Rare Astroroof: 1987 Buick Grand National

We must sometimes take rarity claims with a grain of salt in the absence of documentary evidence. Such is the case with this beautiful 1987 Buick Grand National. The seller claims that its optional Astroroof is rare, but doesn’t mention supporting evidence. However, if the Grand Nationals that have previously crossed our desks at Barn Finds are an accurate guide, their claim could be credible. It has 41,000 miles on the clock and presents superbly as a high-end driver. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting the Buick listed here on Craigslist in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Handing the seller $57,500 could allow you to drive home in this impressive classic.

The 1987 model year was significant in the Buick Regal’s production life. It marked the end of the line for its rear-wheel drive platform, and the last hurrah for the Grand National. The company took the badge out in style, offering buyers any color as long as it was Black. It gave the GN a sinister look, which Buick offset with subtle badges and extremely attractive chrome wheels. This Grand National wears what the seller claims to be its original paint, and its presentation is impressive if the claim is true. The depth of color and shine is hard to fault, and the panels are laser-straight. The seller supplies a single underside shot confirming the car’s rust-free status, and it is fair to say that this Buick has no cosmetic shortcomings. However, it has a further ace up its sleeve. The first owner splashed the extra cash for the optional Astroroof, providing an alternative for those seeking a cooler motoring experience without resorting to air conditioning. The Astroroof functions correctly, and the lack of interior moisture damage confirms that the seals are in good condition.

If the 1987 Grand National has a genuine cosmetic weakness, the interior often receives that dubious honor. Headliners frequently sag, and the distinctive Black and Gray cloth seatcovers can rip or develop a dirty look. This classic has avoided those pitfalls, presenting extremely well for a survivor-grade vehicle. It carries the hallmarks of a cherished classic, with no wear or other issues. It does feature an upgraded stereo and some aftermarket gauges, but the buyer could reverse those changes to achieve authenticity. You can’t say that it isn’t well-equipped in a 1987 context. The new owner receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, a leather-wrapped tilt wheel, and a rear defogger.

The recipe for producing a muscle car was seemingly set in stone since the release of the Pontiac GTO. It involved shoehorning the largest, most potent V8 under the hood of a production model, while upgrading other mechanical components to cope with what were often stratospheric horsepower figures. Buick followed a different path with the Grand National, creating a muscle car powered by a 3.8-liter V6. Of course, it wasn’t any ordinary V6. The company performed internal upgrades, improved the fuel injection and engine management systems, and added a turbocharger and an intercooler. The results justified the effort and expense. I managed to locate a copy of Buick’s 1987 “Manufacturers Motor Vehicle Specifications” book, which quotes power and torque figures of 245hp and 355 ft/lbs. Many people believe that Buick understated both figures, and contemporary road tests seem to support that belief. Grand National buyers in 1987 couldn’t select a manual transmission option, but the upgraded four-speed 200-4R automatic allowed the Grand National to feed all of those ponies to the pavement successfully. The seller states that apart from a larger exhaust, this classic is mechanically original and unmolested. They claim it has 41,000 miles on the clock, and the car’s condition makes the figure plausible. Although not stated specifically, it seems that this Grand National is a turnkey proposition.

The 1987 Buick Grand National has been a star performer in the classic market during the past year. Values have climbed significantly, with no indications of that trend slowing. The seller’s price for this car looks realistic, especially considering its overall condition and the Astroroof option. I believe the seller will have no trouble finding a new home for this Buick, because buyers typically snap them up pretty quickly. It has only been on the market for around a day, and you may need to act fast if you want to park a spotless Grand National in your garage. After all, he who hesitates is lost.