Vehicle Description
Falling solidly in the "survivor" category, this remarkably
well-maintained and super clean 1987 Buick Grand National hasn't
been abused, raced, or otherwise mistreated. Instead, it shows just
43,170 original miles and has been in the long-term care of an
enthusiast who always treated it as something of value. With the
market for these cars growing each year, it's getting harder and
harder to find one that hasn't been modified, raced, or
wrecked.
These cars were sinister when they were new, and even today seeing
one of these blown Buicks prowling the streets fills a car guy with
excitement. The legend has probably outgrown the actual car at this
point, but the blacked-out trim, the bulging hood, and the simple
ducktail spoiler all give this car a look that demands respect.
That's original paint, and the car has never been hit or damaged,
yet it looks a lot younger than its 30 years would suggest. The
nose shows only a few signs of having been driven, and unlike cars
that have been on the track, the lower rocker panels and quarters
haven't been sandblasted by rocks thrown by sticky racing slicks.
These cars seem to have better initial paint quality than most GM
cars of the period, so there's very little orange peel although it
is a bit faded and there are the usual swirl marks. However, the
bumper fillers need to be replaced, which is a common issue with
all GM cars of the period, even those that have been properly
maintained. Even with the T-tops and all that torque, the doors
open and close easily, the trunk fits right, and the hood gaps are
excellent.
This GN also carries two-tone bucket seats with embroidered
headrests, transforming the formal Regal interior to something a
bit more appropriate. The original seats remain in exemplary
condition, with no major wear in the high-traffic areas like the
driver's side bolster. Gauges are basic, although engineers managed
to stick a bar-graph tachometer and boost gauge in the lower corner
of the speedometer, both of which you'll enjoy watching as the
potent V6 builds power. As a Buick, the GN was loaded with just
about every comfort and convenience feature you could throw at a
car, including A/C, power windows, power locks, a tilt wheel, and a
center console. The headliner is sagging a little, a problem with
cars of this vintage but it's not critical, but you'll note that
this car has optional "carpet savers" that are still in place. In
addition, the neatly preserved trunk still carries its original
mats and jack assembly.
The 3.8 liter turbocharged V6 is legendary, and while it's possible
to make giant horsepower with just a few bolt-on modifications, the
car's previous owners were able to resist the horsepower siren's
call of a bigger turbo and revised computer programming. The
original components remain intact, including all the turbocharger
hardware and fuel system, two things that were often modified
almost immediately. The only notable upgrades are a Kenne Bell
intake and some upgraded spark plug wires. The engine bay is nicely
detailed, and it's easy to tell that enthusiasts have owned this
one, because the A/C system looks mostly new and there are correct
details throughout. Underneath, it's just as clean, and the 2004R
4-speed automatic transmission still upshifts almost imperceptibly
and downshifts with authority when the boost comes up. This one
also wears those handsome chrome Grand National wheels with black
accents that look great, plus a set of 215/65/15 Michelin
radials.
Great to drive, handsome to look at, and with low miles and no
abuse, this Grand National remains surprisingly affordable...for
now. Call today!