1987 Buick Grand National

Year:	1987
Make:	Buick
Model:	Grand National
Price:	Now: $13,900

Description:

The Buick Grand National is one of the true muscle cars of the 1980’s.  Introduced in 1982, the GN as it was known was a huge hit with knowledgeable drivers who could burn up the track on Saturday nights and have a docile air conditioned family car on Sundays.  The 1987 model year was the last for this classic and most collectors believe it was the best of the GNs. 

Our Grand National is, as all were, finished with an all black exterior.  And, like many of the GNs, needed a repaint due to the quality of the original factory finish. The respray—to the original color—is shiny and in good condition.  The car has a black and gray cloth interior that is excellent, with matching black carpets. The front seats bear the GN logo as part of the upholstery. The trunk is finished in black with the GN logo on the spare tire cover—also in excellent condition. 

What made these cars so popular was the power plant:  a 3.8 liter turbo-charged engine with an intercooler that generated 245 horse power.  While that may seem tame by muscle car standards, the GNs were capable of turning a 14 second quarter-mile right off the showroom floor!  At the same time, they were well-mannered on the highway and around town, making them the perfect all-purpose car.  While we have not personally confirmed it, these GNs were reported to get great gas mileage under normal driving conditions! 

The car has an automatic transmission that was so well regarded that Buick never offered the GN with a 4-speed.  In the same performance mode, the GN came with a 3.42 limited slip solid rear axle.  The drivetrain on this Grand National transforms a great looking car into a great performing car! 

There is no shortage of comfort features on this ’87, including climate control (with cold air), power windows, locks, steering and brakes.  The car also has cruise control.  This GN has an aftermarket Pioneer AM/FM/CD radio, but the original radio will also convey with the car. 

All of the lights and safety equipment (horns, wipers, turn signals) work properly as do all of the instruments and gauges.  The car is equipped with 4 215/65/15 radials with plenty of tread left. 

While this is a car that was designed to be a barn burner, it was also a car that had the family’s comfort in mind.  As quick as this GN is off the line, it is equally impressive with the stopping power afforded by the front disk and rear drum brakes.  And yet, this GN is a lion-eater in disguise:  once awakened, let the Mustangs, Camaros, ‘Vettes and Mopars beware because this Buick has taken them all.