Given how few of these were produced (except for one year), they seem to turn up for sale on a regular basis. The Grand National was Buick’s tie-in to NASCAR back in the 1980s when they were winning races on a regular basis. The GN is not to be confused with the similar T-Type which was sometimes offered during the same model year. This 1984 Grand National is not the pristine garage queen that we often see, but rather a car that was well-used and needs a few things to recapture its former glory. This one is located in Las Vegas, Nevada and available here on eBay where the no reserve bidding has reached $5,351.

Buick’s Grand National was based on the Regal sport coupe and first appeared on the scene in 1982 and was different than what most remember it for. Early ones were carbureted (not turbocharged) and were offered in colors other than black. The nameplate was skipped in 1983 and Buick produced something called the T-Type in its place. The GN came back in 1984, this time with a turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 with sequential fuel injection. Horsepower was up from 125 to 200 as a result and 2,000 copies were built that year (in addition to another 2,238 T-Types with the same mechanicals, just to confuse everyone). The cars in stock trim could break 14 seconds in the quarter-mile.

The seller’s 1984 Grand National has 95,000 miles on it, so it looks to have been enjoyed rather than admired during its 36 years on Planet Earth. We’re told it’s unmodified, unmolested, and rust-free, having lived in California since new. The body doesn’t seem to have any dents or dings, just wearing tired black paint that’s asking to be redone. The chrome and glass look decent, but the rubber molding around the sunroof looks pretty worn (no mention of whether there have been any leaks).

Inside the car, the interior has the same well-used look as the exterior. The driver’s seatback and headrest both have some tears and worn spots and hopefully could be repaired without having to replace stuff. The leather on the seats is cracking a bit, but that just adds character to the whole thing. If you turn on the ignition, the car is said to start right up and run well with no smoking, knocking, or pinging. However, a tune-up is needed for optimum performance, and the brakes about due to be redone, but the turbo is said to be just fine.

In Fair condition, Hagerty says these cars are worth about $14,000. But a time capsule would be closer to $50,000 or more. Put a paint job on it and fix the seat and you could easily have a $20,000 car. One that you could take to Cars & Coffee without having to break the bank in order to get it done.