No Reserve Project: 1986 Buick Grand National

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It can be quite disheartening when ill health rears its ugly head, and one of the results is that you find yourself forced to part with a project car because it has become physically beyond you. That’s the story behind the sale of this 1986 Grand National, so it looks like one man’s loss is going to be another’s gain. Located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, you will find the Buick listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding is currently sitting at $6,195, and with the reserve having been met, this is a car that will be on the move very soon.

The last 33-years haven’t been kind to the Grand National, and it wears its fair share of marks, scratches, and dings. What it doesn’t seem to be wearing is any serious rust. There doesn’t appear to be anything major visible on the outside of the car, while the owner says that the floors, frame, and the trunk are all perfect. One potential rust trap is around the t-top, and this is said to be clean as well. So far then, this is looking quite positive.

The photos of the interior are, at best, ordinary, while there are no photos of the engine. Even so, we can see that the interior has some pretty obvious wear and that new seat covers and a new dash pad are going to be required to bring the interior back to life. Being a Grand National, items like air conditioning, power windows, power seats, cruise control, and power locks are part of the package. As for the engine, it currently doesn’t run, but it does turn freely (hopefully they oiled things up before kicking the starter). The original fuel tank was past its best, so a new tank and sender unit are included with the car, but both will need to be fitted.

The owner says that the car has a genuine 33,000 miles on the clock. With that sort of mileage, it means that the engine should be healthy if it has been properly maintained. The condition of the exterior has me questioning that mileage claim though. The great unknown is what things are like under the hood. That will be key to this car. Having said that, the car opened at $500 and has already reached $6,195, so there are a few people who are willing to roll the dice on this one. Will any our Barn Finds readers be willing to join the crowd?

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. JoeMac Joe Mac

    At $6200, it’s approaching it’s value vs condition quickly. The fact that there looks to be minimal rust is a big plus. Would love to see a pic of the T-Top frame area. I can see $8k here. More than that would be evidence that GN’s are still able to command decent coin…regardless of condition.

    Like 4
  2. edh

    “…a genuine 33,000 miles on the clock. With that sort of mileage, it means that the engine should be healthy.”

    Here’s my argument against that:
    1. It’s a domestic car from the ’80s
    2. even worse it’s a turbo from the ’80s.

    These were made for a good time, but did not last a long time without problems.

    Like 3
    • Ralph

      Anyone want to reply to this or do we just want to let him continue to be ignorant and or wrong?

      Like 15
      • Dave

        Your reply pretty much says it. I agree, Ignorance is bliss.

        Like 8
    • JoeMac Joe Mac

      edh….it’s a domestic car from the 80’s, I’ll give you that. That 80’s turbo you’re talking about was THE turbo of the 80’s and pretty much decimated everything of that era. Being the 80’s, that’s not saying much you might say, but these cars were often tweaked with bolt ons, some alky injection, and a proper tune and could run with much of what is being driven out of the dealerships today. Check out BLACK AIR documentary on YouTube (yes, that domestic turbo 80’s car has a documentary about it).

      Like 3
      • Arthell64

        Any old car will run with what is being driven out of the dealerships today if you throw enough money into.

        Like 0
      • ACZ

        He apparently never saw the “I brake for Corvettes” bumper stickers from the 80s, either.

        Like 1
  3. flmikey

    There is no way this car has only 33K on it…just look at the condition from the pictures…this car has been repainted, the interior has just about disintegrated, and best of all, it’s not running…buyer beware….

    Like 3
  4. Coventrycat

    This must be a unicorn. Nothing with over 10 miles and perfect paint exists.

    Like 4
  5. Bob McK

    This is me keeping silent as I have nothing good to say.

    Like 1

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