If I were to choose a 1980s classic to park in my garage, the 1986 Buick Grand National would be a hands-down winner. I acknowledge that the ’87 GNX is a more potent package, but there is something about the Grand National that wins my heart. This example is far from ordinary, presenting as an unmolested survivor. What makes it special is its odometer reading of 1,706 original miles. If verifiable, there won’t be many of these classics with a lower figure on the clock. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Grand National listed here on eBay in Mount Clemens, Michigan. The seller set their BIN at $76,995 with the option to make an offer.

Buick released the first Grand National in 1982, with its model name having NASCAR origins. It remained a staple of the Second Generation Regal range until 1987, demonstrating that Buick had found a new way to skin a cat when it came to producing a muscle car. This 1986 Grand National wears its original Code 19 Black paint, with the seller confirming it has never undergone restoration or repairs. The presentation is consistent with the mileage claim, with no cosmetic issues or imperfections. I can’t spot any plastic deterioration, and the badges look crisp and clean. The underside shots confirm that this beauty is rust-free, and the original wheels are in as-new condition. This Grand National will score extra points with some enthusiasts, courtesy of the original owner’s decision to order it with the optional glass Astro roof.

Enthusiasts who lived through the 1970s and early 1980s usually acknowledge that it was a time of automotive misery. The Malaise Era marked a low point in vehicle performance, as engine power shrank due to stricter emissions regulations and weight climbed as manufacturers addressed tightening safety legislation. The beloved V8 produced more noise than power, but Buick devised a novel solution. It ditched the V8 entirely for the Grand National, opting instead for a 3.8-liter V6. That sounds like an odd choice if taken at face value, but there was a method in the madness. By upgrading the motor’s internals and adding fuel injection, electronic engine management, a turbocharger, and an intercooler, the Grand National placed an “official” 235hp and 330 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal. The outputs are those quoted by Buick, although many people believe that both are significantly understated. Buick didn’t bolt in a V6 and hope for the best; the suspension was tuned to improve handling, while power was sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. Was the ’86 Grand National fast? Buick never published official performance figures, but contemporary road tests yielded consistent sub-15-second ¼-mile ETs, and one journalist even managed to slip into the 13-second range. The seller doesn’t mention evidence verifying their mileage claim, though the sale includes a collection of documentation. The car runs and drives well, and is a turnkey proposition.

If the 1986 Grand National has a genuine weakness, its interior scores that dubious honor. We have seen many of these classics at Barn Finds with faded and failing seatcovers, which can negatively impact potential values. This Buick has avoided that fate, but it isn’t perfect. Apart from the seats, headliners are renowned for sagging, and such is the case with this classic, as seen in this shot. It hasn’t dropped too far, but it will require attention before it starts lapping around the occupant’s ears. Otherwise, the condition is consistent with the mileage claim. There is no wear, UV damage, or other issues. It is refreshing to find no aftermarket additions, because many have lost their factory stereo by now. This Buick’s interior appointments, including the air conditioning, power windows, power locks, rear defogger, cruise control, tilt wheel, and AM/FM radio and cassette player, are intact and work as they should.

If its odometer reading is verifiable, this 1986 Buick Grand National is an exceptional find. These cars are among the most desirable American classics from the 1980s in the current market, and unmolested examples can command impressive prices. However, the seller’s BIN figure is above Hagerty’s quoted value for a Concours example, but it isn’t unprecedented. Interestingly, I discovered a prior listing for this Buick when researching this story. It failed to sell in May 2023 when bidding stalled at $52,000. It appears that the current listing may be by the same seller, but do you think they will taste success this time?