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90K Mile Survivor: 1986 Buick Grand National

While it can seem like Buick Grand Nationals only pop up these days as total trailer queens with next to no miles on the clock, examples like this 1986 model in Massachusetts set us straight that there are still in-between options that reside somewhere between driver-quality and garage queen. This example is said to have 90,000 miles on the clock and has been treated gingerly while in the seller’s care, right down to having never been washed with water – only kept clean enough so that a water bath wasn’t necessary. An interesting approach, but if it keeps the scratches at bay, more power to him. You’ll find the Grand National here on craigslist with an asking price of $23,000.

While I take no issue with garage queen examples, it can be a bit vexing as to what exactly you do with a car like that. It has to be nerve-wracking to drive it, always fearful of someone nicking the original paint or threatening a body panel that still wears its original VIN stamping. This car would likely stoke similar fears, but at least with close to 100K on the clock, you can feel good knowing the car made it quite some time without incurring accident damage. The seller doesn’t specify anything of the sort, and the paint certainly looks consistent enough that I’d have a hard time believing any major panel replacement has taken place. The interior looks minty fresh, certainly reflecting a very careful 90,000 miles.

The Grand National appears to remain in completely stock condition, with the correct wheels, taillights, and rear spoiler all present and accounted for. Tough to tell from here but the tires appear to be the stock measurement as well. The seller doesn’t detail any prior accidents, but his mention of always being garaged and having “….never seen rain or water” makes me curious if he’s the original owner. Usually, such vehicles shout that feature from the rooftops in the listings if it’s the case, but it could be an older caretaker who hasn’t thought too much about the significance of being the only overseer of this fine Grand National, with its turbocharged heart under the hood.

The engine bay photos are far from the greatest, but what we can see looks promising. This doesn’t seem like the kind of owner or car to have lots of modifications under the hood, but there are several aftermarket gauges inside the car. Now, this can sometimes simply be due to wanting to have the most information possible when operating a turbocharged vehicle to ensure it doesn’t overheat or otherwise get over-boosted, but it’s also a tell-tale sign in turbocharged cars that some enhancements have been made beneath the surface. Regardless, it seems intriguing enough both in terms of condition and price to warrant a phone call and see if you’re, in fact, buying it from the only owner it’s ever known.

Comments

  1. Avatar Ken Jennings

    So nice to see one of these that got driven. The rest of them just keep getting moved around from one rich dudes garage to the next rich dudes garage. Never to see the open road.

    Like 8
  2. Avatar kevin

    Surely the value of these must be going down, since there seems to be so many for sale. Maybe a sister site is in order, such as Grand National Finds?

    Like 4
    • Avatar Jim

      And Choked Out, Slow As A Citation Corvette Finds

      Like 0
  3. Avatar JoeMac

    Strange that the seller’s highlight is that the car was never washed with water. There appear to be a number of mods to this car judging from the front mount intercooler, aftermarket intake, aftermarket exhaust (the exhaust tips at least). Those items would be much more interesting than your detailing modus operandi.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Jim

      Downpipe has an external, gate too. No knock gauge or A/F oddly

      Like 0
  4. Avatar scott reed

    If its got 90k miles on the clock,its not a survivor….. Its a used car

    Like 1
    • Avatar ace10

      I’ve seen some strange arguments surrounding the term “survivor” but yours is the first which suggests sub 100K odometer is a disqualifier.

      Like 5
  5. Avatar George

    90k miles and has “never seen rain or water”?????
    How is that even possible?

    Like 4
    • Avatar JoeNYWF64

      If you drive a car say once a month daytime for maybe an hour,
      I found after 3 years even covered in a garage, it needs to be washed with car soap & water – on the SIDES. & this is not on a black car!

      Like 0
  6. Avatar Kelly Waldrop

    Brother has one. Over 120000. Somehow changed to odometer to read 44000 miles. Threw a rod 11 years ago. Been sitting ever since. Numerous plastic moldings replaced. Doors rusted out and replaced. Not rare cars by any means.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar TimM

    Not a rare car but I believe it was the fastest American production car for that year!! Even beat the corvette and mustang!!

    Like 1
  8. Avatar Araknid78

    vehicle located in Boston, MA

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Bob McK

    Holy Toledo someone actually drove one of these, put 90K on it and didn’t wreck it! My hat goes off to the owner.

    Like 1

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