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.
Although I have no concrete proof the Astroroof option was incredibly rare, the majority of sunroof equipped GNs were rolled down to ASC for sunroof installation, which was a steel panel. I’m fortunate to have an even rarer GN as it’s equipped with both an Astroroof and the digital dash option. 28k miles with original paint.
ASC moonroofs were glass early Monte Carlos had seal panel roofs from the factory
Since its inception I always wanted one of these I was going to order a brand new GNX Dad said yes mom said no so you know how that goes.LOL… But I would take this over any new dodge charger challenger hellcat etc. This was my go to favorite. It may not be able to beat them in a grudge match today in stock form but I don’t care to me it still looks like the street bruiser from the 80s. This one looks Awesome….
Nice car but $57K nice?
Ya right !? ha ! .. cause you can just buy one of the other fully loaded, 40k, 40 year old, garage kept, American made, Grand Nationals down the street for half that price š
Power windows and a moon roof; niiice !
I recently quelled the turbo Buick Jones by purchasing a low mile original paint ’87 GN. It’s been 25 years since I had owned one and I forgot how much I giggle like a little school girl every time the turbo spools up. Yeah, it’s not fast by today’s standards but the intimidation factor is still there and it’s plenty quick to get in and out of traffic. The amount of comments and thumbs up I get is awesome – actually surprising how many youngsters love these cars. It’s got under 10k on the clock, which to me, is kind of a shame. I’ve put 400 on it since I bought it a month ago and have no plans of it being a garage queen. My wife loves it too and she’s pulled it out a couple of times with our daughter so between the two of us, I am sure we’ll continue to put some miles on her.
Best post I’ve seen on here in a while. Mike, you’re a real car guy. Enjoy the miles!
My wife drove our 87 T-Type as her everyday driver. She complained about my driving from the turn of the key. However when she drove that Buick she did not get outrun at traffic lights especially by Mustangs. LOL.
I had a 87 GN that was not close to stock. It ran low 12s high 11s. She would not drive that one and it could get away from you in a minute.
Don’t know if this is true but I read or heard that the reason th GN wasn’t manufactured with T-Tops or sunroof was because of the flex in the body from the engine tork. But then you have the T-Type Regal so who knows. I love the Olds 442 of this period and wish Olds would have come up with a better engine then the paper weight 305.
T-tops and the sunroof was always an option on these cars. I wanted a sunroof when I bought my ’84 GN, but my budget at the time wouldn’t allow it. There is truth to the fact that the cars w/o either of those options had a more rigid body with less flex, but the torque wasn’t enough in stock form to be an issue.
We bought aftermarket frame braces to overcome that flex. It was real and it caused some problems but the braces were cheap and they worked.
The 305 is the base engine used in many race cars. As ive said and has been said too many times, real muscle cars werent bought, they were built.
@19Tiger65
307 CI for the Hurst Olds and the 442s.
Google AI states that fewer than 200 of the nearly 21,000 1987 Grand Nationals came with the Astro Roof, so this is indeed a rare car. I’ve always liked GN’s, and this one is a beauty!
I’m a Mopar guy but I always really liked the GN’s. Had a very cool, sinister look to them all in black and they were very fast cars back in the day.$57.5k might sound like a lot but with the low mileage, rare roof option and overall condition I don’t think it’s out of range from sales I’ve seen on other sites.
Google claims less than 50 GN’s were produced in 1987 with the Astro roof
Sweet car in great shape. Would rather have T-Roofs IMHO. Had them in a couple of mid 90ās Z28ās. Always loved Ts. Definitely other cars Iād be looking at though for 57k, again IMHO. Good luck with the sale.
Very nice clean Grand National here. My favorite dream car of the 1980’s!!