SUMMARY

* 18,608-mile survivor
* 1 of 547 produced
* Original 3.8 liter turbocharged V6 / 276 horsepower
* Original Turbo-Hydramatic 200 R4 4-speed automatic transmission
* Original 16-inch wheels / Original Goodyear tires
* Richard Clark stainless cat-back exhaust
* Winner of multiple national awards
* Sale includes an original Door Pad Broadcast Sheet, an original window sticker and the aforementioned awards
* ASC McLaren-tuned suspension
* Factory power steering / Factory power front disc and rear drum brakes

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Over the past four decades, General Motors has proven itself a modern day warrior. The company literally OWNED the ’50s and ’60s, and no matter how much corporate bean counters tried to quell its spirit of performance, true gearheads ALWAYS kept the flame lit. And I’m not talking about Corvettes or the incredible Cadillac V-Series. I’m talking about cars that are fast, fun and highly attainable. In the early 21st century, the guys at Pontiac worked with GM’s Holden division to send world-class muscle to American shores. During the stuffy ’70s the venerable Trans Am soldiered on with big displacement motors and flashy good looks. In the mid-’90s, Chevrolet’s visionary Impala SS brought a new sense of cool to the full-size segment. And in the ’80s, it was this car: Buick’s bad-to-the-bone GNX that proudly separated the winners from the losers. All black, all business and so ruthless even your shut-in grandmother knows it means trouble, this exclusive coupe backs 360 lb./ft. of turbocharged torque with sinister aesthetics and an ASC McLaren-tuned suspension!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Capitalizing on the success of winning NASCAR’s 1981 and ’82 Manufacturer’s Cups, Buick kicked off the Grand National legacy by introducing a specially tweaked version of their 1982 Regal. However, it wasn’t long until GM’s conservative luxury crew assumed the full identity of renegade performance division by slathering black paint onto highly modified G-Bodies that featured unique and menacing aesthetics. And, in 1987, the brand shunned all brightwork, sourced some serious performance bolt-ons, printed a batch of “GNX” emblems and announced the “Grand National to end all Grand Nationals”. This GNX’s wet-looking coat of GM code 19 Black highlights original sheetmetal that’s both crisp and sharp. The car’s vertical panels center straight surfaces in even gaps, showing no signs of damage or accident repairs. And, topped by great looking, factory-correct trim, the finish is every bit as glossy as it is deep.

ENGINE

Speaking of survivors, and GM’s core strengths, if anyone ever creates an ultimate engine survivors list Buick’s stalwart, 231 cubic inch V6 will surely be at the top. Introduced as the Fireball, and eventually renamed the 3800, its early ’60s design was sold to Kaiser, bought back by General Motors and, with the help of turbos, superchargers and continuous improvements, would remain one of the company’s core powerplants until the turn of the century! In addition to compounding tweaks accrued during the life of the Grand National series, the original sixer behind this coupe’s Vader-like grille benefits from significant mechanical improvements. For starters, GM sourced a better version of the car’s Garret turbo that featured a ceramic impeller and larger intercooler. A CERMATEL-coated connection pipe marries that re-engineered blower with its Jet Black foundation. And a specific EEPROM makes sure everything plays well together. Those carefully calculated upgrades were good for a newly impressive 276 horsepower and substantial 360 lb./ft. of V8-slaying of torque. And that power created numbers that not only bested GM’s own Camaro and Corvette, but also catapulted Buick to the forefront of ’80s performance! Presently, the car’s low-mileage mill is 100% stock inside and out, featuring fresh and pliable ancillaries that are ready for lots of warm weather and tons of rich boost. Everything, from its “BUICK” branded hood mat to its correct 25526109 casting number, is in top-flight condition. And one glance at our pictures reinforces the fact that this coupe probably hasn’t seen anything more than carefully planned miles on sunny summer days.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

The car’s hot engine spins torque through an original, “BRF” tagged 4-speed that’s a member of the ultra-reliable Turbo-Hydramatic family; an honorable and faithful group that’s survived behind GM’s toughest performance blocks for decades. That seasoned transmission twists a set of original gears, which offer a great combination of starting line grip and high-speed cruising. And, under that first-class drivetrain, an ASC McLaren-tuned suspension provides world-class handling ability. Unrestrained, Buick GNX’s were probably legitimate 150 MPH hot rods. But the factory knew the limitations of the Regal’s aerodynamics, suspension and brakes and wisely chose to reign in the fun long before peak velocity. Speaking of brakes and the like, power-assisted discs and drums provide solid stops. Quick-ratio power steering makes cornering easy and turning a cinch. A stainless cat-back exhaust system, developed by Richard Clark, creates power while adding to the car’s subdued demeanor. At the corners, original wheels spin original 245/50VR16 Goodyear Eagle VR50s in front of original 255/50ZR16 Goodyear Eagle ZR50s. And, aesthetically, the bottom of this Buick is exactly what you’d expect from an immaculately maintained, low-mileage survivor.

INTERIOR

Inside this awesome street bruiser you’ll find an original, tri-tone interior that’s virtually spotless. Typical Buick fashion dictates more comfort than sport, but then, that’s what GM’s entry luxury brand has always been about. And naturally, that means this Grand National is loaded with all the features you’d expect including power windows, power locks, climate control, cruise control and a tilt steering wheel. In front of that wheel, pliable factory buckets appear to have been looked at more than they’ve been sat in. Opposite those seats, factory-spec Stewart Warner gauges inhabit a blocky dash that’s free of warps and cracks. Below that dash, a factory console frames an elegant factory shifter. In front of the driver, a satin-spoke steering wheel looks ’80s glam. And behind the passengers, a carpeted trunk seems big enough to abet weekend travel.

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HISTORICAL INFORMATION

Here’s a complete breakdown of the car’s original window sticker.

1987 GNX 2-DOOR COUPE

SOLD THROUGH: Palmer-Harrell Buick in Tallahassee, Florida

BUICK STANDARD EQUIPMENT:

* Automatic transmission
* Power steering
* Power front disc brakes
* Bumper rub strips
* Carpeting
* Electric door locks
* Soft Ray tinted glass
* Power windows
* Electric trunk release
* Front carpet savers
* Rear carpet savers
* Trunk trim covering
* Black door edge guards
* 2-speed windshield wipers
* Electric rear window defogger
* Front seat reading lamps
* Lighted passenger’s vanity mirror
* Remote, body-matched mirrors
* Limited-slip differential
* Interior hood release
* Lamp Group
* Freedom II battery
* Dual horns
* High-mount stop lamp
* Cruise control
* 3.8 liter (231 cubic inch) SFI turbocharged V6 that’s equipped with an intercooler
* Tilt steering column
* Tungsten halogen headlamps
* ‘Headlamps on’ indicator
* GNX Special Handling Package
* Heavy duty battery
* Theft deterrent system
* Automatic power antenna
* Concert Sound speaker system
* Delco-GM AM/FM cassette deck
* — Graphic equalizer
* — Seek & Scan
* — Auto reverse
* — Search & Repeat
* — Clock
* Front license plate mount
* Regal Grand National
* — Turbo V6
* — 4-speed automatic transmission
* — Performance suspension
* — Sport mirrors
* — Air conditioning
* — Specific interior & exterior appearance
* 6-way power driver’s seat
* Black exterior paint
* Gray, cloth bucket seats

ASC MCLAREN STANDARD EQUIPMENT:

GNX Package
* — Eagle Gatorback tires
* — 16-inch aluminum wheels
* — GNX modified engine
* — GNX modified transmission
* — Performance rear suspension
* — Engine air vents
* — Body modifications
* — Instrumentation Package
* — GNX emblems

MANUFACTURER’S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $17,865

DESTINATION: $430

GNX OPTION: $10,995

TOTAL VEHCILE PRICE: $29,290

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AWARDS

Naturally, this clean survivor wins awards almost every time it hits a show. Here’s a list of the car’s major accomplishments.

* Second Place Best GNX at the 1996 Buick GS Nationals
* Third Place Best GNX at the 1997 Buick GS Nationals
* First Place GNX at the 1998 Buick GS Nationals

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THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

* A 1987 Buick Buyer’s Guide
* Miscellaneous factory paperwork
* The car’s original Door Pad Broadcast Sheet
* The aforementioned window sticker
* The car’s original Owner’s Manual
* Vintage GNX decals
* Paperwork for the car’s stainless exhaust system
* A couple of maintenance receipts
* A large display board
* A GNX tag
* A GNX book
* Two embroidered towels
* The aforementioned awards

1 of 547 produced, this incredible GNX is an incredible collectible. Nobody scoffs at Buick’s legendary Grand National. And you can pretty much bank on the fact that these cars will grow in value as their buyer base continues to mature. So, what are you waiting for? Grab this beastly Buick and enjoy one of the most exclusive muscle cars on the planet WHILE it appreciates!