Buick broke new ground in the 1980s when it released its Grand National range. It turned its back on the concept of powering a muscle car with a V8, adopting a turbocharged V6 offering impressive performance. These cars are now legends and spotless examples are highly prized. This 1985 Grand National is anything but average. Its V6 has made way for something considerably more potent, and with 1,190hp on tap, this is a scary-fast classic. It presents well and is loaded with high-tech additions. The seller has listed the Buick here on eBay in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They set their price at $59,999 with the option to make an offer.

Buick released its first Grand National in 1982, building on a concept first seen in the 1978 Regal Sport Coupe. The badge remained an integral part of the Regal range until 1987, with the GNX considered by many as the ultimate version of the factory’s 1980s muscle car. Our feature Grand National rolled off the line in 1985, finished in Black. The car’s presentation is hard to fault, with the paint shining beautifully, and the panels as straight as an arrow. The comprehensive image gallery confirms that this Buick is rust-free, while there is no evidence of plastic deterioration. This classic makes a positive first impression and would undoubtedly turn heads, but its appearance and 19″ wheels are the mere tip of a pretty special iceberg.

Buick marched to the beat of a different drummer when developing its legendary 1980s muscle car. It turned its back on a traditional V8, adopting a turbocharged V6 that produced impressive performance. This car was no exception. Its engine’s 200hp propelled it through the ¼-mile in 15.9 seconds, which was considered pretty special at the time. This car takes the high-performance concept to a far higher level. The V6 is a distant memory, with the engine bay housing a 5.7-liter Chevrolet LS1 V8 that would have generated around 345hp in stock form. However, this motor is anything but ordinary. The most obvious upgrade is the pair of turbochargers, and with adjustable boost and a CO2 tank to adjust the wastegate actuators, the small-block now churns out an incredible 1,190hp. To place that in perspective, the Bugatti Veyron was once the fastest car on the planet, achieving that feat with a “mere” 1,001hp. This Grand National is a total package, with shifting duties tackled by a three-speed Turbo 200 transmission, the suspension featuring coilovers, and the four-wheel disc brakes updated to massive multi-piston units. The result is a car that will storm the ¼-mile in 8.4 seconds at 161mph. If the new owner craves a more sedate approach, they can download different engine maps to the ECU via a laptop. A standard Grand National is fast, but this one is beyond the imagination of its creators at Buick.

This Buick’s interior is as impressive as its exterior following a recent retrim in traditional Grand National Gray and Black. The result is an interior with no wear or other problems. The dash and pad aren’t cracked or damaged, and the wheel is in good condition. The first owner decided to pass on such luxuries as air conditioning and power windows, but the seller performed a few upgrades to make life more pleasant on the road. The original gauge cluster has made way for a digital unit, while the stereo is a state-of-the-art system featuring Bluetooth, Apple Carplay, and the ability to upload custom screens.

Some enthusiasts prize originality from their classics, while others are open to modifications that can improve the ownership experience. The 1985 Buick Grand National had a reputation for excellent performance in an era when that idea seemed to be becoming a distant memory. This car takes the muscle car concept to a new level, and would effortlessly transform tires into smoke if poked with a sharp stick. It would undoubtedly draw crowds, courtesy of its impressive presentation. However, lifting the hood would attract even more people to admire the engine bay, and to dream of the performance it offers. It isn’t original, and it isn’t cheap, but with ninety-two people placing this Grand National on their Watch List, I won’t be surprised if it finds a home fairly quickly.