If you had 245 net HP under your hood in 1986, you were stylin’! Power was still down from its 1970 height as we had been through major Federal air quality regulations and two fuel shortages. Buick, of all players, managed to Turbo-Charge their 3.8-liter V6 engine and wring out some serious power. But here we have a typically sinister-looking Buick Grand National from ’86 but the HP has been ginned to four times stock. Four times! Let’s check it out, it’s located in Rio Rancho, New Mexico and is available, here on eBay for $25,200, reserve not yet met.

There’s a lot here to absorb and if you’re a Buick turbo fan you’ll be impressed with the array of upgrades. First up is the engine, it is stated as a 4.1-liter aluminum “stroker” V6 with a guru devised ECU and methanol injection.  The seller claims 744 rear-wheel HP on pump gas and 1,008 in race tune running 98 octane, ethanol laced fuel. The seller states, “This is a streetcar and can/has been driven often on the street. Never raced by me“. So, how’s it run? Not stated but I gather, rather quickly. The transmission employed is an old-school Turbo-Hydramatic 400 automatic with a trans-brake, driving a Ford 9” differential with a 3.25 gearset. So, it’s a streetcar but it would be hard to pass up an opportunity for a blast down the strip. There’s only one good image of the engine and it honestly looks more like a plumbing experiment than a performance engine but the proof’s in the numbers – this motor means business.

The interior is a blend of racecar and standard Grand National. The original driver’s seat, which looks to be in nice shape, is outfitted with a racing harness while the passenger seat appears to be unused. There are auxiliary gauges and switches that have been nicely integrated into the standard Grand National layout. While the shift lever has been replaced to accommodate the racing transmission, things like the steering wheel and instrument panel remain as originally intended. Of note, is the added roll cage.

The exterior of this Buick still maintains some of its originality though the front end has been lowered, the wheels swapped for more appropriate racing pieces and then there’s the matter of the parachute perched on the rear end… Beyond that, the exterior exclaims mid-80s Grand National. The black finish is deep, as well as swirl and fade-free – if it’s original, 35 years have been kind to it. There is no indication of crash damage or misaligned body panels – it has a pretty deadly vibe to it.

I have encountered Grand National Buicks that have been juiced a bit, but this one is a substantial stand-out, a car that has probably been the recipient of a rather notable investment. It occupies an interesting position, it’s built out as a race car but as the seller claims, it’s a street performer. But what a street performer! This Grand National will certainly be a conversation piece at one’s local car show. It can be proudly displayed while the new owner suggests, “Wouldn’t you really rather have a Buick”?