We’ve seen our share of 1987 Buick Grand Nationals over the past decade at Barn Finds, but this is for a sound reason. They remain one of the most desirable cars to roll out of an American factory during the 1980s and signaled that manufacturers were rediscovering their muscle car mojo. Our feature Grand National recently emerged from a climate-controlled garage, and it presents superbly. Considering its odometer shows 800 genuine miles, this is hardly surprising. It needs a new home, so the owner listed it for sale here on Craigslist. The Buick is located in Huntington, New York, with the owner setting a sale price of an eye-watering $99,999. A big thank you goes out to Barn Finder Rocco B for spotting this beauty for us.
If a buyer walked into their local Buick dealership in 1987 with their sights set on driving away in a Grand National, they could have it in any color they liked, as long as it was Code 19 Black. The company chose not to add any splashes of contrast beyond a few subtle badges, giving the Grand National an almost sinister appearance. However, their decision to add 15″ chrome wheels helped lighten the car’s looks without detracting from its sense of purpose. This Buick has spent its life in climate-controlled storage, and it has emerged in flawless condition. The paint retains a rich shine and depth of color, with no visible marks or chips. The panels are equally impressive. There are no dings or dents and no signs of rust or corrosion. The plastic has avoided the type of deterioration and cracking common on vehicles of this era, while the tinted glass is perfect. The overall exterior condition is consistent with a car that shows a three-figure reading on its odometer.
With so much of its factory protective plastic intact, it’s no surprise that first glances suggest that this interior is factory-fresh. Grand National seat upholstery can be prone to marks and physical deterioration, but these appear perfect. The same is true of the remaining upholstered surfaces, the carpet, dash, and console. However, there is one flaw for potential buyers to consider. Headliners on these classics are prone to drooping, and this car is no exception. The seller indicates that the problem isn’t severe, meaning an upholsterer may be able to rectify it to retain that all-important originality. If this proves unsuccessful, $200 will secure a replacement in the correct material and color. This classic comes loaded with luxury touches. The buyer receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a six-way power driver’s seat, a power trunk release, a leather-wrapped tilt wheel, cruise control, and a premium AM/FM radio and cassette player.
Turbocharging was popular during the 1980s, especially amongst Japanese and European manufacturers. It allowed builders to unlock enormous amounts of power while still allowing good economy and the ability to meet tightening emission regulations. Buick joined that party with the Grand National, but they didn’t simply bolt a “hairdryer” to their 3.8-liter V6 and hope for the best. The engineering was thorough, with the engine’s internals treated to many upgrades allowing it to cope with the stress and temperature inherent with forced induction. Externally, the motor received electronic fuel injection, an engine management system, and an intercooler. While the standard V6 produced an acceptable 110hp, this fire-breathing monster churned out an “official” 245hp. Many experts believe this number to be greatly understated, with figures of 290hp being considered closer to the truth. That power needs to find its way to the road, doing so via a four-speed THM200-4R automatic transmission and a limited-slip rear end. Performance figures were legendary and remain impressive against modern offerings. Several contemporary road tests achieved sub-14-second ¼-mile ETs, well below the factory’s claimed 14.7 seconds. The seller indicates that the Grand National has a genuine 800 miles showing on its odometer, which could be confirmed by the Carfax and other associated documentation. It runs and drives perfectly and is ready to take its rightful place on our roads.
If money were no object, I would love to see this 1987 Grand National parked in my garage. I acknowledge that the GNX offered performance enthusiasts more power under their right foot, but I feel that the wheels Buick fitted to the Grand National gave it an appearance edge. Would I pay nearly $100,000 for this car? I wouldn’t, because my bank account isn’t that healthy! This Buick is a long way from being cheap, but the price is not unprecedented. I have located two recent sales with prices higher than the seller asks for this car. However, I also found an example with under 100 miles on its odometer that sold this time last year for $63,000. That car didn’t present as nicely as our feature Buick, needing some exterior cosmetic attention. With values continuing to rise, I won’t be surprised if a seller pops out of the woodwork for this one. Will you?
Seems to me (Mr who couldn’t buy it if he hade Bill Gates wallet) That in 1987 you could get more or less the same package in a T Type, cheaper, and in a lot of other colors. Am I wrong about that? Droopy headliner? Be careful, 35 year old plastic could easily fracture when it comes off to tuck a new liner in place. The 80s were an awful time with primitive plastics that didn’t hold up well to time. No solid metal inside trim on these babies, that’s for sure. Unfortunately, just another sad example of a car that didn’t get fully enjoyed. The man will maybe triple his money, though not really if adjusted for inflation. Said it the other day, say it again. Cars are for driving and enjoying. Long term investments of any worth are found elsewhere. Unless you are buying vintage Ferraris, don’t store your cars, love them like they deserve to be loved and cherished. I am no longer allowed, or even able, to drive. Those of you who still have that privilege (and it is just that, a privilege), please do so. Do not take it for granted.
Truth
Yes and no, Steve. All of the go-fast goodies were available on a T-Type — IF there was a T-Type to be had. For most of the 1987 model year, the 3.8 Turbo engine was on restriction, because they were all being stuffed into Grand Nationals.
I was ordering new cars for our family’s Pontiac/Oldsmobile/Buick dealership, and I really had my heart set on driving a white T-top Regal T with red bucket seats for my spring and summer company car. One week the 3.8 Turbo was showing as “free-flow” (unrestricted availability), and I moved “my” car to the top of my Priority List. So, did I enjoy driving that car? Well, no. It wasn’t picked up by the Zone that week, and the next week it was back on restriction. Fact is, ’87 Regal Ts were technically available all year, but in fact they built very few.
I remember there was a kid in the Toronto area that painted his Grand National white, because he couldn’t line up any races when it was black. It had an aftermarket chip and shift kit in it and a catalytic converter “test pipe”. Pretty quick for the time.
As I recall, the T-Type Regal was a decent amount cheaper than the GN package. In ’86, I was considering buying a new T-Type in gold – loved the sleeper look and the chrome bumpers.
However, they were still more than I wanted to spend, so ended up with an ’86 GLH-T. I’m sure that I had just as much fun with that car, if not more.
Good to see you posting, Steve, considering the circumstances.
Buick didn’t just “join” the turbo party, they started it. When Buick introduced the turbo 3.8 in 1978, the only other turbocharged cars available in the US were the Saab 99 Turbo and the Porsche 930, as Buick proudly pointed out in advertising.
Steve said it well, can’t get a handle on buying a car like this and putting it away for such a long period of time. These were not that well built cars, materials were cheap and GM wasn’t too worried about that. Engineering was good for time and they provided good performance for the time and with upgrades to the turbo size, electronics and mechanicals these will run. But to keep it in a climate controlled environment and look at it all those years, what? I think the price is nuts, but what some of these people pay at auction is even more so. But I wish him well. They were built to drive and sadly the world doesn’t want fossil fuel cars much longer. Yeah conversation to electric is an option but it won’t be the same. Wake up people and drive them while the opportunity exists. Oh yeah the oil today isn’t good for flat tappet cams and government want to add up to 15% ethenol in the fuel. Older fuel systems will love that. I am turning 70 soon so doubt it will hurt the old petrol heads like me but it’s coming. I still drive a manual transmission daily and my main ride is 1st gen CTSV. It’s no Hellcat but it will merge on the interstate quite well. My old 03 Lightning will get it on too, bought it new and never thought to hide it or put it away. Got to admit fuel prices are getting crappy but that’s another discussion. Oh by the way the Caddy will pull down 24mpg on the highway double or better than some older toys that put less power down and burned higher octane fuel. That’s all I got.
I don’t recall too many people thinking that these would be investment type cars.
Now, the GNX was a different story.
glws.
The first time I drove one, and after learning to spool that turbo up before launching it, I quickly realized what all of the hype was about…and they were not kidding. Ho. Lee. Chit.
Posted 8 days ago, you can almost read the build sheet.
The headliner material is relatively easy to replace. I’ve done several by myself without cracking the plastic molded sub-structure, or the trim. It is much, much easier to accomplish with with an extra set of hands. Once the headliner material begins to droop, there is nothing you can do to fix it other than recover it. The fabric is bonded to a thin layer of foam that is glued to the backer board. The foam breaks down, the headliner begins to droop and there is absolutely nothing you can do but watch it further deteriorate. These were great cars, plenty of power. My barely modified 87 GN with not much more than a slightly larger turbo, bigger injectors, custom downpipe, stock intercooler, would run 11:90’s on street tires around 115 mph. Great cars, tons of fun. Another one I wish I had kept…
Prices on everything are crazy now,a White Castle slider is .72 cents.
If I were going to spend $90+k on a GN, I’d rather have this modified example that sold for $90k on BaT, that looks to me it was done right. Oh, and about 500 hp too.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1987-buick-grand-national-80/
An example that will drop in value if you add miles, or non-original and built wild, ready to raise hell…it’s really a no-brainer.
I might b going against the norm but I really appreciate the “modified example”, the ONLY thing I would change straight away is the 18″ & 19″ rims down to stock style 17″ as I’m sure a lot of people who are on here are old enough to understand that the tyres with a “meatier” sidewall were an essential part of your suspension system which is 90% of the reason modern vehicles don’t feel as comfortable