you.

Now for the looonger detailed version (it gets even better):

-Serious bidders please real all

I have the pleasure of saying that this car has the factory original paint that is in Mint condition, no repaint, and absolutely no repairs. A True Mint condition survivor!

The fastest production car made in America in 1987. Even faster than GM's own Corvette and The Ford Mustang GT.

This one is sure to impress! This is not a neglected barn find!! This is original AND mint!!It has been cared for and pampered its entire life.

There is a lot to know about this car. Some cars do not live up to the original paint quality detailed finish of this car. It has a show quality detail from an experienced detailer that has worked on new cars, old cars with single stage paint, clear/base, AND exotic cars and literally everything in between. I have seen their work over the years first hand.

All original carwith original paperwork, original paint, original tires, original exhaust, original window sticker. Literally all original with exception to the, fresh ethanol free gas, oil, filter and Delco battery.

This excellent condition unrestored survivor car is near perfection in quality and correctness. Simply an amazing investment for a 6,812 mile car. Everything works, even the power antenna!! (NEW Factory GM one replaced) Yes!

Of course, this car has no mods and never raced! This car has NEVER ever done a burnout (Sad and RARE)

Extremely important: Notice NO stress cracks or twisting of the frame which is an easy indicator that a car may have been raced and abused. I have a closeup of that too.

This official 'classic car' has the 35 year old original Goodyear Eagle GT tires with NO repairs; NO plugs, NO patches. NO dry rot whatsoever! Not even a hint of it as you can see. Plenty of tread left, only 6,812 miles and the TIRES WERE NEVER REMOVED FROM THE CAR, EVER!  There is approximately a 40k-50k mile tire life for these specific tires.

Original spare in trunk never removed as well as the original jack assembly, untouched.

Has all power options, including digital dash and all are functional.

FULLY LOADED HARDTOP WITH EVERY OPTION. 2 OWNER WITH ORIGINAL WINDOW STICKER! (super rare)  This is what most collectors want, a more sound frame than t-tops or moonroof. I like them all.

All Factory original paintappears 'better than new' but is as good as 35 year old GM paint can get with todays detailing products (when applied properly and professionally like this has been done).

To me the most important thing I look for in the Grand National is... the GM factory paint which was approximately 3.5 mil - 4.5 ml in total thickness throughout. The paint thickness on every car varied and typically on each and every one of them is 3.5 mil - 4.5 mil.  (I spent hundreds of dollars on the paint depth gauge for piece of mind and even more $$$$ on the detail) ABSOLUTELY NONE of the paint or paint thickness was removed or compromised when detailing the car with a high polish. When you wet sand or compound a car, you risk this being done and that layer is gone forever or it may burn through. This car was NOT wet sanded. I don't personally prefer that in a factory original finish. Proof shown in the pictures.

A wheel was used only ONE TIME for the first time ever, and it was this time! All I even owned were original paint GN's.

If you have ever seen a perfectly still lake, this is the paint detail.

This 1987 Buick Grand National still retains the original orange peel (glitter or flake like substance). It is visible best within bright light. If it is not visible at all on any GN, then there may have been too much taken off when polished.

PURISTS will only buy GN's this way!

NO checking (no cracking, "X's" or pulling) in the paint which was typical with many. Smooth to the touch! You will ALWAYS see this in just about EVERY GN, even most professionally detailed ones and many 10 mile ones!!

Body guys, you know what I am talking about.

Never been smoked in. (Unused cigarette lighter) NO rain, NO snow, NO sun, NO fun, well you get the point.

Original highly documented 6,812 mile car with a clean and clear 2 owner title.

All original GM car with MOBIL 1 Full synthetic 5W-30 oil and of course an AC Delco oil filter, which has about 150 miles on it.

I put in Stabil 360 additive in fuel tank to preserve the NON-Ethanol Super unleaded for up to a YEAR. (I do this for winter storage). I have since fueled up with non-ethanol premium fuel June 2021 -without Stabil - for the summer only)  All fluids are clean. Has the original air conditioning which is all there, it has a retro fitting for the modern air conditioning refill, which you can legally purchase in the store or online. Does not decrease the value.

Just get in it and drive or just stare at it in the garage or your living room.

Has AC Delco battery. I had the battery out for the winter on a trickle charge. It was kept in climate control heated storage.

It has a performance chip as well as the original ACXA chip that rolled off the line with the car. Many do not have this when selling an original car. You get both.

Has a secret performance button in glove box. You can press it for a slight increase in horsepower. It is "Plug and Play", so if you do not want it, simply unplug it. NO cutting, or modifying, just plug and play.

Immaculate undercarriage with original exhaust and catalytic converter!

No one has ever sat in the back seat, not even me! Tires never repaired or removed. Sticker on drivers side back seat ash tray lid, never removed. Dealer lot number on inside of upper center windshield, never removed.

All warning lights are off in driving mode.

G80 full posi rear end, not a one wheel peel.

Doors open and close as they should, the right 'sound' and 'feel', which also prove the doors do not sag.

Interior is mint condition with exception to a minor headliner sag, just needs to be tucked. NO repairs or replacement needed. I left original. Entire carpeting like new along with floor mats.

Cold start and warm start normal with no issue.

Weatherstripping is all factory original and is in excellent condition. No dry rot.  Trim is also original and in excellent condition. This stuff is NOT cheap and hard to find, if not impossible!! Try looking up new old stock parts for these cars. I can guarantee you will be hard pressed to find much. Even aftermarket items aren't cheap when available!

Car is squeak free, creak free, and leak free with the original rope style rear main seal. Drives like it did 30+ years ago and yes I drove them new then! Just as exciting as it was then! Car is as tight as it was in 1987.

Original 9 HOLE hood liner, NOT the later 8 hole style which BOTH STYLES have the same part number! ALL 9 hole hood insulation pad retainers are also GM original and they all match, same part numbers. Many break and are replaced with a set of BLANK $5.00 aftermarket ones. This car does NOT have those aftermarket ones! You cannot even buy the GM retainer pads if you had to!!

Car is straight as an arrow with NO unwanted sideways pull or dog tracking. Equal and factory correct door gaps, hood gaps, trunk gaps throughout. Clean 'factory original' bumper fillers, not cracked. If not painted -the ORIGINALS will fade. These are authentic factory originals and are mint.

Again, no checking in the all original paint. It is smooth as polished glass both visual and by the touch!!  A very deep deep shine you can get lost in!  Pictures were done with an old school digital camera. NO PHOTO ENHANCEMENTS in any way.

Rims are original and decent, no rust or pitting. Evidence of them never being removed from the car in the pictures. Also come with wheel locks as shown.

Gleaming MINT original interior. Upholstery, no rips or wear. Period. Interior still smells like new.

-You must see it with the naked eye!

No messy undercoating.

Original Brochure, Embossed Regal owners manual, Delco radio manual, Goodyear warranty book, maintenance schedule book! Recall letter: NO recall parts were ever replaced. Other documents, books, license plate, GN floor mats, 3 sets of original GM keys, etc. as shown.

If you are serious about buying here, take your time. I urge you to look at only the best GN's for sale on all of the internet and see that they are in fact asking very fair prices. These have been steady and strong in sold prices.

30+ years; official antique status for these GN's and GNX's as an unmolested car has been steadily on the rise for the past few years and haven't stopped. Own one before they increase in value even more!

In speaking with Greg Ingold with Hagerty Valuations after the GN cleared $117K and the GNX hit $275K at a recent Barrett-Jackson auction, you will see book values changing very soon, and they are STILL on the rise.

The valuations of these GN's and GNX's remained unchanged in 2020's weak market which shows a strong market for these, all things considered. Now, these are very hot and one of the hottest on the market.

Where the values are headed on the true original unmolested survivors. What is a 100% survivor worth?

This GN is very worthy of a Barrett-Jackson or Mecum auction. It saves us both time and money (about 10% on both ends). You can also view it in person without anyone getting in your way, anyone else touching it, no-one breathing on it, accidentally scratching it with jewelry, beer being tipped on it while someones jaw is open, etc.  It is only original once, no do-overs!! You get the point!

Original Paint is graded a strong 9/10.

BRIEF STATS for the current and future die hard fans:

0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds est. stock. (Ferrari and Lamborghini territory) (and faster than the Corvette in 1987)

150 mph top speed approximately

125 mph top speed governed

245 hp/355 ft.lb, was closer to 300 hp stock (more than the Corvette in 1987)

3.8L 231 cu.in.  V-6 -TURBO - these are bulletproof engines too!

1/4 mile: varies,  approx. high 13's-low 14's,@ 95 mph-approx

(what makes these cars so special is that they can be modified to beat any car, yes even the V-8 supercharged 707 hp Hellcat AND 840 hp Demon with an even bigger supercharger!) (and even the awesome 2019 ZR1 Corvette) Those are awesome cars too and I love them but they are not a GN.

This car needs to stay in collectors hands so it remains original and unmolested to preserve the value.

NASCAR based, there were 20,193 Grand Nationals made in 1987, the LAST YEAR for GN's and for most rear wheel drive cars!  Most desirable and collectible year 1987, regardless of production numbers! The numbers on a fully loaded hardtop, an educated guess 5 or 10% and how many with 6,812 miles in THIS condition, a handful if ANY?

It is ALWAYS covered up, in storage under constant 24 hour surveillance safe and sound. No one has touched it, No one has driven it or even looked at it to this point. I have something else that I drive and enjoy, reason for selling.

This car...

will get attention...

will get awards...

will get offers with open checkbooks...

...once it is exposed to the public eye!!!

Always undercover and covered up with a breathable car cover.

WHAT MISSING PARTS TO WATCH FOR ON OTHER GN's(which this car does have): original computer chip (not the recalled one, or aftermarket), GN rims, Goodyear Eagle GT tires, complete original exhaust with original catalytic converter; and most of all THE PAINT, must be original to command above average money. Some may have checking, or webbing which is ok but for it to be smooth with none of that present, is a huge, huge plus. These are the main things to look for . This car is missing nothing but a new caring home.

Original paint in above average condition (with LOW miles) and has buffed to near perfection!

You almost never see a GN or GNX clone because the parts when available are way to expensive...IF you can get them as new old stock! You will have more into a clone done exactly to specs than most real ones!!

Whether or not you have a trained eye, if you saw this in person you will know immediately without words, it is the best of the best original GN's.  You modified GN guys, I have a love for those cars too!!

I urge serious buyers to view before you buy. When you bid, you are entering a legal contract between buyer and seller. If you are the winning bidder and did NOT view the car in person, you are still financially responsible for the total winning bid.

Ok, you heard it before. It is for sale locally but if the reserve is met at ANY time with just one bid, then the car sells to the highest bidder right here!

If you see it in person before commitment and do not like it, you have no obligation.

7 days full payment is due.

Cash preferred.

I can help assist in setting up shipping. I am familiar with Passport Transport. They are very professional. I will give you my time and patience needed to complete the sale.

Car is located in Western New York outside Buffalo away from the city. Safe and Easy to find and easy to load.

Clean and clear title.

FYI: Internet Explorer lets you zoom in closer on the pictures than Google Chrome.

Serious bidders only please.

Thank-you for browsing or bidding!

Tags: 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 (1983; no production this year) 1984 1985 1986 1987 RWD Rear Wheel Drive T-Type Turbo-T Turbo Regal Limited ASC McLaren GNX prototype Richard Clark (Hi Richard!) Darth Vader Lord Vader Star Wars X-Ray Hemi Hellcat Demon LS6 Judge 442  Ram Air OAI W-30 WS6 GTP GXP Firehawk G8 GTO Firebird Mustang Boss 429 Shinoda Cobra Mach 1 428 Super Cobra Jet CJ SCJ GT 350 500 KR Z-28 Z28 RS/SS RS SS Convertible Cadillac CTS-V  XLR-V Split Window 1963 Corvette ZR1 Z06 Hennessy Ford GT 40 Saleen S7 Twin Turbo Eleanor Smokey Bandit Cannonball Run Humvee Hummer H2 H3 NASCAR Red Yellow Green Black White Blue Checkered Flag 2020 Corvette ZR1 ZO6 Aluminum ZL1 Yenko Dukes of Hazzard Porsche 911 Turbo 930 Cabriolet Carrera Targa Ferrari Daytona 330 GTC Lamborghini Countach Diablo Bugatti Veyron Rolls Royce Phantom Boat Tail Silver Cloud Shadow Spur Ghost Phantom Bullet Maserati Bentley AMG Mercedes AMG Gullwing Jaguar XJ 220 V12 Lingenfelter Hennessey Supercharged Speedster Roadster Spider Pierce-Arrow Rotisserie Restoration Survivor Resto Mod Carfax Barrett-Jackson Mecum Auctions GAA Hemmings Gooding & Co. Company Pebble Beach BAT Bring A Trailer Callaway Sledgehammer Shelby Cobra CSX 1000 4000 6000 Aluminum Supersnake Ferrari Spider Duesenberg BMW Isetta 300 Amphicar Nissan Skyline Audi R8 Spyder Mazda Datsun 280Z Toyota Fast Furious Mercedes Gullwing Bronco Maverick Lightning 454 SS G8 Dodge Viper SRT V10 ACR XJS Maserati Lotus Pantera Roadster Speedster Standard Stick Shift Manumatic SLP Replica Clone Custom 3 4 5 6 speed Tradesman Van Pace Car 10th 20th 25th 30th 40th 50th Anniversary HiBoy LowBoy Coupe Sedan and nothing to do with this but MOTORCYCLES and DIRTBIKES (my other passions) and on and on

A little history courtesy of Wikipedia, some of you may have read it 100 times but here it is for those of you new to the Great Grand National. She's here to stay:

Second generation (1978)[edit]

Second generation 1987 Buick Grand NationalOverviewModel years1978–1987AssemblyUnited States:

Flint, MichiganLakewood Heights, GeorgiaArlington, TexasFramingham, MassachusettsFremont, CaliforniaPontiac, MichiganKansas City, Missouri (Leeds)Body and chassisBody style2-door coupé
4-door sedan
5-door station wagonLayoutFR layoutPlatformA-body (1978–1981)
G-body (1981–1987)Related Buick CenturyChevrolet El CaminoChevrolet MalibuChevrolet Monte CarloOldsmobile CutlassOldsmobile Cutlass SupremePontiac BonnevillePontiac Grand AmPontiac Grand PrixPontiac Le MansPowertrainEngine 196 cu in (3.2 L) Buick V6231 cu in (3.8 L) Buick V6231 cu in (3.8 L) Buick V6 Turbocharged252 cu in (4.1 L) Buick V6260 cu in (4.3 L) Oldsmobile Diesel V6265 cu in (4.3 L) Pontiac V8301 cu in (4.9 L) Pontiac V8305 cu in (5.0 L) Chevrolet V8307 cu in (5.0 L) Oldsmobile V8350 cu in (5.7 L) Oldsmobile Diesel V8Transmission 3-speed manual3-speed THM200 automatic4-speed THM200-4R automaticDimensionsWheelbase108.1 in (2,745.7 mm)Length200.6 in (5,095.2 mm)[5]Width71.6 in (1,818.6 mm)Height54.5 in (1,384.3 mm)

A downsized Regal appeared for the 1978 model year with Buick's new 196 cu in (3.2 L) V6 engine as standard equipment and a revised version of the venerable 231 cu in (3.8 L) V6 as an option (which became standard for 1980). Initially, a three-speed manual transmission was standard but this was later replaced by an automatic. At the time of introduction, Regals were available exclusively as coupés with the Century nameplate applied to bread-and-butter sedans and station wagons.[6] In January 1982 the Century was replaced by an all-new car on the front-wheel drive A platform, which meant that the Regal gained a four-door sedan and five-door station wagon - essentially facelifted and rebadged versions of the previous year's rear-wheel drive Century. It was the first time the name appeared on a full model lineup. The wagon was discontinued after 1983, and the sedan dropped from the lineup the next year.[7] This generation Regal lasted ten years. The base model was equipped with softer-riding luxury suspension, and did not offer a manual transmission in later years.

1978–1979 Buick Regal

1980 Buick Regal

1982 Buick Regal Estate Wagon

1982–1987 Buick Regal

The 1978 Regal could be equipped with a 3,791 cc (3.8 L; 231.3 cu in) Turbocharged V6 engine with automatic transmission, and was known as a Regal Sport Coupe. Turbo versions were offered with either a two- or a four-barrel carburetor. The Buick LeSabre was also available with the turbocharged engine. The only other turbocharged cars available in the U.S. market in 1978 were imports from Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Saab. The Regal Sport Coupe also included a firm handling suspension with larger tires and sport wheels. Bucket seats and a center console with a T-shifter were also available.

A major facelift for 1981 gave the Regal a much more aerodynamic profile, helping make it possible for the car to compete on the NASCAR racing circuit. The sloping hood and nose of the car made it the favorite of several NASCAR teams. Richard Petty drove one to victory in the 1981 Daytona 500, and the car won a majority of the 1981 and 1982 seasons races and won the NASCAR manufacturers title in 1981 and 1982.

V8s for street use were still available, but had shrunk to 265 cu in (4.3 L) (1980 and 1981 only, Pontiac built), and the V6 was rapidly gaining popularity. From 1986 to 1987, the 307 cu in (5.0 L) V8 was available as an option. The 3,791 cc (3.8 L; 231.3 cu in) 2-bbl V6 was standard. The 200-4R overdrive transmission was an option with either engine.

For 1980, the Regal was offered in a special Somerset Limited Edition trim which featured unique tan and dark blue designer exterior paint, wire wheel covers, sport mirrors, and chrome Somerset badging. The interior had tan and blue plush velour upholstery, brushed chrome trim, and additional Somerset badging. A Somerset Limited Edition model was also offered on the restyled 1981 Regal. It had unique dark sandstone and camel exterior paint, sport mirrors, and turbine wheels. The interior plush velour upholstery was camel with dark brown piping.

Grand National, Turbo-T and T-Type[edit]

In February 1982, the Grand National debuted, which was named for the NASCAR Winston Cup Grand National Series (the "Grand National" term was part of the Cup series nomenclature until 1986).[8] Buick had won the Manufacturers Cup in 1981 and 1982, and wanted to capitalize on its success: "What wins on Sunday, sells on Monday". These 1982 cars were not painted black, which may confuse those not familiar with them. All started out as charcoal gray Regals that were shipped off to a subcontractor for finishing.

Originally intended for a run of 100 units, Cars and Concepts of Brighton, Michigan, retrofitted 215 Regals with the GN package. Most obvious was the light silver-gray firemist paint added to each side. Red pinstripes and billboard shadow lettering proclaiming "Buick" were applied. The wheel opening moldings and rocker panel moldings were blacked out using black vinyl tape. Finally, a front air dam and rear spoiler were installed. On the inside, special "Lear-Siegler" seats were installed. These seats are fully adjustable and were covered with silver brandon cloth with black vinyl inserts. The front seat had Buick's "6" emblem embroidered onto them. Also, a special clock delete plate was added to the instrument panel which contained the yellow and orange "6" logo and the words "Grand National Buick Motor Division".)

The 1982 GN came with a naturally aspirated 252 cu in (4.1 L) V6 engine with 125 hp (127 PS; 93 kW) at 4000 rpm and 205 lb⋅ft (278 N⋅m) of torque at 2000 rpm. Of the 215 Grand Nationals produced in 1982, at least 35 were based on the Buick Regal Sport coupe package with the turbocharged 3,791 cc (3.8 L; 231.3 cu in) V6 engine with 175 hp (177 PS; 130 kW) at 4000 rpm and 275 lb⋅ft (373 N⋅m) of torque at 2600 rpm. There were only 2022 Sport coupes produced in 1982, and the number of cars with both the GN and Sport coupe packages is estimated to be fewer than 50.

For 1983, there was no Grand National. The Sport coupe model was renamed the T-Type; 3,732 were produced (190 hp (193 PS; 142 kW) at 1600 rpm and 280 lb⋅ft (380 N⋅m) of torque at 2400 rpm). The T-Type had been used on other Buicks, starting with the Riviera in 1981 (in 1979 and 1980, it was the S Type). The 1983 Regal T-Type featured tube headers, Hydro-Boost II brakes, 200-4R 4-speed overdrive trans and 3.42 rear axle (7.5").[9]

Buick Regal T-Type

For 1984, the Grand National returned, now in all black paint. The turbocharged 3,791 cc (3.8 L; 231.3 cu in) became standard and was refined with sequential fuel injection, distributor-less computer-controlled ignition, and boasted 200 hp (203 PS; 149 kW) at 4400 rpm and 300 lb⋅ft (407 N⋅m) of torque at 2400 rpm. Only 5,204 turbo Regals were produced that year, only 2,000 of which were Grand Nationals. Because this was the first year of production of the computer-controlled sequential fuel injection and distributor-less ignition, this is often considered the year and model that started the development of the legendary intercooled Grand Nationals. The performance of this package was well ahead of its time and the "little V6" easily kept up with the bigger V8s. 1⁄4 mile (402 m) performance was listed at 15.9 seconds at stock boost levels of 10 psi (0.69 bar), while for the same year, the Chevrolet Camaro V6 was listed at 17.0 and the Chevrolet Corvette at 15.2 seconds.[10] Soon, performance enthusiasts determined the modifications that worked and the Grand Nationals easily broke into the 13-second territory. All Grand Nationals had the Lear Siegler-made cloth/leather interior which was only available for this year. An estimated 200 of the 1984 Grand Nationals were produced with the T-Top option which makes these the rarest of the Grand Nationals.

For 1986, a modified engine design with air-air intercooling boosted the performance even further to a specified 235 hp (238 PS; 175 kW) at 4000 rpm and 330 lb⋅ft (447 N⋅m) of torque at 2400 rpm. The Grand Nationals (quantity 5,512) and T-Types (quantity 2,384) were both produced in 1986. For 1987, performance reached 245 hp (248 PS; 183 kW) and 355 lb⋅ft (481 N⋅m) of torque. Buick dropped the T-Type package for Regal for 1987 models and opted for a "T" sport package instead. There were only 7,896 turbo Regals produced in 1986. In 1987, when turbo Regals reached their peak in popularity, a total of 27,590 turbo Regals were produced through December, with those models produced between September and December of that year window stickered as "1987½ Buick Grand National" vehicles.

1987 Regal T Turbo with rare blackout WO2 trim package

For 1987, a lightweight WE4 (turbo T) option was offered. Only 1,547 of this variant were produced. The differences between a WE4 and the Grand National were the interior trim package, wheels, exterior badging, aluminum bumper supports, and aluminum rear drum brakes as opposed to the Grand National's cast iron, making the WE4 a lighter and faster car. The rear spoiler was only available as a dealer-installed option. 1987 was the only year that the LC2 turbo option was available on any Regal, making it possible to even see a Limited with a vinyl landau roof and a power bulge turbo hood. Turbo Regal Limiteds were one of the rarest models of turbo Regals produced second only to the GNX at 1,035 turbo Limiteds. Turbo Regal Limiteds could be ordered with many options with most having chrome external trim but for $35 could have been built with the full black-out trim WO2 option making them extremely rare (similarly, a base Regal could also be ordered with the Turbo 6, and, the WO2 blackout trim was also available; all rare). Limiteds were treated to a very luxurious interior with plush carpeting and optional bench pillow seats and a column shift. It was also possible to order the 1987 Regal T with the 5.0/307 V8 instead of the turbo 3.8/231 V6. The 1987 model would be the end of the manufacture of the RWD "G-Body" Regal, but GM had to extend the build of the Grand National to meet customer demand into December.

Buick GNX

Buick GNX

GNX[edit]

For the final year, 1987, Buick introduced the limited production GNX, for "Grand National Experimental", at $29,900. Made in partnership with McLaren Performance Technologies/ASC, Buick produced only 547 GNs with the interior trim package, that were then sent off to McLaren and upgraded into the Buick GNX. Buick underrated the GNX at 276 hp (280 PS; 206 kW) at 4400 rpm and a very substantial 360 lb⋅ft (488 N⋅m) at 3000 rpm of torque,[11] although actual output is 300 bhp (304 PS; 224 kW) and 420 lb⋅ft (569 N⋅m).[12] This was created to be the "Grand National to end all Grand Nationals." Changes made included a special Garrett AiResearch T-3 turbocharger with a ceramic-impeller blowing through a more efficient and significantly larger capacity intercooler with a "Cermatel (ceramic-aluminum) coated" pipe connecting the intercooler to the engine. A GNX specific EEPROM, low-restriction exhaust with dual mufflers, reprogrammed turbo Hydramatic 200-4R transmission with a custom torque converter and transmission cooler, and unique differential cover/Panhard bar included more of the performance modifications. Exterior styling changes include vents located on each front fender, 16 inch black mesh style wheels with VR-speed rated tires, and deletion of the hood and fender emblems. The interior changes of the GNX included a serial number on the dash plaque and a revised instrument cluster providing Stewart-Warner analog gauges,[13] including an analog turbo boost gauge. Performance was measured faster than the Ferrari F40 and the Porsche 930 with a 1⁄4 mile (402 m) time of 12.7 seconds at 113.1 mph (182 km/h) (0.3 and 0.8 seconds quicker, 2.9 and 13.3 mph (21 km/h) faster) and a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of 4.6 seconds (0.4 and 0.3 seconds quicker, respectively).[14] GNX #001 is the 1986 prototype currently owned by Buick and sometimes makes appearances at car shows around the US. The GNX used a unique torque arm that was mounted to a special, GNX only, rear differential cover, for increased traction. The torque arm rear suspension alters the suspension geometry, making the body lift while planting the rear tires down, resulting in increased traction.

The stealthy appearance of the all-black GNX and Grand National (and the resemblance of its grill to his helmet's mouthpiece), coupled with the fact that the Grand National was initially released during the popularity of Star Wars movies, earned it the title "Darth Vader's Car". Car and Driver covered the GNX model's introduction with the headline "Lord Vader, your car is ready." Due to the turbocharged six-cylinder engine, the Buick make, and the black paint Grand Nationals were sometimes referred to as the "Dark Side". The "Dark Side" contrasted with the more common V8 Mustangs and Camaros that were popular at the time.[citation needed]

Car sold 'as is', all sales final.

My GN is still the best around for the money, condition, miles, pedigree, and ORIGINALITY!

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Grand Nationals in the wrapper are asking over $150,000.

Also published at eBay.com

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