As the 1980s dawned, it seemed that the classic American muscle car was dead and buried. Some manufacturers were delving into the mystical world of fuel injection and electronic engine management on their V8 engines with limited success. Others believed there was more than one way to skin a cat. Enter the Buick Grand National. It proved that buyers didn’t necessarily need a V8 to achieve neck-snapping performance when the world of forced induction lay before them. Our feature car is a 1987 Grand National needing some TLC. The owner includes a mountain of documentation dating back two decades, and adding to its attraction is their decision to offer the vehicle with No Reserve. Located in Pompano Beach, Florida, you will find the Buick listed for sale here on eBay. Frantic bidding has pushed the price to $17,300 in this winner-takes-all listing.

Buyers in 1987 could order their Grand National in any color, as long as it was Black. Buick’s decision added a touch of menace to the GN, and it was left to a few minor badges and the distinctive chrome wheels to offer a contrast. The paint on this car has suffered deterioration typical of these classics, with peeling clearcoat across various areas. The buyer will probably strip away the paint to bare metal if they seek a high-quality finish. Rust does not appear to be an issue, with the owner identifying a small spot in one door and the trunk lid as the only problems. As always, I would perform an in-person inspection to ensure there are no hidden issues. The panels have accumulated a few minor marks and scars, but repairing these before applying fresh paint should not pose a challenge. Surprisingly, the bumper fillers don’t seem to have succumbed to the ravages of age or UV rays, which is a bonus. The biggest challenge the buyer may face is the significant deterioration in the Grand National’s signature wheels. They may be salvageable, but bracing for the cost of replacement could be a wise move. A set of four with the correct center caps and lug nuts will lighten the buyer’s wallet to the tune of $1,000, but it will represent money well-spent when it comes to the question of overall presentation.

While generally seen in some motorsport categories, forced induction technology started to appear more frequently on road cars during the 1980s. Buick looked at their traditional V8 offerings but saw potential in following a different path. Lifting the hood on an ’87 Grand National reveals a 3.8-liter fuel-injected V6 benefitting from a turbocharger and intercooler. The impact these additions had was profound. In normally aspirated form, the V6 produced a respectable 110hp. Bolting on a “hairdryer” pumped that figure out to what Buick claimed was 245hp. Many experts believe that this figure was well short of the truth, and the correct number was closer to 290hp. Buyers received a four-speed THM200-4R automatic transmission, with the company offering no manual option. Was it fast? Just a bit. When the Grand National first hit the market, various road tests achieved ¼-mile ETs below the company’s claim of 14.7 seconds. High 13s were not unheard of, signaling that the Grand National was a genuine muscle car. This car features its original drivetrain, but its owner has treated it to a long list of upgrades. He recently had its V6 professionally rebuilt, adding an upgraded turbo, intercooler, intake, fuel pump, injectors, and cold air intake. With these upgrades, a power output north of 300hp is possible. The owner holds a mountain of documentation tracing the Buick’s journey over the past two decades, including these in the sale. Potential buyers may be able to fly in and drive home in this classic. It runs and drives extremely well and is ready for some enjoyable summer motoring.

Apart from an aftermarket wheel and a gauge pod mounted on the A-Pillar, this Buick’s interior appears original and unmolested. The driver’s seat shows some wear and splits, which is common in these classics. Replacement seat cover sets retail for $650 and would represent a permanent solution. Alternatively, the buyer could install a set of aftermarket slipcovers and adopt the “out of sight, out of mind” approach. The console lid has seen better days, but the console, dash, and carpet look okay. This Grand National comes equipped with many of the more desirable options. The air conditioning system is intact but doesn’t blow cold. Buyers also receive power windows, power locks, a power trunk release, a power driver’s seat, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and a premium factory stereo.

Recent history proves that the 1987 Buick Grand National is one of the highlights of the 1980s, and good examples sell for impressive figures. This one isn’t perfect, but its cosmetic needs aren’t out of the ordinary for a car of this vintage. That fifty-two bids have already been submitted demonstrates the desirability of these classics. Values continue to rise steadily, with no evidence that the trend will end soon. It isn’t spotless nor original, but it should provide its next owner with an entertaining and enjoyable driving experience. After all, isn’t that what owning a car like this should be all about?