For those of you who thought the mid-size muscle car was dead after the 1970s, you may have never met the 1980s Buick Grand National. Based on the popular Regal rear-wheel-drive platform, it was the street version of the automobile that the GM division was finding racing success with in NASCAR. It was in production from 1982 to 1987 (skipping 1983). The seller has a final year edition that has a new motor, but needs brake work and some cosmetic attention, perhaps from sitting. Located in Odessa, Texas, this Lone Star State find is available here on eBay. The current bid is $8,300, the reserve is unmet, and the take-it-home-now price is $20,000.
At the heart of the Grand National was its turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine that put out upwards of 275 hp depending on the model year. The same was true for torque, topping out at 360 lb-ft using a beefier 4-speed automatic transmission. Several variants of the car also came and went in the ‘80s, including the Turbo-T, T-Type, and GNX (the latter being the most beastly of the lot). Harking back to the heyday of muscle cars in the late 1960s, the GN could do 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and blister the quarter-mile in 13.5 seconds.
Buick sold nearly 30,000 GNs across its run, with 20.000+ being built in 1987. That’s when the company announced that front-wheel-drive was the way of the future and the old school Regal and friends would be no more. The seller provides minimal information about this less-than-perfect ’87 GN. The V6 has been replaced, but we don’t know much about it. And the brakes need a “motor”.
Though we’re told the Buick has no rust, the black paint (a GN hallmark) is well past its prime. Opening the doors, you’ll find that the seats and upper door panels will require time in the fabric boutique. It’s also stated that there may be something funky with the title, and the seller provides a pic of it for inspection. These cars are known to fetch top dollar when in that condition.
This was ridden hard… left outside and I am not seeing the 20 grand for non original engine. I am not sure if the original engine is on the engine stand in the garage with no details to associate with picture provided. The write up is not very good by owner details on E-bay.
I would look further to find an all original with good interior, paint and original driveline to maintain the value invested and enjoy at cars and coffee on weekends.
I wish him well on selling the car.
A 1,300-Mile 1987 Buick GNX Sold yesterday on the Bring A Trailer auction site for $245,000.00! A lot nicer than this car, but might be worth sticking some time and money into.
A GNX is a totally different animal and you cannot compare the value to this car in any way, shape, or form.
I don’t doubt that it is rust-free…which is a plus. It needs a total restoration, however, which will cost way more than it will ever be worth in the foreseeable future. The title is clear and looks fine, it is “branded” only by the mileage being “non-actual” which, in this case, means nothing because the car needs restored from top to bottom anyway. Mileage is the least of anyone’s concern if they are purchasing this car. One day, this car will be worth a lot more in it’s current state. Kind of like finding a barn-find Six Pack or Stage 1 that was in this condition nowadays. The problem is, it’s too much money in today’s day and age. This is a $5K car, maybe $10K if you really gotta have it and, can do ALL of the work yourself. Otherwise, go buy a $40K, actual mileage, mint example and enjoy it.
I’m pretty fond of the Grand Nationals, but this old gal is WAY over priced. In this condition, I would think that even if it was a GNX it would be too much $$. Could be a very cool car for maybe 7K, but it is not even close to being a 20K rig.
IMO the person that paid 1/4 million for that gnx is nuts. this 1 here has been beat down hard and you will spend good money to try and bring this car back to a nice state. people are really trying to get the hardworking man out of this hobby with these ridicules’ prices.
That brake motor repair is a challenge and costly. Probably why the seller did not get it repaired. That $20k price tag is too much. And with funky title. No thanks
by the looks of what’s under the hood, to me, an old mechanic that worked on cars for a living for more than a half century, that motor looks like its never been touched, in all the engines I Have rebuilt and installed they always looked the part.
Ended at $17,100.
Reserve Not Met.
Then, relisted for 15K, Buy It Now, and SOLD.
Weird choice to not take the original bid.
“Weird choice” is putting it mildly! Makes absolutely zero sense to me.
Someone (the better half?) must have put the foot down!