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 ΒΌ-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?
One thing to note is someone removed and replaced the original Powermaster brake system with a hydroboost. For such low miles you have to wonder why.
Probably because they are sensitive to non use. It was junk and the better replacement is hydroboost for that particular appl.
Hopefully, the original parts are included.
Good eye DW, other than that, I am having a hard time trying to prove the mileage claim incorrect. This is a beautiful Grand National. For this price one needs to do a deep dive on the authenticity of the mileage.
That’s less than 50 miles a year. How does one do that and not have negative consequences? Sitting so much isn’t good.
i am surprised that the seller did not put on B A T. that’s where these are usually found when there are no miles on them and they are basically garage art
Also possible that BAT could have turned him down, or the delay wasn’t acceptable.
Maybe it’s been run through BAT already and the seller didn’t like the bids? I wouldn’t know, I stopped following that site when it turned into a purely auction house. Used to be a great place to chat up the featured cars.
Early BaT used to be great. It featured interesting cars and candid discussions about the cars, and a lot of useful information would come from that. But then they began censoring comments pretty heavily. My guess is that sellers didn’t like to hear anything negative about their cars in any way. It seemed many of the buyers didn’t either, LOL!
After getting several comments deleted (which I felt were constructive), I just stopped posting there. As you did, I really stopped following the site after that. I’m not going to contribute my knowledge and experience if every other comment gets deleted because it might offend someone or impede the flow of massive capital changing hands. Given the bank they’re now making, I guess I can’t blame them. They made the right call for them, but I won’t contribute to it though :-)
Too many of these were never driven. I am so over doing that. I am glad Ford nixed that with the new super Mustang. Even though most of us can not afford many of these type of cars when new, we all would enjoy seeing them on the streets. Maybe years later, we might just be able to afford them. That is the way car ownership of desirable models used to work.
For more money than my first house cost me in 1985, I want the headliner replaced. There are hundreds of these cars with low mileage for sale. The turbos were junk and many were replaced by Buick dealers. I drive a GNX when it was new. Very fast. I was 31 then and knew it would be collectible. The other day, speaking of BAT, number 447 sold for $247,000 plus fees. Insane. The sad part is it will never be driven and within a year, it will be flipped again. For that money I can get a 911 Turbo that will smoke a GN.
The Buick GN is the Mk4 Toyota Supra TT of the 80’s. Largely held in high regard by people who have never driven one.
Someone spray bombed the floors and some of frame. Don’t know why one would feel the need to do that on a supposed low mileage car. Unless there’s proof of mileage, sorry, not sorry, I’m always skeptical of seller’s low mileage claims.
@2010CayenneGTS
I still go on BaT daily but I totally agree with your opinion. I haven’t been going on there a super long time but just in the time I have, I just noticed there’s a different air and attitude about that whole site and the people on it as opposed to other ones I’ve been on. I love the HS click clubbers, that have to put out a big tag list to all their BaT bung buddies when a certain car shows up lol. Pretty adolescent. Totally agree about the comments also. I don’t know if it’s some AI based crap they use but anything even remotely negative seems to get put in the big BaT trash bin. It’s like some Orwellian ministry of truth reviewing all the comments making sure they’re all safe and rosy for public viewing. I think if you removed all the Porches, Ferraris and other exotics on there that the .1%’s are buying and selling you’d probably reduce the listings by about 50%. Boy that rant felt good lol.
I like these cars a lot and this one is clean but I would want the headliner fixed for that kind of money and see some kind of proof of the mile claim.
This was my 80s dream car hands down!! Im old school muscle car guy 1966-72 . But for the 80s that was my car of choice… As for a truck the syclone was next…
This is my only 1980’s dream car to a 1986 or 1987 GN. I have a 1971 Chevelle since 1989.