For model year 1986, Buick’s sinister black Grand National or “GN” gained an intercooler and expanded its horsepower count from 200 to 235, a modest five more than that year’s Chevrolet Corvette, General Motor’s top-dog sports car. However, when the 3600 lb Buick laid down a scorching 4.9 second 0-60 run for Car & Driver Magazine, it became obvious that the boxy GN made even more power than advertised. This 1986 Buick Grand National in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey appears to have been parked around 2002, just about when folks were starting to keep these interesting cars as a possible investment. Though rough around the edges, it’s mostly complete, shows only 33,000 miles on the odometer, and features T-Tops, a roof option about half as popular as the solid roof according to wikipedia.org. Seeking a second owner here on eBay, it’s attracted bidding north of $5000

When these cars were fairly new, a motor-head friend came into some insurance money and we test-drove a low-mileage example. The over-anxious salesman rode shotgun and I hung out in the back as my buddy graciously warmed up the motor and drive train before dipping into the boost a few times. After racing sport bikes at at Watkins Glen my friend had nothing to prove, and was oh-so-kind to the car compared to what might have occurred. He simply said “This is the fastest car I’ve driven at half-throttle.” He didn’t buy the GN, but it impressed me with its quiet roomy interior, decent handling, and bountiful torque.

Power windows and door locks add convenience. The sport seats and steering wheel add some purpose to what would otherwise be a typical Dad Car of the day. Some of these surfaces may clean up nicely but the upholstery (at least) demands replacement.

Here’s where the magic happens. Underneath the turbo-specific ducting lies the ubiquitous 3.8L V6 that Buick jammed in everything from the compact H-body Skyhawk to the full-sized LeSabre. Plenty of other GM products used the Buick 3.8 as well and, in supercharged form, it became a FWD menace in the next generation Regal GS. Today the Grand National enjoys a cult-like following and ready recognition among car enthusiasts of all sorts. This one will require attention in many areas, but may represent a bargain for someone with time on their hands and patience to do it right. You could replace a bunch of mechanical parts, modify the engine to an insane level, and thrash every car in your county. Then, after the sleeper fun runs its course, tidy up the cosmetic bits. How would you approach this project?