The Buick Regal T-Type and Grand National were already recognized as future classics when they were new, offering a unique blend of performance and style. By 1987, Buick’s turbocharged 231 cubic inch V6 engine was producing an impressive 245 horsepower, significantly outperforming the 190 horsepower offered by a stock 305 cubic inch V8 in an automatic Camaro of the same era. However, the pinnacle of this turbocharged lineage was yet to come: the 1987 Buick Gnx, a limited-edition, meticulously engineered machine that represented the ultimate expression of Buick’s performance capabilities and a fitting finale to the Grand National story.
The creation of the Buick GNX was a collaborative effort. Buick built just 547 cars with Grand National interiors and then shipped them to American Specialty Cars (ASC) McLaren Performance Technologies for the transformative GNX enhancements. These upgrades were substantial and focused on maximizing performance. The GNX received a Garrett T3 turbocharger featuring a ceramic impeller and a distinctive GNX heat shield. To further boost power, a larger capacity intercooler was installed, and the engine management system was reprogrammed to optimize performance. The chassis also benefited from significant improvements, including a performance suspension system with a torque bar and a unique GNX-specific rear differential cover.
Under the hood, the 3.8-liter turbocharged V6 engine in the Buick GNX was conservatively rated at 276 horsepower at 4,400 RPM and a robust 360 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 RPM. This power was channeled through a specially prepared Turbo-HydraMatic 2004R transmission, ensuring smooth and efficient power delivery. These modifications resulted in breathtaking performance figures for the time. The Buick 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 rivaled many contemporary sports cars.
The Buick GNX also boasted a menacing and unique exterior aesthetic. Vented front fenders not only contributed to cooling but also added to the aggressive stance of the car. In a subtle yet significant styling cue, hood and fender emblems were intentionally omitted, further emphasizing the car’s performance-oriented nature. The GNX rode on exclusive 16-inch aluminum mesh wheels with blacked-out faces and distinctive GNX center caps, wrapped in Goodyear Eagle Gatorback tires, completing the car’s purposeful and aggressive look. Each Buick GNX is a numbered example, adding to its exclusivity. As a testament to its rarity and desirability, some examples have survived with incredibly low mileage, further cementing the Buick GNX’s status as a true automotive legend and a highly sought-after collectible.
