Some classics invariably generate interest when they hit the market, and this 1987 Buick Grand National demonstrates that. It has received an incredible fifty-two bids, suggesting that people like what they see. However, the intense action leaves the current price below the reserve, meaning there is time for interested parties to throw their hat into the ring. The Grand National is listed here on eBay in Ocoee, Florida. The current high bid on this 1980s muscle car is $26,600.

The 1987 Grand National conveys a commanding and almost sinister impression, courtesy of the company’s decision to cloak its panels in Code 19 Black paint. It resisted the temptation to embellish the appearance with graphics and stripes beyond a few subtle decals, with the distinctive chrome wheels offering a striking and muscular contrast. The seller indicates this isn’t a low mileage trailer queen but a genuine survivor that has been enjoyed as its creators intended. Therefore, the accumulated chips and scratches aren’t surprising, nor are the minor panel bumps and bruises. It continues shining well enough for the winning bidder to consider preservation a viable option. However, most enthusiasts would contemplate a cosmetic refresh to recapture this Buick’s youthful good looks. They won’t face a list of rust repairs as part of that process because the seller states that the floors and underside are rock-solid. The plastic, including the prone bumper fillers, is in good order. The vehicle would undoubtedly benefit from fresh paint, but the lack of other problems means the new owner can take their time to plan the future of this classic.

This Grand National’s interior generally presents well, with only a few minor defects requiring attention. The headliner suffers the typical sagging issues, and spending around $270 on a replacement would seem sensible. Some faux chrome surfaces exhibit wear, but there are excellent products that allow owners to tackle that problem without spending a fortune. The seats feature new covers, and a new carpet set recently found its way into this Buick. The dash looks excellent, while the pad and plastic haven’t succumbed to abuse or UV rays. Aftermarket additions include a set of pillar-mounted gauges and a CD player, but the remaining factory luxury appointments are intact. The new owner receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a six-way power driver’s seat, cruise control, and a leather-wrapped tilt wheel.

There has long been spirited discussion about when The Malaise Era ended, and many people provide compelling arguments to support their view. I have never set a definitive date. However, the Grand National suggests that even if we don’t believe it was over by 1987, manufacturers were well-advanced with strategies to regain ground lost by tight emission regulations. A 3.8-liter V6 driving the rear wheels via a four-speed THM200-4R automatic transmission may not seem the recipe for exhilarating performance, but Buick breathed on that powerplant to produce something genuinely impressive. The engine received internal upgrades, but the turbocharger, intercooler, fuel injection, and electronic engine management transformed a mild-mannered motor into a fire-breathing monster. The company quoted an official power output of 245hp, but many people believe that Buick excelled in the art of understatement. Figures around 300hp are commonly cited, and the car’s performance makes that feasible. The “official” ¼-mile ET of 14.7 seconds was class-leading, but motoring journalists in 1987 had little trouble repeatedly producing 13-second passes. The seller confirms that while this Grand National retains its numbers-matching engine, a recent rebuild included upgrades to the turbocharger, injectors, engine management system, and other components. That should unlock performance improvements, cementing the vehicle’s muscle car credentials. It may require a few tweaks to extract the best from it. However, the seller suggests that it runs and drives well and comes with comprehensive documentation outlining the recently completed mechanical and interior restoration work.

The 1987 Buick Grand National has been one of the stars of the classic market for over a decade, with values climbing consistently. Some people aren’t drawn to the typically square styling of cars from the 1980s, but the Buick possesses an undeniably muscular appearance. The bidding history on this car supports that view, demonstrating that people are willing to talk with their wallets. It isn’t perfect, but it offers several options for potential buyers to consider. With pristine examples consistently selling for over $60,000, this car could represent an affordable alternative that could reach that state relatively cheaply. It has attracted fifty-two bids, but are you tempted to add to that total?