Vehicle Description
1985 Buick Regal Grand National
In recent years, the Buick Grand National has not only gained in
value, but has also gained a following and car lovers have gotten
knowledgeable about these special cars. Most are familiar with the
1987 model as it's the most numerous by far with over 20,000
produced. What's lesser known about are the earliest Grand
Nationals, (1982), and the "hot air" cars produced in 1984 and
1985, just before an intercooler and other changes came to the '86
and changed the game in monumental ways.
For consignment, a 1985 Buick Regal Grand National showing 99,342
miles which are unverifiable as the title reads Mileage Exempt.
5,204 Turbo Regals were produced in 1985, but only 2,102 of them
got the WE2 option, were dressed in all black and included the
special interior that made them Grand Nationals.
Due to modifications of the emissions control devices installed by
the manufacturer, please check your local, state, and federal laws
to determine if this vehicle is applicable for use on public
highways in your area.*
Exterior
The top edge of the grille is the only remaining polished metal
outside of the emblems and on this car, the bezels around the
marker lights. Everything else from the rest of the grille and the
door handles to the taillight trim, the headlight bezels, and
window trim, is black. Chin spoilers hang below the bumper and in
coming years, would serve to feed the intercooler but for '85, it
was an appearance enhancement. The hood bulge wears 3.8 Liter SFI
emblems which show some patina as does the black door handle on the
driver's side with faded paint. The three piece spoiler rises
subtly in the back under which the now iconic GN emblem is affixed
to the deck lid, while two others ride the fenders. In 1986,
"intercooler" would be added to the emblem, helping differentiate
the years. 15-inch wheels with black inserts are specific to the GN
and on this car, wear slightly staggered size tires. Imperfections
on the exterior include some bubbling of paint and surface rust in
and around the rain gutters, peeling and bubbling paint on the
trunk lid, the infamous B-pillar flex crack, a variety of other
scratches, some crispy rust on the door bottom corner and below the
rocker panel, numerous and various other bubbling and flaking rust,
bodywork near a bumper, random scuffs.
Interior
Gray cloth door panels give way to plastic formed armrests and
typical GM polished switchgear, and a black carpeted lower. Three
of the four screw covers for the door pulls are missing and there's
likely an aftermarket source for them and other GN parts.
Characteristic black and gray cloth seats are present, part of the
Grand National package and include the turbo 6 logo on the
headrest. The driver's seat shows some looseness but does have the
power option. As is often the case, the back seats look essentially
unused. The front passenger seat shows some age through meandering
piping that would be straight from the factory. The leather wrapped
gray steering wheel shows wear and has a T-type horn cap. Beyond
the wheel is the GN instrument cluster with 85 mph speedometer,
with a scratch, and lightbar tachometer and boost gauge. In the
center square, the A/C control panel sits above an aftermarket Sony
AM/FM/CD radio and the T-shifter rises from the center console,
smooth and gray and also showing some patina. The low pile black
carpet is in good shape and covered with fitted mats that took the
brunt of abuse while the foam formed headliner is less than
pristine, but not torn nor sagging.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is the 231ci 3.8 liter V6 with the top mounted
turbocharger, fuel injected and producing 200 horsepower. Behind
it, the numbers matching 200R4 4-speed automatic transmission that
sends power back to the rear 10 bolt and 3.42 gears. On the SPID
panel in the truck, we note the G80 option which means the car has
Positraction. Power brakes are provided via discs in front and
drums in the rear.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with a fair share of surface rust and
some fluid that appears on the exhaust crossover pipe on the
starter side and a bit more on a crossover brace, which may be
drift. Otherwise the underside is fairly dry given the age and
potential miles. The exhaust splits to encounter Pypes mufflers
before exiting behind each rear wheel and there is no catalytic
converter present. An aftermarket differential cover is present and
coil spring suspension is in the front while a 4 link and coil
springs take up the rear.
Drive-Ability
These comfortable cabins once intended for a seasoned audience
because of the highly desirable cockpit of the ultimate 80's muscle
car without many changes outside of the color patterns, the center
console shifter, and those magical light bar gauges. This car is
quiet by muscle car standards and delivers smooth power with
minimal lag. Beefy stabilizer bars provide support around turns and
this car eats straight lines for breakfast. We note the power
locks, and the air conditioning are not working but all other
functions deliver as they should. While Classic Auto Mall
represents that these functions were working at the time of our
test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at
the time of your purchase.
It might not have the power and speed of the intercooled Grand
Nationals, but it has the looks and mystique. Plus, this is a far
rarer example and a welcome sight at Turbo Regal gatherings and car
shows around the country. As our consignor notes, this one needs
some TLC to make it really nice, but it's got decent bones and can
be enjoyed while you're deciding how to move forward.
1G4GK4790FP417747
1-USA
G-General Motors
4-Buick
G-G Body
K-Regal T-Type
47-2 Door Hardtop
9-3.8L SFI Turbo V6
0-Check Digit
F-1985
P-Pontiac, MI Assy Plant
417747-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
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