The Buick Regal T-Type and Grand National were iconic turbocharged vehicles that even when brand new, were clearly destined for classic car status. By 1987, Buick had refined its turbocharged 231 cubic inch V6 engine to produce over 245 horsepower, a significant figure when compared to the 190 horsepower output of a contemporary stock 305 cubic inch V8 Camaro with an automatic transmission. The ultimate expression of this performance lineage arrived in 1987 with the limited-edition Grand National Experimental, or GNX – representing the zenith of the turbo Buick era and incorporating all the elements that made these cars legendary.
Alt text: Side profile of a 1987 Buick Grand National GNX showcasing its distinctive black exterior and iconic mesh wheels, a symbol of American muscle car performance.
Buick produced a mere 547 Grand Nationals with specific interior features before sending them to American Specialty Cars (ASC) McLaren Performance Technologies for the transformative GNX enhancements. These upgrades included a Garrett T3 turbocharger equipped with a ceramic impeller and a unique GNX heat shield, a larger intercooler for improved cooling, recalibrated engine management software, and a performance-tuned suspension system featuring a torque bar and an exclusive GNX rear differential cover. The 3.8L V6 engine within the GNX was conservatively rated at 276 horsepower at 4,400 RPM and a robust 360 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 RPM, paired with a modified Turbo-HydraMatic 2004R transmission.
The result was breathtaking performance. The GNX could accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in under five seconds and achieve a quarter-mile time in the low 13-second range, figures that were remarkable for the time. Aesthetically, the GNX exuded menace with vented front fenders, the deliberate absence of hood and fender badging, and distinctive 16-inch aluminum mesh wheels finished in black with GNX center caps, all wrapped in Goodyear Eagle Gatorback tires.
The featured GNX, car number 155 out of the “Fourtunate Few,” is an unrestored example boasting an incredibly low 12 miles on its odometer, as displayed on its special instrumentation cluster. This particular vehicle also includes GNX-branded front carpet savers, a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and the original ASC McLaren GNX window sticker, detailing all the unique features that define this turbocharged Buick Grand National Experimental as the ultimate expression of its breed. The 1987 Grand National GNX remains a highly sought-after collectible, symbolizing peak American performance and engineering prowess of the era.
