Grand Nationals are not an uncommon sight around these parts, but we often see them showing up as 1986 and later models. This nicely-presented example is an earlier 1984 model which represents the first year the Grand National was offered as a model. You could order a Regal in a similar fashion before that point, but ’84 was when the legend known as the Grand National really came into full view. The seller’s car isn’t necessarily a time capsule but it still looks clean enough to drive anywhere on a Friday night. He’s owned it for three years and the Buick is now listed here on eBay with bidding at $12,000 and the reserve unmet.

Now, while the truth of the matter is that the Grand National got better and better as time went on, benefitting from engineering tweaks to yield more power and other improvements, there’s something to be said for finding a first-year model. Really, finding a first-year model of any special performance or limited production model generally yields a strong price when it comes time to sell. Impressively, the very fragile color-matched bumper covers are intact on this GN; they are typically smashed to pieces on any number of GM products from this era. The paint looks decent as well with no confirmation provided if it is original.

The listing does not confirm the mileage that this Grand National wears, but between the paint condition and the state of the interior, I doubt it’s excessive. This Grand National was ordered with the rare Lear Siegler seat option, which featured a unique set of buckets with better bolstering and a vinyl insert between the two shoulder bolsters. The door panels, dash, and center console all appear to be in sound cosmetic condition, but it’s certainly possible there is some wear-and-tear present, especially since sellers don’t typically omit the odometer reading when a car has below-average miles. Most important, however, is the fact that the seller confirms there is no rust.

Another bonus is the seemingly stock condition, which is not necessarily a guarantee on a car like the Grand National that responds so well to modifications. The early Grand National may be slightly more collectible, but it’s certainly not the most powerful GN. The later cars did gain an intercooler which gave Buick’s sleepy performance car a nice boost in output. That said, the turbocharged Buicks were strong performers across the board, so I wouldn’t let that detail dissuade me from bidding on this very clean example – especially if you’re on the hunt for the elusive 1984 model.