Many times, we ask why owners of classic cars don’t throw the towel in sooner when they know the grand restoration they planned isn’t going to happen. Fortunately, the owner of this dusty 1985 Buick Grand National has realized after eight years of floundering, the project of his dreams isn’t going to materialize and it’s time to sell it on. The GN will come with three engines all reflecting a different potential outcome depending on the flavor of build. Find the Buick here on craigslist near Houston for $8,000. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Matteo C. for the tip.
The seller notes he has owned the Grand National for eight years and is selling it off because he never has time to work on it. That can happen to the best of us, and if you’re not an overly sentimental person, it’s not hard to pull the trigger on selling off an old friend upon realizing there’s no way the work you intended to do to the car will be achieved in this lifetime. Fortunately, the seller notes the interior remains in decent shape with good upholstery and no funky stains or tears in the fabric. I’ll reserve judgement, because it looks sort of dingy here. The underhood foam panel is starting to disintegrate.
Now, Buick aficionados will know better than me whether the parts stash that comes with the Grand National have any bearing on the final sale price. It’s mostly an assortment of engines that reflect the different paths the seller considered before choosing none of them, including: the original, numbers-matching engine; a rebuilt long block; and an engine removed from a 1987 Grand National with 30,000 miles. I’m guessing this picture is the one that captures what the seller describes as the car coming with all that is needed to put the original engine back in or update the computer to accept the ’87.
So, what do we think? $8,000 for a rolling Grand National with every drivetrain option in need of some finessing to go back in the car is a heavy lift for most folks, especially those with a tiny garage. If the body is rust-free and straight as the Texas climate usually delivers, that’s one less thing for the next owner to sort out, and ditto if the interior is as decent as the seller suggests. While I’m never a fan of buying someone’s half-finished project, a lower offer on the $8K ask might make sense for an enthusiast with the space and tools to rebuild the drivetrain and freshen up the other mechanical bits.
If he has a complete ’87 engine setup, you would be crazy not to buy it. But if the body is crusty then I would have reservations.
There is no explanation as to why the engine is out to begin with…..
I just don’t get the appeal for these. The 80’s gave us some seriously ugly square products and this didn’t get by the same designers. Is it because it has a turbo and a cool sounding name?
Take one, stock or nodded for a drive, I think you’d understand better..lol..
For the same money, one can take a non ugly car and make it quicker, so no, I will never get the point.
Can “o” worms..
Yippee. Another beater Grand National
This is two in a week. We are so lucky. This one seems to be in better condition than most of these beaters. For those that like them. Good luck.
When advertising a car for sale be sure to take as many photos in poorly lit surroundings as possible-preferably in the dark. It adds to the mistique!
Crack Pipe..oh wait, this isn’t jalopnik…hard pass..been sitting too long and it’s a hot air roller..extra parts or not..no thanks..
Another prime example of an owner who “thinks” he has a piece of gold when actually he has an old piece of copper, better known as a penny! The cars are cool. No question there. They were incredible. Not for me, but you have to respect them. They never sounded as cool as a good ole’ American V8!!!
I own a similar car, mine has been sitting since 1995.. 87 limited T >70k
It’s rusty, don’t run and has no mods.. it’s 13.5k… find another for less. Some people get it..some can’t afford it.. this car at 8k isn’t that bad.