The muscle car sector had long been the preserve of firebreathing V8 until Buick rewrote the rule book with its Grand National. Part of the company’s Regal range, this new model tapped into the world of forced induction to unleash impressive performance. Our feature car, a 1986 Grand National, presents well as a high-end driver. It is mostly original, although a few tasteful and reversible upgrades will have unlocked some additional ponies. The Buick has generated significant attention since the seller listed it here on eBay in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Bidding has raced to $30,100, which remains below the reserve.

Buick released the Grand National as part of its Regal range in 1982, with the badge evolving over the next few years. It culminated with the 1987 GNX, a car confirming that The Malaise Era was fading fast. Our feature Grand National rolled off the line in 1986, wearing the Code 19 Black, a hallmark of these cars from 1984 until production ended. The seller emphasizes it isn’t perfect but should be considered a high-end driver. An in-person inspection will probably reveal minor marks and blemishes in the panels and paint. Still, nothing in the supplied photos might prompt the buyer to consider a cosmetic restoration. The T-Top further enhances its appeal, allowing light to flood into the interior. This is in good order, with no signs of leaking seals or other nasty surprises. The seller states that this classic is rust-free, with the floors as solid as the day the original owner took delivery. There are no problems with the trim, glass, or plastic, and the 16″ wheels look excellent.

The secret to the Grand National’s success was found under the hood. Buyers could order a 1986 Regal with the standard 3.8-liter V6 that delivered 110hp and 190 ft/lbs of torque. It provided respectable performance, although it set few pulses racing in that form. Buick was watching the world of motorsport, and with forced induction growing more popular, it followed that path with the Grand National. The V6 received internal upgrades, better injectors, and an improved engine management system. However, the icing on the cake was the turbocharger and air-to-air intercooler. If the power of the base V6 didn’t tick the boxes for you, this car’s “official” figures of 235hp and 330 ft/lbs confirmed its muscle credentials. Many believe the factory’s figures are understated, with 280hp an oft-quoted output. A four-speed automatic performs shifting duties, with Buick claiming a ¼-mile ET of 15.2 seconds. As with the output figures, that time can be considered very understated. Contemporary road tests consistently produced mid-14-second passes, but this Grand National might be even better. The seller upgraded the injectors, exhaust, and ECU chip. This should have released additional ponies, but the attraction of this approach is that those changes are reversible. However, potential buyers can consider it a turnkey proposition. It runs and drives perfectly, ready to provide a new owner with an exhilarating motoring experience.

You must look carefully to spot the only aftermarket additions inside this Grand National. They are purely practical, consisting of a couple of extra gauges mounted on the console to monitor proceedings under the hood. Otherwise, it is as it left the factory. The Gray and Black cloth seatcovers are free from wear and discoloring, which is a common trait. The remaining upholstered surfaces are spotless, and the headliner hasn’t suffered the typical sagging. The dash and pad are excellent, with no signs of UV damage. This is a muscle car, but it offers occupants a comfortable and refined environment as the miles roll effortlessly under its tires. The new owner receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a power driver’s seat, cruise control, a leather-wrapped tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player. The stereo recently stopped working, but the seller hasn’t investigated the issue since they rarely use that feature.

The Buick Grand National was a game-changer for the muscle car sector, proving that outright performance wasn’t necessarily driven by cubic inches. Many vehicles from the 1980s are long forgotten, failing to make an impact in the classic market. However, the Grand National is an exception to that rule. This 1986 model has attracted fifty-one bids, which didn’t happen by accident. People like what they see and are willing to pay the price to park this car in their garage. It isn’t a trailer queen, but it is ideal for someone wishing to enjoy a genuine and iconic muscle car as its creators intended. Do you fit that mold? Maybe submitting a bid could transform a dream into reality. What do you say?