The muscle car recipe is remarkably straightforward. Take one production model, squeeze in a fire-breathing V8, and you have a vehicle capable of producing mind-blowing performance that can effortlessly transform tires into smoke. Seems easy enough, but Buick decided to follow a different path with the Grand National. It opted for a turbocharged V6 that signalled that The Malaise Era was well and truly over. The ultimate version was the 1987 GNX, and with only 547 of these classics leaving the factory, the GNX is a rare vehicle that typically commands a high price in the current market. This particular example is a highly optioned survivor, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting it listed here on Craigslist in Everett, Washington. It could be yours for $114,995, so let’s take a close look to determine whether that figure is justified.
Buick introduced the Grand National to its model range in 1982, leveraging the name from its success in NASCAR competition. Following a break in 1983, it returned bigger and better in 1984. The 1987 model year marked the end of the line for the badge, and the company wanted to go out with a bang. It produced 547 special examples of the Grand National, which were shipped to ASC/McLaren for finishing. Cosmetically, the process involved installing fender flares, front fender scoops, distinctive 16″ mesh alloy wheels, and the removal of some badges and decals. The frontal appearance earned the GNX the handle “Darth Vader’s Car,” and buyers were happy to raise their hands for the opportunity to cross to The Dark Side. This GNX has been owned by a genuine enthusiast, and it appears that they were determined to preserve it in factory form. The Black paint is free from significant problems, although only a close inspection will reveal whether the nose has avoided the minor chips that are almost inevitable with regular use. There are no visible panel imperfections, and no evidence of rust. The plastic looks excellent, and there is no damage to those beautiful mesh wheels.
Buick perfectly combined performance with luxury with the GNX, and this car’s interior reinforces that impression. The buyer receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a six-way power driver’s seat, cruise control, a leather-wrapped tilt wheel, remote exterior mirrors, and a Delco AM/FM radio/cassette player with a graphic equalizer. That takes care of the comfort, with the 160mph speedometer in the Stweart Warner gauge cluster confirming that this Buick is far more than a pretty face. The first thing that I noticed about this interior is that it hasn’t suffered from the sagging headliner that became a common sight. The distinctive Gray and Black upholstered surfaces are prone to stains and deterioration, but there are none of those problems visible in the supplied images. The dash retains its numbered plaque, confirming that this is #395 of the 547 GNXs produced. There are no visible aftermarket additions, and the overall presentation is all that potential buyers should rightfully expect from any classic within this price range.
Motorsport had clearly demonstrated the benefits of turbocharging, and Buick put that technology into practice when it released its first forced-induction Regal in 1978. The company’s 3.8-liter turbocharged V6 became the staple in the Grand National range in 1984, evolving annually until 1987. The “regular” ’87 Grand National delivered an impressive 245hp and 355 ft/lbs of torque, but both Buick and ASC/McLaren knew that there was further potential locked away in the V6. By upgrading the turbo, the intercooler, the Engine Management System, and the exhaust, power and torque rose to an “official” 276hp and 360 ft/lbs. Manufacturers are often careful about revealing the true performance of cars like this, fearing a backlash from insurance companies and those determined to strangle cars of this type. The common belief is that Buick’s masterpiece actually tops 300hp, with torque north of 400 ft/lbs. Shifting duties are tackled by a four-speed 200-4R automatic transmission, with the company adding various suspension tweaks to allow the GNX to effectively apply all of that power to the road. These were genuine fast cars when new, and healthy examples can still hold their own against many modern vehicles. Disappointingly, the seller supplies no specific information beyond the odometer reading of 48,900 miles. The engine bay presents as impressively as the rest of the vehicle, suggesting that this GNX should be a turnkey proposition.
Buick struck a sweet spot with the Grand National, proving that a muscle car didn’t need a V8 under the hood. The GNX was the ultimate expression of the concept, producing performance that recalled the glory days of the late 1960s, but with greater refinement and comfort. Although values have dropped slightly over the past year, the low build tally of 547 ensures that the GNX remains desirable. Six-figure sale prices are the norm, with exceptional examples sometimes topping $200,000. Therefore, $114,995 for this car is consistent with market expectations. It is probably beyond the reach of the average enthusiast, but we’re still allowed to dream.
A favorite car of all time. What a beautiful brute it is. I think your article covered it perfectly well Clarkey. 👍
An absolute unicorn!
We sold the one our dealership earned to a local concert promoter.
He was surprised at the mileage that was on it at delivery.
We had to make sure it ran right though…\o/ ;]
He had resold it by the late `90s.
I saw him at an event 20 years later, and told him to Google “Black Air: The Buick Grand National Documentary”
One of my favorite cars of all time. This one is well preserved. Would like to see a few more pictures, underneath. Very fast sleeper of it’s time.
I worked at a Buick dealership back then. Someone came in with some Honda or Toyota product. The sales manager wouldn’t even let them test drive it.
We all kind of laughed at the guy.
He came back the lot thinking we’d be impressed with his new Subaru. The manager called the police and had he barred from the place
I had a chance to purchase one of these at Art”s Vette in Bowling Green KY back around 2006. I believe he is still in business, he’s located right beside the National Corvette Museum. The car was originally purchased by Charlie Sheen with full documentation, and had low miles. He was asking $82K for it and I thought that was an enormous price for one of these. In hindsight probably should’ve purchased it.
Art passed away a few years ago. Not sure if his wife is running it now or if it was sold, but it’s still there. I toured the place once & he knew everything about every car there. He was good people.RIP
Great car, well worth the price if everything is legit. I can’t figure out why anyone would list a car like this on Craigslist, the Dollar General of advertising. This is a B-J or Mecum car to get top dollar. Even after fees, it should clear way more than 115k. Good article Adam.
I’ve always wanted a GNX after taking a ride in one back in the mid-1990s. A well known “pharmaceutical” dealer had one and good Lord, for a stock unaltered limited production car circa 1995/96, that sucker was quick. Unfortunately, like with many of these cars, while I suppose I could technically buy one, I really cannot afford one. It’d be cool to own one, but even then I would still have heartburn ponying up six figures plus for a G body – no matter how cool or rare it is. Though, given the rarity and market for the GNX, this one does seem priced well within reason.
I don’t believe that the Trans Am Pace Car with the Buick 3.8L SFI Turbo is worth $100k. And that car could run with the Corvettes of the day.
A beauty but for that price i want the original air cleaner.assembly. Yeah it’s a tidbit but in my opinion some cars.should never be improved as to keep them pristine and o.e.m. At least at 48000 milles it rolled.a.bit and was not just stored and left to dryrot somewere. Correct me if i’m wrong but i’m always afraid to buy a pristine low low miles car.thats 30 years and above for fear that as soon as i hit the highway each and every.seal.and gasket.are gonna blow up.
May as well budget for a service of all the seals and gaskets, and hoses, and belts Robert, especially on something this special ✨️
Sound advice anytime on any of our fave rides
In addition to the stock air cleaner assembly MIA, the Turbo heat shield, crank pulley, the cold side piping and radiator support has been treated to some sort of a gold tint. I wonder if it still has the original ceramic bearing turbocharger? Still, I love it. I had a very mildly modified 87 GN that would run 11:90’s on Nitto drag radials consistently. Another one that got away…
A legend!
Totally agree with Robert. I ordered a C8 Stingray convertible 70th anniversary in Fall of 21 and took delivery in June of 23. Have not made one modification and it will stay that way. When someone is shopping for a specialty vehicle, they don’t want anything someone else has butchered. If even the air cleaner assembly…too late, it has been molested.
The value of these cars are based solely on milage. $115K is about right for a 48k mile car.
There’s one on BAT right now ending today and it’s at $106k with about 4hours left. It has 19k miles, we will see what it goes for.
Sold for $202,000
A good value unfortunately you may not be able to drive it much at this point to keep that value.
Craigslist. 8-)
A 10k mile car yes not a 48k mile car. Wow wife must want to sell,but not him😁