Ah, the 1980s. The decade that gave us big hair, bigger shoulder pads, the emergence of the personal computer, and the first signs that the automotive industry had begun digging its way out of the misery that was The Malaise Era. Buick had long been GM’s luxury brand, offering the type of transport craved by most company executives and those with money in the bank. However, the 1980s was when it let down its hair and proved it could party with the best of them. The Regal Grand National has become a legend in the classic car scene, but the 1987 GNX represented the perfect way to bring down the curtain on that model. It proved the ultimate Grand National, and its performance and rarity combine to allow spotless examples to command some mind-numbing prices. This GNX is a spotless classic with a genuine 2,248 miles on its odometer. It is virtually impossible to fault, and it needs a new home. The GNX is listed here on eBay in Clarksville, Maryland. The bidding on the Buick opened at $1,500, but there was no way it would stay anywhere near that level. Therefore, it’s no surprise that it has hit $230,100 but is still short of the reserve.

For the uninitiated, a brief glimpse of the GNX seems to reveal little difference between it and the regular Grand National. However, closer examination unearths some significant upgrades that lift its performance to a higher level. Buick produced a run of 547 Grand Nationals in their regular shade of Black that did not feature a sunroof or T-Top to maximize structural rigidity. It shipped these cars to ASC/McLaren for some notable upgrades. The regular Grand National wheels were swapped for a set of 16″ x 8″ mesh alloys, requiring the installation of composite fender flares to cover the larger wheels and their 245/50/16 tires. Functional fender vents extracted hot air from the engine bay, while subtle badges on the grille, deck lid, and wheel centers told the world these cars were a cut above the rest. Given its four-digit odometer reading, it is no surprise that this GNX presents superbly. The paint holds a depth of color and shine that makes you feel like you could sink into it. The panels are laser straight, with no dings, dents, or rust. The unique alloy wheels are flawless, while the exterior plastic trim hasn’t succumbed to UV deterioration. It may not be the lowest-mileage GNX in existence, but it gives nothing away in the condition stakes.

The 1987 Grand National achieved legendary status due to the performance offered by its turbocharged V6 engine that produced a claimed 245hp. The GNX took that performance to a higher level by adding a more efficient Garrett turbo with a ceramic impeller and special shaft seals that reduced drag. The Grand National’s already impressive intercooler made way for a better unit with a higher fin count to improve efficiency. There was also a specially coated intercooler-to-engine pipe that improved air density, an upgraded dual exhaust that helped burnt gases escape more efficiently, and a reprogrammed Engine Control Module specifically for the GNX. This intensive development resulted in an engine that pumped out an “official” 276hp. As with the regular Grand National, many learned individuals believe this figure to be a massive understatement. Most believe a conservative figure would be 300hp, while some state that an output beyond 350hp is possible. There’s no point in having that power level if the car can’t apply it to the road. The company upgraded the TH200-4R four-speed automatic transmission to cope with the additional power and torque. At the same time, the rear end features an aluminum rear axle housing cover that improves rigidity and acts as a mounting point for a longitudinal torque ladder bar that helps apply the power to the pavement. Officially, the GNX could scorch the ¼ mile in 14.3 seconds. That made the GNX faster than the legendary Corvette but only tells part of the story. Contemporary road tests produced regular sub-13-second passes, confirming the status of the GNX as a genuine muscle car. Our feature car’s engine bay presents perfectly, which is no surprise considering its history. It is a one-owner classic that spends its quiet time in a climate-controlled garage. The odometer reading of 2,248 miles may indicate it is a trailer queen, but that is far from the truth. The seller states that it runs and drives well, making it a turnkey classic ready to be enjoyed as its creators intended.

As with the exterior, a cursory glance seems to indicate little difference between the interior of the GNX and Grand National. However, we need to look more closely to identify some worthwhile upgrades. The most notable are the Stewart Warner gauges that replace the regular Grand National items, some subtle GNX badges, and a plaque on the dash confirming this as GNX #217. The interior is as spotless as you might expect in a vehicle with such a low odometer reading and comes loaded with comfort features. These include air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a six-way power driver’s seat, a power trunk release, cruise control, a rear defroster, remote exterior mirrors, a leather-wrapped tilt wheel, and a premium AM/FM radio/cassette player.

Buick made its mark on the 1980s performance car scene with the Grand National and took the badge out in style with the ’87 GNX. It offered performance levels buyers had only dreamed of for over a decade and rewrote the rule book on muscle car specifications. As an exercise in excellence, it is hard to criticize. Its legendary status is further cemented by the company’s decision to produce a mere 547 examples of the GNX. Today, spotless cars regularly change hands for more than $200,000, while the record stands at $275,000 for a perfect vehicle with a single-digit odometer reading. I’m not sure whether this GNX can threaten that figure, but with twenty-six bids submitted to date, it is apparent that people like what they see. Will you join the bidding war or sit back as an interested observer?