The Buick Regal T-Type and Grand National were recognized early on as future collectible cars, even when they were still new on dealer lots. By 1987, these turbocharged machines had cemented their place in automotive history, particularly the iconic 87 Buick Grand National. In a time when a standard 305 CI V8 in an automatic Camaro produced a modest 190 horsepower, the 1987 Buick Grand National boasted a turbocharged 231 CI V6 engine delivering over 245 horsepower, showcasing a significant performance advantage through advanced technology.
The pinnacle of this legendary lineage arrived in 1987 with the limited-edition Grand National Experimental, or GNX. This model represented the ultimate evolution of the turbo Buick concept, incorporating even more of what made the Grand National series exceptional. The 87 Buick Grand National, especially in GNX form, became the swan song, a fitting finale to the turbocharged Buick era.
Only 547 87 Buick Grand National cars were specifically built with Grand National interiors and then shipped to American Specialty Cars (ASC) McLaren Performance Technologies for the transformative GNX upgrades. These enhancements were substantial, including a Garrett T3 turbocharger equipped with a ceramic impeller and a distinctive GNX heat shield, a larger, more efficient intercooler, and a recalibrated engine management system. Performance suspension modifications, featuring a torque bar and a GNX-exclusive rear differential cover, further refined the driving experience.
The heart of the GNX, still based on the 3.8L V6 engine of the 87 Buick Grand National, was conservatively rated at 276 horsepower at 4,400 RPM and a formidable 360 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 RPM. This power was channeled through a specially prepared Turbo-HydraMatic 2004R transmission, ensuring robust and reliable performance. In real-world testing, the GNX could accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in under five seconds and achieve quarter-mile times in the low 13-second range, performance figures that were remarkable for the era and remain impressive today.
The 87 Buick Grand National GNX also sported a menacing and unique exterior. Vented front fenders, a deliberate absence of hood and fender emblems, and unique 16-inch aluminum mesh wheels with blacked-out faces and GNX center caps distinguished it visually. Goodyear Eagle Gatorback tires completed the performance-oriented package. These visual cues, combined with the roaring turbocharged engine, solidified the 87 Buick Grand National GNX as a true performance icon.
Examples like GNX number 155, from the limited run of 547, underscore the collectibility of these cars. With incredibly low mileage, such as the astonishingly low 12 miles on the odometer of this particular car, and featuring the special instrumentation package, these vehicles are highly sought after by collectors. Original features like GNX-badged front carpet savers, six-way power adjustable driver seats, and the ASC McLaren GNX window sticker, detailing the exclusive upgrades, further enhance their desirability and value. The 87 Buick Grand National GNX is more than just a car; it’s a piece of automotive history, representing the peak of American turbocharged muscle car innovation in the 1980s.
