SUMMARY
1-owner survivor that's logged only 757 milesOver the past four decades, General Motors has proven itself a modern day warrior. The company literally OWNED the '50s and '60s, and no matter how much corporate bean counters tried to quell its spirit of performance, true gearheads ALWAYS kept the flame lit. And I'm not talking about Corvettes or the incredible Cadillac V-Series. I'm talking about cars that are fast, fun and highly attainable. In the early 21st century, the guys at Pontiac worked with GM's Holden division to send world-class muscle to American shores. During the stuffy '70s the venerable Trans Am soldiered on with big displacement motors and flashy good looks. In the mid '90s, Chevrolet's visionary Impala SS brought a new sense of cool to the full-size segment. And in the '80s, it was this car: Buick's bad-to-the-bone GNX that proudly separated the winners from the losers. All black, all business and so ruthless even your shut-in grandmother knows it means trouble, this exclusive coupe backs 360 lb./ft. of turbocharged torque with sinister aesthetics and an ASC McLaren-tuned suspension!
BODYWORK/TRIM
Capitalizing on the success of winning NASCAR's 1981 and '82 Manufacturer's Cups, Buick kicked off the Grand National legacy by introducing a specially tweaked version of their 1982 Regal. However, it wasn't long until GM's conservative luxury crew assumed the full identity of renegade performance division by slathering black paint onto highly modified G-Bodies that featured unique and menacing aesthetics. And, in 1987, the brand shunned all brightwork, sourced some serious performance bolt-ons, printed a batch of "GNX" emblems and announced the "Grand National to end all Grand Nationals". This GNX, showcased by Indianapolis, Indiana's Stitzer Buick for close to 10 years, sports an original coat of GM code 19 Black that, since 1996, has been lovingly pampered by just one owner. That pigment highlights crisp sheetmetal, which centers straight surfaces between even gaps that show no signs of damage or repairs. And, topped by dark-tint glass and monochromatic trim, that metal's finish is every bit as glossy as it is deep.
ENGINE
Speaking of survivors, and GM's core strengths, if anyone ever creates an ultimate engine survivors list, Buick's stalwart 231 cubic inch V6 will surely be at the top. Introduced as the Fireball, and eventually renamed the 3800, its early '60s design was sold to Kaiser, bought back by General Motors and, with the help of turbos, superchargers and continuous improvements, would remain one of the company's core powerplants until the turn of the century! In addition to compounding tweaks accrued during the life of the Grand National series, the original sixer behind this coupe's Vader-like grille benefits from significant mechanical improvements. For starters, GM sourced a better version of the car's Garret turbo that featured a ceramic impeller and larger intercooler. A CERMATEL-coated connection pipe marries that re-engineered blower with its Jet Black foundation. And a specific EEPROM makes sure everything plays well together. Those carefully calculated upgrades were good for a newly impressive 276 horsepower and substantial 360 lb./ft. of V8-slaying of torque. And that power created numbers that not only bested GM's own Camaro and Corvette, but also catapulted Buick to the forefront of '80s performance! Presently, the car's low-mileage mill is 100% stock inside and out, featuring fresh and pliable ancillaries that are ready for lots of warm weather and tons of rich boost. Everything, from its "BUICK" branded hood mat to its correct 25526109 casting number, is in top-flight condition. And one glance at our pictures reinforces the fact that this coupe probably hasn't seen anything more than carefully planned miles on sunny summer days.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
The car's hot engine spins torque through an original, "BRF" tagged 4-speed that's a member of the ultra-reliable Turbo-Hydramatic family; an honorable and faithful group that's survived behind GM's toughest performance blocks for decades. That seasoned transmission twists a set of original gears, which offer a great combination of starting line grip and high-speed cruising. And, under that first-class drivetrain, an ASC McLaren-tuned suspension provides world-class handling ability. Unrestrained, Buick GNX's were probably legitimate 150 MPH hot rods. But the factory knew the limitations of the Regal's aerodynamics, suspension and brakes, and wisely chose to reign in the fun long before peak velocity. Speaking of brakes and the like, power-assisted discs and drums provide solid stops. Quick-ratio power steering makes cornering easy and turning a cinch. At the corners, original wheels spin original 245/50VR16 Goodyear Eagle VR50s in front of original 255/50VR16 Goodyear Eagle VR50s. And, aesthetically, the bottom of this Buick is exactly what you'd expect from an immaculately maintained, low-mileage survivor.
INTERIOR
Inside this awesome street bruiser, you'll find an original, tri-tone interior that's virtually spotless. Typical Buick fashion dictates more comfort than sport, but then, that's what GM's entry luxury brand has always been about. And naturally, that means this Grand National is loaded with all the features you'd expect, including power windows, power locks, climate control, cruise control and a tilt steering column. In front of that wheel, pliable factory buckets appear to have been looked at more than they've been sat in. Opposite those seats, factory-spec Stewart Warner gauges inhabit a blocky dash that's free of warps and cracks. Below that dash, a factory console frames an elegant factory shifter. In front of the driver, a satin-spoke steering wheel looks '80s glam. And behind the passengers, a lined trunk seems big enough to abet weekend travel.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
Here's a complete breakdown of the car's original Window Sticker.
1987 GNX 2-DOOR COUPE
SOLD THROUGH: Stitzer Buick in Indianapolis, Indiana
BUICK STANDARD EQUIPMENT:
Automatic transmissionASC MCLAREN STANDARD EQUIPMENT:
GNX Package
- Eagle Gatorback tiresMANUFACTURER'S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $17,865
DESTINATION: $430
GNX OPTION: $10,995
TOTAL VEHCILE PRICE: $29,290
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES
An original Window StickerNumber 114 of 547 produced, this incredible GNX is an incredible collectible. Nobody scoffs at Buick's legendary Grand National. And you can pretty much bank on the fact that these cars will grow in value as their buyer base continues to mature. So, what are you waiting for? Grab this beastly Buick and enjoy one of the most exclusive muscle cars on the planet WHILE it appreciates!