Certain classic cars will ignite debate as some readers question why they enjoy enormous popularity. Experience demonstrates that the 1987 Buick GNX is one such car, with the discussion often raging about why they command six-figure values. There is no single reason, but it is a combination of factors that will often see enthusiasts tripping over each other to park one in their garage. This example is extraordinary because it is an unmolested survivor with a genuine 3,977 miles on its odometer. It may soon find a new home because the seller has listed it here on eBay in Staten Island, New York. Bidding sits below the reserve at $93,600, although there is a BIN option of $155,000 for those with plenty of cash to splash.

Buick earned a well-deserved reputation during the 1980s for producing high-performance derivatives of the Regal. The Grand National signaled it had come to grips with tightening emission regulations. With the Regal transitioning to front-wheel-drive in 1988, the company produced the GNX as the ultimate version of the Grand National. It was a fitting way for the badge to bow out and brought cosmetic updates to differentiate it from the regular Grand National. The most obvious of these was the enormous fender flares to cover the beautiful 16″ alloy wheels with their Black mesh centers. Combined with the Black paint and lack of other bright trim, it gave the GNX a purposeful and almost sinister appearance. This car is a genuine survivor, with the seller being only its second owner. They purchased it around two years ago from the original owner, who had left it parked outside on their concrete driveway for around a decade due to ill health. The result is that the paint isn’t perfect, with some fading and inconsistencies on the roof. The seller had the car carefully polished, mindful that they didn’t want to compromise the originality by eliminating the factory’s “orange peel” appearance. Its presentation is acceptable for a survivor, but the winning bidder must decide whether they will opt for preservation or restoration once it is parked in their garage. Either approach is valid. Exposure to the elements may have taken a toll on the paint, but it hasn’t hurt the steel. This GNX is rust-free and rock-solid. The plastic shows no evidence of deterioration, and the wheels are excellent.

The Grand National became “the daddy” of 1980s muscle cars, with Buik bucking the industry trend by opting for something other than a V8 under the hood. They performed radical upgrades to their existing 3.8-liter V6 for the Grand National but took that philosophy to a higher level for the GNX. The V6 featured strengthened internal components, a more efficient Garrett AiResearch turbocharger, and a larger intercooler, with a recalibrated engine management system and other upgrades. The company quoted official power and torque figures of 276hp and 360 ft/lbs, but history shows those numbers were conservative. The truth undoubtedly rests north of 300hp, with some suggesting a figure of 350. There was no manual transmission option, with shifting duties falling to an upgraded four-speed 200-R4 automatic transmission with an external cooler. The GNX was a total package, with suspension upgrades allowing it to effectively apply its ponies to the pavement. The factory’s official ¼-mile ET of 14.3 seconds proved just as conservative as the power figures, with contemporary motoring magazines consistently achieving low-12-second passes with little effort. The seller claims this car has a genuine 3,977 miles on its odometer but doesn’t mention supporting evidence. However, its ownership history means that if it doesn’t exist, a spot of detective work might unearth the truth. They have ensured that the car is in excellent mechanical health, stating that it runs and drives as well as the day it rolled off the showroom floor.

The seller describes the Buick’s interior as perfect, and it is hard to argue with that assessment. The distinctive Silver and Black seatcovers are prone to stains and deterioration, but this car hasn’t suffered that fate. The headliner hasn’t collapsed around the occupants’ ears, and there are no signs of crumbling plastic or aftermarket additions. This interior doesn’t need them because it left the factory nicely equipped. The new owner receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a six-way power driver’s seat, cruise control, a tilt wheel, a premium AM/FM radio/cassette player, and the dash plaque confirming that this is #226 of the 547 GNXs produced.

So, why is the 1987 Buick GNX so popular? There is no single reason, and we must consider it as an entire package to understand its appeal. Buyers had endured over a decade of automotive misery behind the wheels of so-called high-performance models that were anything but. The GNX proved a revelation and demonstrated that Detroit had rediscovered its muscle car mojo. Its ¼-mile performance was astounding in 1987, and it continues to look competitive thirty-six years after this car rolled off the line. The low production total adds to the appeal, while the sinister appearance signals that this car means business. Modern high-performance models offer more refinement and equipment than an ’87 GNX, but this car has a genuine presence that is undeniable. Those are a few of the factors in play, and I’m sure our readers can list a few more. It will be fascinating to read your feedback on the subject.