1987 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 1987 Buick Regal Grand National showing 39,714
miles but true miles are unknown. This numbers matching car had a
new paint job in 2024 and a recent tune up and cleaning after
coming out of storage.
Exterior
There was no option box for exterior color unless you were ordering
its cousin, the Regal T with the turbo package. GN's only came in
black because if you're going to be a serious gun slinger, black is
the only option. One option that is apparent is the solid roof as
they were also available as T-tops, and that's where the inky black
paint really shines, although you'll be more likely looking at the
decklid and that epic hood with the power bulge and now legendary
3.8 Liter emblem on each side. Even the bumper fillers are glossy
black when most of the other 20,000 owners have experienced some
fading and cracking. With the fresh paint, the imperfections are
centered around plastic pieces including some checks in the bumper
trim, front and rear, and on the front air dam.
Interior
GN interiors are gloriously replicated in each car with very little
deviation. That means gray velour on the door and the distinct
black and gray velour on the bucket seats and rear bench with the
Turbo 6 emblem embroidered in. We note a repaired tear on the
bottom cushion of the driver's seat along with some color loss to
the black outer bolster. This car has the aftermarket GNX
instrument cluster that takes the standard horizontal layout of the
GN's and puts information into a series of VDO gauges. The center
stack is standard with standard A/C lever panel over a Delco
AM/FM/Cassette radio, standard over the EQ equipped option. Gray
dominates the center console with T-shifter and change bin, along
with ashtray and storage. Typical black carpet below, foam back
gray on the headliner, and black mat covered trunk with space saver
spare and cardboard cover attached.
Drivetrain
Under the hood, the familiar 231ci 3.8 liter V6, turbocharged and
intercooled and pumping out a factory claimed 245 horsepower. The
engine is numbers matching and so is the 200J4 4-speed automatic
transmission sending power to the 10 bolt rear axle with 3.42 gears
and yes, the G80 Positraction option! The engine bay is dressed up
with a chrome turbo shroud and up-pipe, otherwise presenting a
stock appearance.
Undercarriage
Some surface rust and age corrosion colors the underside but its
otherwise clean and dry. Power brakes are on board with front disc
and rear drum and coil springs are at both ends with a 4 link
employed in the back. The dual exhaust runs through Flow<aster
mufflers and ends through black steel pipes.
Drive-Ability
This is not your grandmother's Regal even though the interior is
almost exactly the same, but it's likely Nanna doesn't have VDO
gauges that include a boost meter. Meanwhile, the car starts up and
the computers adjust the idle and off we go onto the test loop
where the car performs on par with well maintained Turbo Regals,
plenty of power on tap, a comfortable, upright interior, and a
comfortable ride that makes this a highway cruiser as much as a red
light bruiser. All functions operate as they should and we run this
black beauty back to the mall. 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.
Even as GN's were spanking F-bodies and Fox bodies in magazines
back in the day, we don't think any anticipated the legendary
status and burgeoning values of today. Sure, the GNX was bound for
glory, but with almost 21,000 GN's produced in '87, surely they
would remain soft. Not true, they are an engineering masterpiece
and a simply great looking car with a long time enthusiast
following, including aftermarket support and experts.
1G4GJ117XHP450704
1-USA
G-General Motors
4-Buick
G-G Body
J-Regal
1-2 Door Hardtop
1-Manual Belts
7-LC2 3.8L V6 Turbo 245hp
X-Check Digit
H-1987
P-Pontiac, MI Assy Plant
450704-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
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
