This 1987 Buick Grand National looks sharp on its lowered suspension and upgraded 18 inch GNX replica wheels. Those aren’t the only modifications made to this 1980s performance icon, so it’s best to keep looking if you’re searching for a bone-stock survivor. The Grand National supposedly dynos at 400 b.h.p., and the seller claims to have $40,000 invested in upgrades. Find it here on craigslist in North Carolina where it’s listed by the third owner with an ask of $28,000.
Whenever I think one of my projects is going sideways, I just look at the muscle car classifieds and realize how much those guys are spending. The $40,000 in upgrades and maintenance makes my eyes water just a bit, but I’m sure the GN is an easy car to get carried away on. For one, it responds extremely well to bolt-on modifications. For another, you don’t have to look too far to see crazy high auction sales results for Grand Nationals, which could encourage owners to perhaps splurge a bit on the premise that they will eventually get it all back.
And honestly, when a car looks this good sitting on lowered suspension and upsized wheels, it’s hard to fault the owners for taking this Grand National to another level. The seller lists several key modifications, including: a larger Precision turbo; Holley Dominator EFI; custom wiring harness; GN1 headers; and a 3″ downpipe. The Buick retains its original automatic transmission, but the seller mentions this has also been upgraded to handle the extra thrust. The suspension has been modified via a 1″ lowering kit wit tubular control arms and upgraded front and rear sway bars.
Perhaps most impressive is the G rand National’s cosmetic condition despite having three owners and 130,000 miles on the clock. The seller doesn’t mention a respray, but the paint looks quite good – almost too good – for this kind of mileage, especially since the seller emphasizes that the Grand National doesn’t sit around gathering dust. With 400 b.h.p. and 471 lb.-ft. of torque at the driver’s disposal, it would be a shame to let this one go to waste sitting in storage. It may be to the purist’s tastes, but a Grand National like is a nice change of pace from the usual trailer queens.
Sounds like a nice build, so why no photos of the suspension/engine upgrades and the interior?
Located in New Bern, NC
Probably a V6. not so impressive.
Just a minor detail for the author: If one knows where to look there are far more sets of “GNX wheels” than there ever were GNXes, so it’s unlikely that there are “replica” wheels. While most folks didn’t recognize them when the GNX came out, those are the same wheels as the black 18″ crosslace wheels that were available on the Trans Am/GTA. The only thing that is exclusive to the GNX is the GNX decal on the center cap.
…..and the front fender vents.
You’re correct except that the GTA / GNX wheels were 16”, not 18”