Another day, another pristine Buick Grand National comes out of hiding. This one has just 10,000 original miles and presents as-new with deep, lustrous paint and no obvious modifications or flaws. This one is made rarer still courtesy of the B81 option code, which specifies a side molding delete. All GNXs had this option box checked, but it’s a bit unusual to see on the Grand Nationals. The seller contends this example is actually a nicer car than one he had with just 148 miles on the clock, which would seemingly make it darn near flawless. Find the Grand National here on craigslist with an asking price of $55,000.
From this angle, you begin to appreciate just how perfect this Grand National is. Obviously, the body panels are flawless, with no dings or dents, and they look even better with that side molding removed. The typically troublesome bumper trim shows no flaws, and the same goes for the black trim in the taillights. All of the Grand National-specific bits appear to be in great shape, and it’s obvious this Buick was purchased and preserved as a collector’s item. Still, with 10,000 miles on it, it’s easier to swallow the notion of adding a few hundred miles each year than on a car with 148 on the odometer.
But the seller’s comment about this car being better than his super low mileage example is a curious one, and I’d love to know how the two cars compared. This Grand National has what looks like a minty-fresh interior, with only some minor signs of cushion wear on the driver’s seat. The seller notes it is a two-owner example with a generous factory options list, and the photo of the various options code on the factory-applied tag confirms this. The air conditioning still blows cold, and the power antenna even still works. The Grand National will come with its original tires and exhaust still attached.
The Grand National also comes with a T-top roof panel. The engine bay is immaculate, looking like that of a car that’s barely been used. The fact that it still has only 10,000 or so miles after what amounts to three owners makes the time-capsule condition even more impressive, as it’s usually the first owner that does the best job at keeping the car under wraps. Grand Nationals will seemingly never lose any value, so it’s up to you to decide whether ponying up for a near-new car is worth the investment, or if it’s wiser to buy the nicest one you can dig up with average miles – and that you can actually get out and drive whenever you feel like it.
Maybe it’s the same car, over and over, maybe it’s a cursed fifth dimension time loop demon sent to destroy those that are foolish enough to buy it, then quietly roll back it’s odometer as it waits for it’s next victim willing to spend 50k for a car that sold for 10 new, or maybe I just watch too many movies…
They sold for more than 10 new depending on options I still have mine and sticker was 19900 so I don’t get where you get that and towards the end some dealers where asking 5000 above sticker
Possibly the most over hyped, over priced, under preforming car of all time?
Change my mind.
How many cars sold in 1987 could run 14.5 off the showroom floor? And how many of those had room for four people and a lot of luggage? A few bolt-ons and it ran low 13s.
As for price, everything is overpriced right now. I have never seen anything like this current market. 2018 you could buy a nice enough GN for under $15k. I am sure trashed ones were less, but I don’t really look at anything from the 80s on that is trashed.
Don’t try to justify a GN to a non-GN person, or any 80’s muscle car. They just don’t get it, and never will.
Mid 14’s? How about high 13’s in the right conditions and you knew how to drive. In the late ‘80s there was nothing stock that would beat them in stoplight drags. I’ve owned 5 (currently own an ‘87 Turbo T) and I still cannot believe these cars madeit to production…
Agree on EVERYTHING being over-priced now. My son-in-law is in the auto business. At auctions they are paying often 25-30% more than cars listed for when new. If you don’t NEED a car right now, don’t buy.
Nice plug for your son in law’s business. Think before you write. I’m sure your daughter appreciates the cut in pay
Gary…..HUH??
There is some over hyped,overpriced and underwhelming vehicles out there but the 1986-87 Buick Grand National is NOT one of them.
Slow by today’s standards?? Maybe.. a vette or gt mustang in 87?? Not a chance.. I still say the most underpowered 70s or 80s muscle car had to be the 80 and 81 Trans Am.. the 4.9 was nothing more than a joke! With or without the turbo..
Gary,
How’s that a plug?No business was named,
& no name was used.
Located on Long Island, NY