Even 30 years after they went out of production, there's something special about the Buick Grand National. Maybe it's the fact that this otherwise plain-looking Buick was arguably the fastest accelerating car on the market, or maybe it's because they have just the right combination of performance and luxury, and with some well-tuned upgrades, this 1986 Buick Grand National is a very impressive car.
Most car guys know that when they see a black Buick, they need to be careful. Sure, after all this time there are faster cars, but if you're not paying attention, these cars will drop the hammer and not look back. And with modifications so insanely easy to do, you can build an incredibly fast and completely reliable car for not a lot of cash. Wearing its original black paint and no visible modifications, it's the right choice for the Buick fan who doesn't want a low-mile garage queen, but a big, bad Buick he can actually enjoy the way it was intended. It still looks intimidating with every square inch of the bodywork drenched in black paint, but that was entirely the point. It's brutal-looking. Owned by an enthusiast, you know it hasn't been wrecked or abused and that finish is nicer than most of these cars today, especially given GM's paint issues in the '80s. It's not perfect, but you can drive it without worries. So what you're getting is a super clean but ready-to-enjoy Grand National that's exactly right for prowling the streets.
The interior is pure 1980s Buick plush, with black and gray power buckets and a console just to add a bit of sportiness. Yes the seats need to be reupholstered, but given how popular these cars have become, fresh seat covers should be easy to find. Auxiliary boost and oil pressure gauges in the center console look like they were installed by the factory and a second pair of gauges on the A-pillar. A typical GM instrument panel with a cleverly-installed tachometer down in the lower corner and a big T-handle shifter manages the recently rebuilt 200R4 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission. Everything was standard on the top-of-the-line GN, including A/C, power driver's seat, windows, and locks, and the original Delco radio has been replaced by a modern AM/FM/CD head unit. It also claims a nice sized trunk that's ready for a road trip and includes the original space-saver spare.
The legendary powerplant is a 3.8 liter turbo V6 that's famous for making torque at any speed. Once the boost comes up, these cars are almost impossible to catch and thanks to decades of development, good ones are virtually bulletproof today. This one was rebuilt and upgraded by noted experts South East Turbo in Georgia in 2015. The upgrades include a bigger turbo and oversized fuel injectors, a big front-mount intercooler, Walbro 340 fuel pump, an upgraded camshaft, and a Turbo Saver oiling system. Combined, they make big power that's impossible to resist and will humiliate some of today's fastest iron. The engine bay is quite tidy and it's pretty obvious that the money was spent where it counts most. The transmission was rebuilt at the same time and it got new brakes and front end parts in 2016, so it's totally ready to rock. Sinister black mesh Grand National wheels look great and wear recent Continental performance radials.
These cars have always been formidable, but today collectors are noticing that good ones are scarce. This one isn't a beauty queen, but it certainly has the horsepower to deliver on the promises made by the brutal look. Call today!