We have seen quite a few examples of the Buick Grand National over the years here at Barn Finds. Their condition has ranged from the pristine, through to cars that are one step removed from the crusher. This 1987 model would benefit from some restoration work, but the owner does say that it can be driven and enjoyed immediately. It seems that this is a 1980s classic that appeals to a few people because since it was listed for sale here on eBay, there has been 38 bid submitted on the car. It is located in Urbana, Ohio, and all of this bidding activity has pushed the price along to $11,100. However, the reserve hasn’t been met.

When in good condition, the Grand National is a symphony of evil finished in Black. This impression is heightened by the lack of chrome exterior trim. The only relief from this onslaught is the inclusion of 15″ chrome wheels. The paint on this car is looking pretty tired, and the owner suggests that the vehicle will either require buffing or a full repaint. Significant rust doesn’t seem to be an issue, although there is plenty of surface corrosion present on the Buick’s underside. The wheels are generally quite good, although there are a few spots of corrosion visible. Apart from the tired paint, the most glaring flaw is the fact that the bumper filler panels have disintegrated. This deterioration is one of the most common external defects with the Grand National, although replacements are easy to find.

After more than a decade of dealing with some pretty asthmatic offerings from American manufacturers, the Grand National appeared like a deep breath of fresh air. With forced-induction making itself felt in the motor-sport world, it was inevitable that it would find its way into what were primarily mainstream offerings. What we find under the hood of the Buick is a 3.8-liter turbocharged V6. By weaving their magic on this engine, power was increased from a stock 110hp to a beefy 245hp. This V6 is backed by a 4-speed THM200-4R transmission, as no manual option was available. The performance of the Grand National was pretty impressive, with the journey down the ¼ mile taking 14.7 seconds. This vehicle had spent some time parked in dry storage but has recently been returned to a roadworthy state. It now runs and drives well, although the owner does say that the tires are pretty old, and probably should be replaced. He also claims that the Buick has a genuine 62,000 miles showing on its odometer. However, he doesn’t indicate whether he holds any evidence to verify this.

One of the weakest aspects of the Grand National is its interior trim. This looked wonderful when it was new, but was prone to deterioration. Seat upholstery could become dirty and stained, while plastic pieces could crumble with age. The interior of this car looks quite promising. The headliner is missing, but otherwise, it does appear to be complete and original. The upholstery has avoided any significant wear and tear, while the plastic has survived quite well. It would benefit from a deep clean, as there are some dirty spots visible. From a comfort perspective, the Grand National comes equipped with air conditioning, power windows, power locks, remote exterior mirrors, cruise, and a leather-wrapped tilt wheel.

The Buick Grand National helped the American motoring public remember what real performance was all about. While the styling looks a bit dated today, they have become a firm favorite amongst enthusiasts. Good examples can achieve some very impressive prices, and it isn’t unheard of for pristine cars to sell for figures over $50,000. This car is going to need some work to be worth that sort of money, but the potential is there. That explains why the bidding has been so spirited up to this point. The popularity also helps to explain why the reserve hasn’t been met. How much do you think that this 1980s classic will ultimately sell for?