1986 Buick Regal

If you are bidding on Grand Nationals. then I don't need to give you a bunch of hype about what an American legend you will be buying.  This is not a clone. it is a true 1986 Buick Grand National.  I bought it 3 years ago. it is in great shape mechanically and looks sharp inside and out.  I just moved from Iowa to California and this car will be a hassle to meet California emissions rules.  I love it but I've had my fun with it and I'd rather know it is out on the road with someone having fun than going to seed in my garage.

A true daily driver. I drove this car 10 miles per day to work and back any time the weather was decent in Iowa.  Put 7. 00 miles on it the last 3 years just going back and forth to work and errands.  Always turns heads. always gets a thumbs up.  Occasionally. someone under 40 will ask. “Is that an old Monte Carlo?”  Heh.

The engine was rebuilt about 8. 00 miles ago (not by me) and runs great.  The only trouble I've had with the engine was a rough idle on hot days. which I discovered was due to a cracked baffle in the gas tank.  I replaced the entire gas tank. sending unit. and fuel pump about 500 miles ago and it is running great. even when it was 96F and humid.  Sounds smooth at idle and at speed. doesn't burn oil.

Transmission is tight and shifts smoothly. doesn't leak and hasn't given me any trouble.

Brake system:  the master cylinder and vacuum assist are new. car brakes better than new.  I will include the original Powermaster electric brake system in the spare parts. but please please do some internet research and understand the risks before you put that back in service.  Not one of Buick's better designs.  

The body and paint are in good shape. no dents and no rust. a few “buffable” scratches. only one scratch that will not buff out. on the driver's door (close up photo shown).  No rust on the frame.  Winters are harsh in Iowa. this car was always garaged and “mouse-proofed” when it was too icy to drive and the roads were salted.

New CD player with USB input. amp in trunk and 8” powered subwoofer under passenger seat. should be plenty crisp and loud unless you are one of those that likes the sheet metal to vibrate at a red light.

Every car has flaws; I'll tell you straight up what they are for this one:  the AC has a freon leak. the cruise control doesn't work. the windshield squirters don't squirt. and the steering wheel feels loose because the tilt wheel pivot pin has slipped out of place.  I was going to tear down the steering column to fix the cruise. squirters. and tilt pin. but up and moved to Iowa about that time and haven't had a chance to work on it.

Here's what does work fine:  the radio. heat. electric windows. door handles. electric sunroof. turn signals. brake lights. trunk light. horn. reverse lights. windshield wipers. headlights. running lights. speedometer. odometer. good tire tread. and well pretty much everything else.

A couple “badass” touches:  the mufflers have a predatory growl (without being obnoxiously loud) and the driver's side pillar has a turbo boost gauge and analog engine temperature gauge.  

I have a clean title with no loans or other entanglements.  Available for immediate shipment. The title and registration are from Iowa. car will ship from California.

Extras:  original shop manuals (worth ~$300). portable spare in trunk plus extra matching full size wheel & tire. extra parts like the original Powermaster brake system and extra HVAC controls.

I will work with you on shipping; if you've never arranged shipping a car before. it can be intimidating. but I've shipped 3 cars in the last 3 years and they've all made it fine with no damage or hassle.  It will cost $600-$900 to ship to the Midwest.  If you are buying this car to register in California. I may be able to deliver or meet you ½ way. but please be aware that the emissions test will be your challenge.