1987 Buick Grand National

Gateway Classic Cars Houston showroom is proud to present this nasty black 1987 Buick Grand National for sale. This one is better than most - but we'll get to that part in a bit! The Grand National officially debuted in 1982, having been named largely in part to capitalize on Buick's having won the Manufacturer's Cup in 1981 and 1982 in the NASCAR Winston Cup Grand National Series. Hearkening back to a phrase coined by Bob Tasca Sr. in 1965, "Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday", when a car sponsored by his dealership won the NHRA Winternationals; Buick decided to commemorate their NASCAR success with a special variant of the Regal. The "GN" (or "Vader Buick" some would later call it), only saw 215 produced in 1982. None were officially sold in 1983, but it came back for real in 1984, selling nearly 10 times the 1982 volume. The best years for the GN's performance were 1986 and 1987, when Buick added intercooling to the turbos, and the cars jumped to a (stated) 235 HP (and then 245 HP for 1987); however, it was rumored that they were actually putting out over 300 HP when tested. Few cars attain the near-mythical status enjoyed by the GN series - the 1987 Grand Nationals were sucking the headlights out of GM's perennial Halo Car (the Corvette) and even Ferraris and Lamborghinis in straight line acceleration tests!

At first glance, this example looks like every other Grand National: that signature sinister all blacked out exterior, and a gray interior. It also came with the standard GN amenities, including Air Conditioning, AM/FM/Cassette Radio, Cruise Control, Limited Slip Differential, Power Brakes, Power Locks, Power Seats, Power Steering, Power Windows, Performance Radial Tires, Seat Belts, Spare Tire and Jack, and T-Tops.

However, what differentiates this one from the rest of the GNs that you'll see out there is the subtle, yet very effective modifications that have been performed on it. The power brakes have been converted from electric vacuum pump to vacuum power booster, the A/C has been converted to a modern R134a system, and the engine and transmission have received helpful updates. It now has CompCams 100lb valve springs, 60 lb/hr injectors, a turbo tweak chip, Walbro in-tank fuel pump, Accufab fuel pressure regulator, a Precision 6262 turbocharger, RJC Racing front-mounted mega intercooler, RJC Racing MAF pipe with Airaid filter, RJC Racing down pipe, RJC Racing billet pullies, RJC Racing plenum power plate, RJC Racing boost controller, RJC Racing 3-inch polished stainless steel exhaust, RJC Racing bigger oil filter adapter, and an RJC Racing drive shaft safety loop. In addition, the 200R4 4-speed automatic transmission has been upgraded with a 13-vane pump, billet servo, larger boost valve, Kolene steels, Alto Red Eagle clutches, Carbon fiber band, Transgo reprogramming shift kit, 4th gear lockup kit, and a PATC 2800 RPM Stall speed lockup torque converter. While that may seem to indicate to some that this car has been built to be "ridden hard and put up wet", this car's upgrades were performed by its current owner, to give it a little extra lagniappe, and not for racing use. Of course, aficionados will be able to look at it closely and see that it has been lovingly cared for, and not beaten on. If you're looking for one of the 1980's hero cars, don't let this "last of the greatest Buick muscle cars" get away from you!