There was a significant danger that the legislative requirements of the 1970s, designed to reduce vehicle exhaust emissions, could have led to the permanent extinction of the muscle car sector. Certainly, iconic high-performance models like the Camaro Z28 were mere shadows of their former selves at the end of the decade. However, the backroom boffins in Detroit worked tirelessly to innovate and adapt to new technology. One of their most notable achievements was the 1987 Buick Grand National, a car that evoked the heady days of the 1960s with its exceptional power and performance. This Grand National is a gem, and the first owner loaded it with options to provide a comfortable motoring experience. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting it listed here at Mecum Auctions. The Buick is set to cross the auction block on Thursday, October 30th, in Fort Worth, Texas.

It is fair to say that by 1987, Buick’s Second Generation Regal range was getting pretty long in the tooth. The first cars had landed on showroom floors for the 1978 model year, but styling evolution saw most manufacturers focus on smoother and sweeping lines in the mid-1980s. I recall reading a motoring review from 1987 that described the Regal as having the aerodynamic properties of a barn…traveling sideways. However, the bold and aggressive lines of the 1987 Regal proved to be the ideal foundations for the Grand National. The company’s decision to finish every car in Black added a sinister feel, with the sparkling wheels providing a striking contrast that I feel better suits the car than the wheels that Buick employed on the GNX. This Grand National presents well, with no significant paint or panel imperfections visible in the excellent array of supplied images. The listing description is relatively sparse, with no information provided regarding the car’s history. That means an in-person inspection is probably warranted to confirm that there are no rust issues that could compromise the ownership experience. The photos are promising, but there is no substitute for a thorough inspection to verify that all is well.

Traditional muscle cars feature a V8 under the hood, and some of those available today generate levels of power and torque that would have seemed unthinkable at the end of the 1960s. The Malaise Era brought buyers crashing back to Earth, but Buick worked to devise an answer that satisfied the enthusiast’s need for speed. The company’s 3.8-liter V6 engine produced 110hp and 190 ft/lbs of torque, with both figures satisfying the needs of most average buyers. However, those with gasoline flowing through their veins craved more, and Buick was happy to deliver. It followed the turbocharging route, performing internal engine upgrades before installing a Garrett AiResearch T3 turbo, an intercooler, upgraded fuel injection, and a reprogrammed engine management system. The company quoted official power and torque figures of 245hp and 355 ft/lbs, although many believe that Buick seriously understated the engine’s true potential. Shifting duties were handled by a four-speed THM200-4R automatic transmission, with power-assisted steering and brakes as standard equipment. There have been many bold claims regarding the performance potential of the ’87 Grand National, but with contemporary road tests achieving regular sub-14-second ¼-mile ETs in less than ideal circumstances, there is no denying that the Grand National is a genuinely fast car. The seller supplies no information regarding this car’s mechanical health, although I see no evidence of modifications or issues that might cause concern. The odometer shows 59,000 miles, but whether that figure is genuine doesn’t rate a mention.

The first owner didn’t focus exclusively on performance when ordering this Grand National, with the interior providing what should be an extremely comfortable, rapid motoring experience. It features air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a power driver’s seat, cruise control, a rear defogger, a tilt steering wheel, remote exterior mirrors, and an AM/FM radio with a cassette player and graphic equalizer. All Grand Nationals received unique trim in Gray and Black, which looked classy when new, but often didn’t age well. This car’s interior looks very clean, with no visible issues or shortcomings. The seats look excellent, there is no evidence of headliner sag, and I can’t spot any aftermarket additions. The overall condition is consistent with that of a survivor-grade vehicle that has been treated with respect.

Buying the final version of a particular model can be a double-edged sword. Vehicles of that type should potentially represent the best that they can be, with manufacturers having the opportunity to eliminate any bugs or issues. However, companies are typically unwilling to invest heavily in updates during the final year, as a replacement is often waiting in the wings. However, it is fair to say that Buick saved the best for last with its 1987 Grand National. It was the most potent version to roll off the showroom floor. While manufacturers have since made great strides, producing vehicles with astonishing power and torque, the Grand National demonstrated what was possible by thinking laterally. The styling is aggressive, making it easy to see why these cars have become a staple of the classic market. Values have dropped during the past year, although the situation appears to have stabilized. This trend could be a sign that the Grand National is about to enjoy an upward swing. If that is the case, now could be the ideal time to buy. Are you tempted?