- Turbo Motor
- 276 Horsepower
- Original Miles
- Original Paint
- Garage Kept
If the word association of Buick and “Grand National” doesn’t get your blood pumping, then we suggest you may want to turn in your American-petrol head card at the first opportunity. The Buick Regal Grand National is a muscle car that upended the industry in an era of tightening emissions regulations thanks to its use of a smaller V6 engine with a turbo. This GNX (which stands for Grand National Experimental) run-out special edition was created for the Grand National’s final production year. And it’s no exaggeration to say that Buick pulled out all the stops. A limited run of only 547 cars were transformed by none other than McLaren, with a host of upgrades under the hood. This 1987 Buick Grand National GNX that is for sale has reportedly been garage kept and maintains the original mileage.
Exterior and Interior
The exterior of the Grand National was available in just one color. Like a Model T, you could only have one in black, while later cars even had their chrome deleted. The car for sale sticks to that philosophy, and reportedly maintains its original paint—a menacing tribute to the beast underneath. The Grand National was also famous for its “Power Bulge”—a not so subtle addition to the hood that was required for the turbo V6 to fit under.
Engine
The Grand National’s engine was famed for shining at a time of reduced outputs from a host of other sports and muscle cars. Wining out against restrictive emissions regulations, the Buick Grand National added a turbo to its 3.8 liter V6. With electronic fuel management and a blower replacing displacement, the Grand National GNX was one of the most powerful muscle cars of the era. The special edition was rated at 276hp, although the actual output was rumored to be greater. This was thanks to the engine work done by McLaren, who added larger turbos amongst other things. Amazingly, the Grand National GNX was faster to 60mph and over a quarter-mile than the supercar of the era, the Ferrari F40.
The 1987 Buick Regal Grand National is one of the most recognizable American performance cars of the 1980s, combining stealthy styling with groundbreaking turbocharged power. Finished in the iconic black exterior, this Grand National represents Buick’s legendary approach to performance, using a 3.8L turbocharged and intercooled V6 to deliver impressive torque and acceleration that challenged traditional V8 muscle cars of its era. With its rear-wheel-drive layout, factory turbo technology, and unmistakable Grand National appearance, this example remains a highly collectible piece of American muscle car history. Showing 95,035 miles, it offers the opportunity to own one of Buick’s most celebrated performance icons.
The 1987 Buick Regal Grand National stands as one of the most legendary American performance cars of the 1980s, proving that turbocharging could outperform the era’s traditional V8-powered rivals. Widely regarded as the pinnacle of Buick’s turbocharged G-body lineup, the final-year Grand National became an instant icon thanks to its sinister all-black appearance and formidable factory performance. Showing just 38,354 miles, this example retains the unmistakable character that made the Grand National a legend among enthusiasts. Disclaimer: Rebuilt shown on title.
The Buick Regal is one of those nameplates from the Seventies that you can still buy today, albeit not in North America, but China! Introduced in 1973, just as the Malaise Era was taking hold, the Regal has always been the premium midsize offering from this storied American automaker. Regals have been made in coupe, sedan and station wagon forms, and come with some hot variants too. North American Regal sales ceased in 2020, as Buick wanted to refocus its attention towards solely selling SUVS in North America. Today, we have a second-generation 1986 Buick Regal T-Type Turbo for sale from Downey, California. This was considered quite a hot car in its time, due to its punchy 3.8-liter turbo V6 and performance-tuned suspension. This 44,107-mile car also comes with an upgraded intercooler set-up for a bit more bite.
The 1942 Buick Super 4-Door Touring Sedan comes from a brief and historically significant model year, with civilian automobile production soon giving way to wartime priorities. Showing approximately 78,842 miles, this example is powered by Buick’s 248ci “Fireball” inline-eight, bored .030-inch over, and paired with a 3-speed manual transmission. Finished in gray over a gray interior, it retains the formal proportions and unmistakable prewar character of Buick’s Super line while also benefiting from a refreshed front suspension. The current owner notes that the radio, heater, and temperature gauge are inoperable, and the car retains its original spare tire.
This 1957 Buick Roadmaster Riviera 2-Door Hardtop is pure late-1950s American excess in the best possible way, combining dramatic Harley Earl-era styling with the torque-rich character of Buick’s Nailhead V8. Showing approximately 14,574 miles, this example was refurbished in the late 2000s and is finished in Dover White and Bittersweet Red over a Rust and Ivory interior. The car was later upgraded with an Air Lift Performance air suspension system. Add in power steering, power brakes, power windows, a power front bench seat, Hot Rod Air climate control, and wide whitewalls, and this Roadmaster delivers the extravagant look of a flagship ’50s Buick with a few thoughtful upgrades that make it even more enjoyable today.
The 1972 Buick Gran Sport is a great example of why Buick’s muscle cars have always had their own following. Where some competitors leaned almost entirely into aggression, the GS mixed real V8 performance with a more polished, upscale feel, and this 60,979-mile example captures that balance nicely. Finished in Burnished Copper with a Black vinyl roof over a Black interior, it pairs a 350ci V8 and 4-barrel carburetor with a TH350 3-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. The equipment list is especially appealing for an enthusiast cruiser, with power disc brakes, power steering, air conditioning, a full-length console, Rallye steering wheel, tinted glass, chrome-plated wheels, and period stereo equipment all part of the package. It has the visual presence of a proper early-1970s muscle car, but with the comfort and restraint that made Buick’s Gran Sport line feel a little more grown-up than the average stoplight bruiser.
Terms of Service
Be Kind and Courteous
We're here to create a platform to better the automotive industry through communication and transparency. Please treat everyone with respect. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required.
No Hate Speech
Make sure everyone feels safe. Hate speech of any kind is strictly prohibited. Degrading comments about things like race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, etc. will not be tolerated.
No Promotions or Spam
Give more than you take. Self-promotion, spam, or links of any kind are not allowed.
