The second generation of the Buick Regal ran from 1978-87, but the company found the most success with the restyled models from 1981 to 1987 (the last of the rear-wheel cars). Backed by Buick’s involvement in NASCAR, the Grand National was their top-shelf performance car in a Regal package. These autos have become sought after by collectors and their value seems to keep going up. This example has been tucked away for 35 years as the odometer has only managed to accumulate 305 miles. Available in Stanley, Wisconsin, and here on Barn Finds Classifieds, this time capsule is available for $29,000.
Before Winston bought the naming rights to NASCAR’s top Cup competition, it was known as the Grand National Series. It was a fitting name to be deployed on Buick’s new performance model for the intermediate Regal lineup. NASCAR’s version of the Regal would send Darrell Waltrip on back-to-back championships in 1981-82. Production of the GNs was always limited, although 1987 would go out with a bang with 21,000 produced. The Grand National used a 3.8-liter Turbo V-6 in its last two production years, benefitting from an intercooler. With a new, two-piece aluminum intake manifold, airflow increased by 10%, giving the engine 245 hp in ’87. These cars were capable of breaking the 14-second barrier in the quarter mile.
The seller presents this GN as an investment-grade automobile. When it was new, the original owner must have decided it would be stored and not driven. And 35 years later, this holds true with little more than 300 miles on the odometer. From the photos presented, the car currently resides on a dealer’s showroom floor and will be sold with its original owner’s manual and perhaps some other paperwork.
These cars were only offered in black paint, and we must assume it’s original and unmolested as is the dark grey interior. This Buick has been treated with kid gloves all its life, so the buyer will have a hard decision to make, either continue to keep it as a museum piece or drive it as it was intended.
$29k seems very low for such a low mileage example. I’m also surprised by the lack of power windows, etc. I thought that was standard on these cars, but I could be mistaken. Otherwise a beautiful specimen.
Something is up with this… it (The provided VIN) sold for $79,100 in May of 2021, so most likely a scam. Power Windows were an option ($210), but yes, most had them. Mine did not, also had a manual antenna, no cruise control, but it did have a power seat, locks and the Concert Sound ll speaker system.
I have been through Stanley, Wisconsin. Not much of a town to have a man rich enough to buy and store a car like this. Sounds fishy. Years ago Stanley was famous for a Steam Engine Days where old the old timers came out with old toys, made a lot of smoke, and spit tobacco. Today it is only known for its prison. This would make a fine getaway car if someone broke out.
Give me 2 of them! I’m sure this is not a scam at all. Thanks for the clean ad!
No way for 29k. Scam all over this ad.
This is on Barn Find classifieds so I’d hope it was vetted properly and is not a scam.
The price does seem low. If it is a scam, makes one think twice on the quality of the vetting process here and buying a listing from this site.
At 29k you should be hearing the sound of checkbooks opening from coast to coast
Stanley, Wisconsin? Garden spot of the Midwest.
And where is the original tires for a “time capsule”?
The price doesn’t seem low, it is low. The value of these cars has risen dramatically, especially a low miles example like this. Maybe the seller has no idea what he has.
Total scam.