The Grand National debuted in 1982 as largely cosmetic trim on the Buick Regal. Unlike later editions, which were all finished in black, these early GNs were painted in silver and gray, and only 216 (some sources say 215) were built by GM’s subcontractor. Although a few were turbocharged like the 1984-87 versions, most had a “regular” 252 cubic inch V6 like in other Buicks. Located in Carlinville, Illinois, this apparent survivor is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $22,500 OBO. Our thanks to Barn Finder “PRA4SNW” for the tip.
Because of Buick’s success in NASCAR (they won the Winston Cup Grand National Series manufacturer’s championship in 1981 and 1982), GM created the Grand National Regal to celebrate. Only a couple of hundred of them were built in ‘82, though in later years the numbers would increase. They were distinctive cars with two-tone paint, a rear spoiler, front air dam, and special lettering on the body. An upgraded interior was installed specifically for the GN.
The V6 engine in most 1982 GNs was rather tame at 125 horsepower and 205 lb.-ft of torque. That would change in 1984 when the turbocharged V6 was good for 50 extra horses. The seller provides practically no info on this example. Even the odometer reading is a placeholder. So, the handful of photos will have to suffice, and what little we see looks well-maintained and in survivor condition.
If you’re looking for rare in the Grand National world, the 1982s were the fewest built. Buick skipped 1983 and came back with 2,000 copies in ’84, 2,102 in ’85, 5,512 in ’86, and 20,193 in 1987 after it was announced that the rear-wheel-drive platform the Grand National was based on was being retired in favor of FWD.
When I first saw the picture of this GN, I thought it had an custom paint job. I never even knew that Buick came out with these 2 years before the turbocharged versions. I actually like the two tone paint job, just not the big word Buick on the quarter panel. If it’s well maintained with hopefully somewhat low miles, I believe it’s worth the asking price.
I, likewise, was unaware of the “early” Grand Nationals. In the small Mississippi town in which I grew up, we didn’t see many Buicks and Oldsmobiles. It was then, and still remains, mostly Ford and Chevrolet Country (same goes for the even smaller Louisiana community in which my wide and I now live). All of the GNs that I have ever seen were black. Sorta refreshing to see another color and a two-tone at that. Not a big fan of the lettered graphics either but it appears that GM soon decided they would have a cleaner look without the graphics. Neat looking car.
If a seller wants to get paid write a better ad and include better pictures. Putting in a placeholder for mileage doesn’t help either. The later turbocharged SFI cars are the ones to get, even though they are much more expensive.
Steve R
And for around the asking price of this ’82, one could find a hot air turbo ’84-’85 for similar money. Though this one does look like it’s in good shape, you’re essentially paying for the rarity of the nameplate for this year but without the principal accessory that people associate with the GN.
Those are great Steve, and to Mike’s point..
86, 87′ are the real screamers.
Why didn’t Buick engineers add an intercooler sooner ?
1984-85 GN had 200hp/300lb torque. Laughable today but not during that time. Yes this is the one that started it all and a nice one at that. I almost bought one but glad I did because I probably wouldn’t have the ‘85 model I have now. The Intercooled models are the ones to have but that doesn’t keep people from approaching me trying to buy mine.
These 215(216) units from ’82 are pretty desirable if you ask me. Collectible – check, Lear Siegler seats – check, Authentic GN Badging whether a TR or not – check, T-Tops – check. The only question is, are you cruising or have other inclinations? For me, it’s the best G-body silhouette, it’s a Grand National and a head turner no matter what. Nice vehicle for certain IMO.
The car that started all the high dollar bids on low mile GNs and GNXs…
Nice Buick but…
Rare indeed, I didn’t remember these coming out with this livery either, I had a couple of buddies who had one of the later, all black ones..but my uncle Ed had one even rarer still, he had an ’87 Grand National Le Sabre, although I believe the production number he quoted for it was the same as this Regal, 215. And yes, it had the same engine as the GN Regal of that year, except transverse mounted, a front wheel drive rocket! My dad and his 3 brothers always brought their new rides home for their dad’s approval, and of course a test drive. Well at the time, my grandad was driving a Reliant K, probably one of the weakest cars on the road. So when he pulled out of his driveway in the extra spicey Le Sabre, and mashed the gas, those front tires lit up and he nearly went into the neighbors’ yard! Not your average garden variety FWD! Oddly enough, that’s the only one of those I’ve ever seen..
Incidentally, if anyone who reads the above post, please feel free to chime in if you’ve ever encountered one of these rare Buicks, as you would be the first! When I was landscaping the grounds of the Buick dealership in Asheville in the early 90’s, I asked the lead salesman if they had had one for sale at that location, and he was convinced that I had dreamed up the car, or simply had a wild imagination and had confused it for a ‘T-Type’, as he was not aware of the car’s existence. In ’87, I had just graduated high school, and was in the heyday of my motorhead years, I would’ve no sooner mistaken that car for what it was than I would have mistaken a T-Type Regal for a Grand National…we rode in it, my grandad, my dad, my uncle Ed and me, and it was indeed a wild ride, and that car was a beast! All black, ice blue interior, with only Buick emblems on the trunk lid, Le Sabre above the glove box door, and the telltale Grand National symbols on the bottom of each front fender…I nearly cried when he told me about 10 years later that he had sold it to the attendant who had always taken good care of his cars at the local full-service gas station, for 7500 bucks. Lucky a$$!!
My brother in law’s brother had one of these. I had never heard of them, so I looked it up and found that it was the one that started the GN craze. Although this is mostly a styling exercise, therefore overshadowed by the later GNs, it’s still handsome and the rarity makes it desirable.
I was looking forward to seeing that car in person and talking to his brother about it, but he unfortunately passed away before I could do that. My BIL never found out what happened to the car. He is hoping one of his kids took it and restored it.