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1987 Buick Grand National 7877 mi. T-TOPS NEVER REMOVED orig paint #1 survivor

  • Price: Ask a price!
  • Item location: Buffalo, New York, United States
  • Make: Buick
  • Model: Grand National
  • SubModel: T-TOPS never removed
  • Type: Coupe
  • Trim: WE2
  • Year: 1987
  • Mileage: 7,877
  • VIN: 1G4GJ1171HP435248
  • Color: Black
  • Engine size: 3.8L Turbo
  • Number of cylinders: 6
  • Power options: Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Power Locks, Power Windows, Power Seats
  • Fuel: Gasoline
  • Transmission: Automatic
  • Drive type: RWD
  • Interior color: Gray
  • Drive side: Left-hand drive
  • Options: T-TOPS, Cassette Player
  • Vehicle Title: Clear

Buick Grand National 1987 Description

Hello Turbo Buick fans!
Let me have the pleasure of saying that this car has 100% factory original paint, no touch ups, no repaint, no repairs. A TRUE #1 condition survivor! The fastest production car made in America in 1987. Even faster than GM's own Corvette.WHETHER OR NOT YOU KNOW EVERYTHING OR NOTHING ABOUT THESE, PLEASE READ ON!!It gets good, really good and I am both excited and sad to present to you my car from my personal collection.
There are a lot of nice and special GN's out there, many 'loosely' say they are MINT and are not, but this one is sure to impress! This is NOT a neglected barn find!!
-I have been on here coming up on 14 years specializing in selling high end and rare items:I have owned several GN's and currently own other GN's so please feel comfortable when you buy from me. I have sold one on eBay years ago with nearly triple the miles to a very satisfied buyer....as well as other earlier muscle cars I have successfully sold here over the years.
I would like to start off by saying that I am going to list this in auction only once. If it goes unsold, it may be listed as a non-negotiable fixed price. I will not send you a second chance offer if it doesn't meet reserve so be careful of scammers. I may contact you to discuss after the auction ends though. I prefer to hear a voice if possible.
There is a lot to know about this car. To sum it up, I have seen some 10 mile, 100 mile, and 1,000 mile cars. Some do not live up to the original paint detailed finish of this car. It has a show quality detail from someone who has experience detailing new cars, old cars with single stage paint, AND exotic cars and literally everything in between. I have seen their work over the years first hand.
This unrestored survivor car is near perfection in quality and correctness. Simply an amazing investment. 7,877 miles.

With all the speculation of an all new redesigned Grand National and GNX possible (nothing like the current 4 door, 4 cylinder Regal body) coming to market very soon, these will be sure to follow a pattern like the 05/06 Ford GT and the release of the new 2017 Ford GT spike in valuations (and still holding steady). If the brand new (2018?) GN's do bring a disappointment, then these may be even more desirable! The pattern may follow... up,up, and away in value so don't wait for a second chance because there may not ever be one again! Right now all I can say is speculation. It is a big big hush hush!! So look for it!!
Of course, this car has the natural new car smell with no mods and never raced! There is a picture shown above, hence a closeup of the quarter post; above the side/rear window. (the white spots in the picture are the clouds)Extremely important: Notice NO stress cracks or twisting of the frame which is an easy indicator that a car may have been raced and abused. I checked it right over that spot on both sides with the paint meter to check for bondo... it doesn't read bondo, only metal/iron and it came up clean.
Car has the 30 year old original Goodyear Eagle GT tires with NO repairs; NO plugs, NO patches. NO dry rot whatsoever! Not even a hint of it as you can see. Plenty of tread left, only 7,877 miles (3 lucky 7's = 21!) used out of an approximately 40k-50k mile tire life.Original spare in trunk never removed as well as the original jack assembly, untouched.Has all power options, and are functional.
Original paint appears 'better than new' but is as good as 30 year old GM paint can get with todays detailing products (when applied properly and professionally like this has). 2 Days of professional labor to be precise.To me the most important thing I look for in the Grand National is... the GM factory paint which was approximately 3.5 mil - 4.5 ml in total thickness throughout as you see pictured. The paint thickness on every car varied and typically on each and every one of them is 3.5 mil - 4.5 mil. (I spent hundreds of dollars on the paint depth gauge for piece of mind) ABSOLUTELY NONE of the paint or paint thickness was removed or compromised when detailing the car. When you wet sand or compound a car, you risk this being done and that layer is gone forever. This car was NOT wet sanded and NOT compounded, EVER. Proof shown in the pictures.
This 1987 Buick Grand National still retains the original orange peel (glitter like substance). It is visible best within bright light. If it is not visible at all on any GN, then there may have been too much taken off when polished.
NO checking (cracking) in the paint which was typical. NOT even any spider webbing on the surface of the paint. You will ALWAYS see this in just about EVERY GN, even most professionally detailed ones!! The surface spider webbing has been polished out which takes it up to the top notch level!! Body guys, you know what I am talking about.
Never been smoked in. (Unused cigarette lighter) NO rain, NO snow, NO sun, NO fun, well you get the point.
Original documented 7,877 mile car with a clean and clear title.
All original GM car with MOBIL 1 FULL synthetic 5W-30 oil and ZDD plus additive (zinc) to prolong engine life even longer; also with an AC Delco oil filter recently changed.Stabil 360 additive in fuel tank to preserve the Sunoco 93 super unleaded for up to a YEAR. These fluids are fresh and do not need to be changed until next year! All fluids are clear, note the synthetic oil is a hint darker than conventional oil.5 miles put on it since. Just get in it and drive or just stare at it in the garage. It even still has the spongy wastegate solenoid filter.
Brand New (700 CCA) AC Delco 'gold' battery $165.00, again all this was recent as of May 2017.
Standard yellow coolant fresh and ready to cool.
Immaculate undercarriage with ALL ORIGINAL EXHAUST IN TACT! Once this is removed it cannot be put back together unless you remove the shell of the car from the frame, so it is unmolested. It was applied this way at the factory (Frame, exhaust, shell) and welded by robots.
-Serious buyers, please view in person. You must see it with the naked eye!

Factory installed T-Tops (only about 1,500 ever made!), NOT dealer installed. HUGE difference!! The factory installed T-tops glass panels themselves are approximately 1/4 inch bigger in which they do NOT leak and are authentic. Typical dealer installed T-tops (a tad smaller) generally do AND are not as desirable, at least to the high end knowledgeable GN collector like myself. The factory RPO code (CC1) ('removable panels-glass') is on the inside of the trunk to prove it is indeed, an authenticfactory installed option.T-TOP BAGS never used, because the T-tops were never removed from the roof!!The new owner may have the first pleasure in this 30 year old official antique Grand National to experience the sexy T-Roof exposed!Remember, the aftermarket dealer ones are installed at the dealership and the roof is cut THERE for installation and NO RPO code will identify it! So be careful when buying a T-top car. Look for the CC1 code which this car has and further, make sure the measurement of the t-tops is correct.
G80 full posi rear end, not a one wheel peel.
Doors open and close as they should, the right 'sound' and 'feel', which also prove the doors do not sag. Hood and trunk latch clean as well. Again, keep in mind I am familiar with these cars.
Weatherstripping is all factory original and is in excellent condition. No dry rot. Trim is also original and in excellent condition. This stuff is NOT cheap and hard to find!! Try looking up new old stock parts for these cars. I can guarantee you will be hard pressed to find much. Even aftermarket items aren't cheap when available!
Car is squeak free, creak free, and leak free with the original rope style rear main seal. Drives like it did 30 years ago and yes I drove them new then! Just as exciting as it was then! Car is as tight as it was in 1987.
Original 9 HOLE hood liner, NOT the later 8 hole style which BOTH STYLES have the same part number! ALL 9 hole hood insulation pad retainers are also original and they all match.
Support bars under the hood, 1 on each side at (approx a 45 degree angle) are usually not present or removed, but on here they are present.
Car is straight as an arrow with NO unwanted sideways pull. Equal and factory correct door gaps, hood gaps, trunk gaps throughout. Clean bumper fillers, not cracked. If not painted -the ORIGINALS will fade. These are decent.
Again, No webbing or checking in the original paint. It is smooth as glass both visual and by the touch!! A very deep deep shine you can get lost in! Pictures were done with an $80 camera. NO ENHANCEMENTS.
Rims are original and decent.
Gleaming MINT original interior. Upholstery, no rips or wear. Period.
-Serious buyers, please view in person. You must see it with the naked eye!
DEALER installed protection on firewall and on the top of the plastic inner fender It CAN be removed with a 60 second power wash without ruining anything, but I left it original as it is 30 years old. Most cars do NOT have this.
No messy unnecessary undercoating.
Original Brochure, Embossed Regal owners manual, Delco radio manual, Goodyear warranty book, maintenance schedule book!
The owner before me had it out no longer than 2-3 hours at a time.I have never taken it to shows or cruise nights BUT the owner before me had 2 guys with open checkbooks wanting to make offers at the time and he did not even want to hear their offers!! That's crazy!! I say let them bid against each other! Now, this is before this amazing world class detail!!! By the way, I literally begged to buy this from him and guess what, I got lucky! It took me over 2 years! You have a chance to own it without begging or waiting!
If you are serious about bidding here, take your time. I urge you to look at only the best GN's for sale on all of the internet and see that they are in fact asking for (and some selling for) some "New Numbers" which is not unreasonable. These are ready for a breakout considering the Pontiac Firebird, Ferrari Testarossa, Lamborghini Countac, etc., etc recently all had their turn in the last couple of years. A 2-3 times the spike in value! I do not want to influence the bidding one way or another with numbers but you will see for yourself on other reputable sites other than eBay. Please be sure to check them out.30 years antique status for these GN's and GNX's as an unmolested car has been steadily on the rise for the past few years and haven't stopped. Own one before they peak!
It takes about $60,000 - $80,000 to restore a GN, but who would want to?? So you get the point where the values are headed on the true original unmolested survivors!!! What is a 100% survivor worth?? Bid or just sit back and watch to find out.
This is clearly a Barrett-Jackson or Mecum car. They would take it on consignment, but I rather sell it this way for now. It saves us both time and money. You can also view it in person without anyone getting in your way, anyone else touching it, no-one breathing on it, accidentally scratching it with jewelry, beer being tipped on it while someones jaw is open, etc. You get the point!
BRIEF STATS for the current and future die hard fans:0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds est. stock. (Ferrari territory) (and faster than the Corvette)150 mph top speed approximately125 mph top speed governed245 hp/355 ft.lb, was closer to 300 hp stock (more than the Corvette in 1987)3.8L 231 cu.in. V-6 -TURBO - these arebulletproof engines too!1/4 mile: varies, approx. high 13's-low 14's,@ 95 mph-approx
(what makes these cars so special is that they can be modified to beat any car, yes even the V-8 supercharged 707 hp Hellcat AND 840 hp Demon with an even bigger supercharger!)This car needs to stay in collectors hands so it remains original and unmolested to preserve the value.
NASCAR based, there were 20,193 Grand Nationals made in 1987, the LAST YEAR! Most desirable and collectible year 1987, regardless of production numbers!

I drove it about 5 miles since it was detailed and only have seen minutes of daylight since I have owned it. Most of that which has been for taking pictures. ALWAYS covered up, in storage under constant 24 hour surveillance. No one has touched it, No one has driven it or even looked at it to this point. This is the way I feel comfortable with my baby. I do enjoy looking at it and that has been, to sum it up, my enjoyment with this GN. I know, I know, someone wants to give me a lecture, drive it man, BUT I have one that I drive and enjoy, so I am safe.
This car...
will get attention...will get awards...will get offers with open checkbooks...
...once it is exposed to the public eye!!!
Comes with a brand new car cover and car cover bag.
Comes with original catalytic converter, was removed a few years ago to help preserve it. These were known to clog up and rust over time whether used or not, and especially if not stored properly. THIS one is like new. Comes with a clean straight pipe, for low restriction and again to preserve the converter. It can easily be put back on in minutes. Hanger and heat shield are in tact.
WHAT MISSING PARTS TO WATCH FOR ON OTHER GN's (which this car does have): original computer chip (not the recalled one, or aftermarket), GN rims, Goodyear Eagle GT tires, complete original exhaust with original catalytic converter; complete and never removed, and most of all THE PAINT, must be original to command above average money. Some may have checking, or webbing which is ok but for it to be smooth with none of that present, is a huge, huge plus. These are the main things to look for . This car is missing nothing but a new caring home.
I have seen on a rare occasion, a 40,000 mile original car sell for MORE THAN a 15,000 mile original car because of condition and the way it was presented.
You almost never see a GN or GNX clone because the parts when available are way to expensive...IF you can get them as new old stock! You will have more into a clone done exactly to specs than most real ones!!
Dozens more pictures available. I could only fit 24 here to supersize. These are of most significance.
Sorry for all the underlining and CAPS, (and parenthesis) (PUN intended). I just needed to stress all the important details that make this a high end collectible and a cut above the rest.

I urgeserious buyersto view before you buy. When you bid, you are entering a legal contract between buyer and seller. If you are the winning bidder and did NOT view the car in person, you are still financially responsible for the total winning bid.If you see the car and are not impressed AND before the auction has not met reserve, I will not obligate you to proceed further!! YEP so please look at it first before the auction ends.
You see it in person before commitment and do not like it, we part ways and that's that.
Pictures were taken in overcast weather, believe it or not.
NO PAYPAL for full payment unless arrangements are made by both buyer and seller.$500 deposit to be made by PayPal within 48 hours, unless cash in hand. 10 days full payment is due.Cash preferred.Once reserve is met, car will be sold to the highest bidder!!Winning bidder responsible for shipping costs. I can help assist in shipping/pickup. I am familiar with Passport Transport. They are very professional.Car is located in Western New York outside Buffalo away from the city. Easy to find and easy to load.
This is a private listing for both seller and buyer protection.
Clean and clear title.
FYI: Internet Explorer lets you zoom in closer on the picturesthan Google Chrome.
I would like to have the auction runs its course.
Reason for selling is some life changes which prompts me to check a couple items off my bucket list.
Serious bidders only. What it took just a few minutes to read, took me weeks to prepare and over 10 hours finalizing the ad including pictures. Pictures and description are important. I like to sell it as if I were a buyer, finicky.
Thank-you for browsing or bidding!
Tags: 1982 (1983; no production this year) 1984 1985 1986 1987 T-Type Turbo-T Turbo Regal Limited GNX prototype Richard Clark (Hi) Darth Vader Lord Vader Star Wars X-Ray Hemi LS6 Judge 442 Ram Air OAI W-30 WS6 GTP GXP Firehawk G8 GTO Firebird Mustang Cobra Corvette on and on
A little history courtesy of wikipedia, some of you may have read it 100 times but here it is for those of you new to the Great Grand National. She's here to stay:
Second generation (1978–1987)[edit]Second generationOverviewModelyearsAssemblyBody and chassisBodystyleLayoutPlatformRelatedPowertrainEngineTransmissionDimensionsWheelbase
1987 Buick Regal Grand National
1978–1987
Flint, Michigan,United States
Lakewood Heights, Georgia,United States
Arlington, Texas,United States
Framingham, Massachusetts,United States
Fremont, California,United States
Pontiac, Michigan,United States
Kansas City, Missouri(Leeds),United States
2-doorcoupe
4-doorsedan
4-doorstation wagon
FR layout
A-body(1978–1981)
G-body(1981–1987)
Buick Century
Chevrolet El Camino
Chevrolet Malibu
Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Oldsmobile Cutlass
Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
Pontiac Bonneville
Pontiac Grand Am
Pontiac Grand Prix
Pontiac Le Mans
196cuin (3.2L)BuickV6
231cuin (3.8L)BuickV6
252cuin (4.1L)BuickV6
260cuin (4.3L)Oldsmobile DieselV6
265cuin (4.3L)PontiacV8
301cuin (4.9L)PontiacV8
305cuin (5.0L)ChevroletV8
307cuin (5.0L)OldsmobileV8
350cuin (5.7L)Oldsmobile DieselV8
3-speed manual
3-speedTHM200automatic
4-speedTHM200-4Rautomatic
108in (2,743.2mm)

A downsized Regal appeared for 1978 with Buick's new 196cuin (3.2L) V6 engine as standard equipment and a new version of the venerable 231cuin (3.8L)V6as an option (which became standard in 1980). Initially a 3-speed manual transmission was standard but this was later replaced by an automatic. This model lasted 10 years. The base model was equipped with softer-riding luxury suspension, and did not offer a manual transmission in later years.

1978–1979 Buick Regal1980 Buick Regal1982–1987 Buick Regal

The 1978 Regal could be equipped with a 3.8 LTurbochargedV-6 engine with automatic transmission and the sedan model was dropped, once again leaving Regals exclusively as coupes with the Century nameplate applied to bread-and-butter sedans and station wagons. Non-turbo versions were offered with either a 2-bbl or a 4-bblcarburetor. TheBuick LeSabrewas also available with the turbocharged engine. The only other turbocharged cars available in the U.S. market in 1978 were imports fromMercedes-Benz,PorscheandSaab. The Turbo Regal also included a firm handling suspension with larger tires and sport wheels.

A major facelift in 1981 gave the Regal a much more aerodynamic profile, helping make it possible for the car to compete on theNASCARracing circuit. The sloping hood and nose of the car made it the favorite of several NASCAR teams.Richard Pettydrove one to victory in the 1981 Daytona 500, and the car won a majority of the 1981 and 1982 seasons races and won the NASCAR manufacturers title in 1981 and 1982.V8sfor street use were still available, but had shrunk to 265cuin (4.3L) (1980 and 1981 only, Pontiac built), and the V6 was rapidly gaining popularity. In 1982, a new Century appeared on thefront-wheel driveA-body, but the formerrear-wheel driveCentury sedan and wagon were not discontinued. These models were simply rebadged as Regals, and for the first time the name appeared on a full model lineup. The wagon was discontinued after 1983, and the sedan dropped from the lineup the next year. From 1986 to 1987, the 5.0 L307V8 was available as an option. The 3.8 2-bbl V6 was standard. The 200-4R overdrive transmission was an option with either engine.

Somerset Limited Edition[edit]

In 1980, the Regal was offered in a special Somerset Limited Edition trim which featured unique tan and dark blue designer exterior paint, wire wheel covers, sport mirrors, and chrome Somerset badging. The interior had tan and blue plush velour upholstery, brushed chrome trim, and additional Somerset badging.

A Somerset Limited Edition model was also offered on the restyled 1981 Regal. It had unique dark sandstone and camel exterior paint, sport mirrors, and turbine wheels. The interior plush velour upholstery was camel with dark brown piping.

Grand National, Turbo-T, T-Type, and GNX[edit]

In 1982, the Regal Grand National debuted, which was named for theNASCAR Winston Cup Grand National Series(the "Grand National" term was part of the Cup series nomenclature until 1986). Buick had won the Manufacturers Cup in 1981 and 1982, and wanted to capitalize on its success: "What wins on Sunday, sells on Monday". These 1982 cars were not painted black, which may confuse those not familiar with them. All started out as charcoal gray Regals that were shipped off to a subcontractor for finishing.

Originally intended for a run of 100 units, Cars and Concepts of Brighton, Michigan, retrofitted 215 Regals with the GN package. Most obvious was the light silver gray firemist paint added to each side. Red pinstripes and billboard shadow lettering proclaiming "BUICK" were applied. The wheel opening moldings and rocker panel moldings were blacked out using black vinyl tape. Finally, a front air dam and rear spoiler were installed. On the inside, special "Lear-Siegler" seats were installed. These seats are fully adjustable and were covered with silver brandon cloth with black vinyl inserts. The front seat had Buick's "6" emblem embroidered onto them. To finish it off, a special clock delete plate was added to the instrument panel which contained the yellow and orange "6" logo and the words "GRAND NATIONAL BUICK MOTOR DIVISION.")

The '82 GN came with a naturally aspirated 4.1 L V6 engine with 125hp (93kW) at 4000 rpm and 205lb·ft (278N·m) of torque at 2000 rpm. Of the 215 Regal Grand Nationals produced in 1982, at least 35 were based on the Buick Regal Sport Coupe package with the turbocharged 3.8 V6 engine with 175hp (130kW) at 4000 rpm and 275lb·ft (373N·m) of torque at 2600 rpm. There were only 2022 Sport Coupes produced in 1982, and the number of cars with both the GN and Sport Coupe packages is estimated to be less than 50.

For 1983, there was no Grand National. The Sport Coupe model was renamed theT-Type; 3732 were produced (190hp (140kW) at 1600 rpm and 280lb·ft (380N·m) of torque at 2400 rpm). The T-Type had been used on other Buicks, starting with the Riviera in 1981 (in 1979 and 1980, it was the S Type). The 1983 Regal T-Type featured tube headers, Hydro-Boost II brakes, 200-4R 4-speed overdrive trans and 3.42 rear axle (7.5").[4]

Buick Regal T-Type

In 1984 the Grand National returned in all black paint. The turbocharged 3.8 L became standard and was refined with sequential fuel injection, distributor-less computer controlled ignition, and boasted 200hp (150kW) at 4400 rpm and 300lb·ft (407N·m) of torque at 2400 rpm. Only 5,204 Turbo Regals were produced that year, only 2000 of which were Grand Nationals. Because this was the first year production of the computer controlled Sequential Fuel Injection and Distributor-less ignition, this is often considered the year/model that started the development of the legendary intercooled Grand Nationals. The performance of this package was well ahead of its time and the “Little V6” easily kept up with the bigger V8’s. Quarter mile (~400 m) performance was listed at 15.9 seconds at stock boost levels of 10psi (0.69bar), while for the same year, the Chevrolet Camaro was listed at 17.0 and the Chevrolet Corvette at 15.2 seconds.[5]Soon, performance enthusiasts determined the modifications that worked and the Grand Nationals easily broke into the 13-second territory. All Grand Nationals for this year had theLear Siegler-made cloth/leather interior which was only available for this year. An estimated 200 of the 1984 Grand Nationals were produced with the T-Top option which makes these the rarest of the Grand Nationals.

In 1986, a modified engine design with air-air intercooling boosted the performance even further to a specified 235HP @ 4000 rpm and 330lb-ft torque at 2400 rpm. The Grand National (Quantity 5,512) and T-Types (Quantity 2,384) were both produced in 1986. For 1987, performance reached 245hp (183kW) and 355lb·ft (481N·m) of torque. Buick dropped the T-Type package for Regal in 1987 and opted for a "T" sport package instead. There were only 7,896 Turbo Regals produced in 1986. In 1987, when Turbo Regals reached their peak in popularity, a total of 27,590 Turbo Regals were produced through December, with those models produced between September and December of that year window stickered as "1987½ Buick Grand National" vehicles.

1987 Regal Turbo-T Limited with rare blackout trim package

In 1987, a lightweight WE4 (Turbo T) option was offered. Only 1,547 of this variant were produced. The differences between a WE4 and the Grand National were the interior trim package, wheels, exterior badging, aluminum bumper supports, and aluminum rear brake drums as opposed to the Grand National's cast iron, making the WE4 a lighter and faster car. The rear spoiler was only available as a dealer installed option. 1987 was the only year that the LC2 Turbo option was available on any Regal, making it possible to even see a Limited with a vinyl landau roof and a power bulge turbo hood. Turbo Regal Limiteds were one of the rarest models of Turbo Regals produced second only to the GNX at 1,035 Turbo Limiteds. Turbo Regal Limiteds could be ordered with many options with most having chrome external trim but for $35 could have been built with the full black-out trim option making them extremely rare. Limiteds were treated to a very luxurious interior with plush carpeting and optional bench pillow seats and a column shift. The 1987 model would be the end of the manufacture of the RWD "G-Body" Regal, but GM had to extend the build of the Grand National to meet customer demand into December.

For the final year, 1987, Buick introduced the Limited Production GNX, for "Grand National Experimental", at $29,900. Made in partnershjp withMcLaren Performance Technologies/ASC, Buick produced only 547 GNs with the interior trim package, that were then sent off to McLaren and upgraded into the Buick GNX. Buick underrated the GNX at 276hp (206kW) and a very substantial 360lb·ft (488N·m) of torque (actual output is 300hp/224kW and 420lb·ft/569N·m).[6]This was created to be the "Grand National to end all Grand Nationals." Changes made included a specialGarrettT-3turbochargerwith a ceramic-impeller blowing through a more efficient and significantly larger capacityintercoolerwith a "CERMATEL (Ceramic/Aluminum) coated" pipe connecting the intercooler to the engine. A GNX specific E-EPROM, low-restriction exhaust with dual mufflers, reprogrammed Turbo Hydramatic 200-4R transmission with a custom torque converter and transmission cooler, and unique differential cover/panhard bar included more of the performance modifications. Exterior styling changes include vents located on each front fender, 16inch black mesh style wheels with VR-speed rated tires, and deletion of the hood and fender emblems. The interior changes of the GNX included a serial number on the dash plaque and a revised instrument cluster providing analog Stewart-Warner gauges, including an analog turbo boost gauge. Performance was measured faster than theFerrari F40and thePorsche 930with a quarter mile time of 12.7 seconds at 113.1mph (182km/h) (0.3 and 0.8 seconds quicker, 2.9 and 13.3mph faster) and a 0-60mph (97km/h) time of 4.6 seconds (0.4 and 0.3 seconds quicker, respectively).[7]GNX #001 is the 1986 prototype currently owned by Buick and sometimes makes appearances at car shows around theUS. The GNX used a unique torque arm that was mounted to a special, GNX only, rear differential cover, for increased traction. The torque arm rear suspension alters the suspension geometry, making the body lift while planting the rear tires down, resulting in increased traction.

The stealthy appearance of the all-black GNX and Grand National (and the resemblance of its grill to his helmet's mouthpiece), coupled with the fact that the Grand National was initially released during the popularity ofStar Warsmovies, earned it the title "Darth Vader's Car".Car and Drivercovered the GNX model's introduction with the headline "Lord Vader, your car is ready." Due to the six cylinder engine, the Buick make, and the black paint Grand Nationals were sometimes referred to as the "Dark Side". The "Dark Side" contrasted with the more common V8 Mustangs and Camaros that were popular at the time.



If you like this, I may be selling one or two more cars in the fall. Please be sure to watch for them.

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