Buick Regal GNX

1987 Buick Grand National GNX

When it was released in 1987, the Buick Regal GNX had a hefty window sticker of a little over $29,000. It’s definitely not the main reason why just 547 of these cars were sold, but it did minimize the purchasers since that was a lot of cash back then. One of the most powerful cars of the 80's, it was released at a time which was particularly bad for the American automobile industry and this is some of what makes this car so special. In the times of tough competition from foreign car manufacturers with their gas efficient motors and rising oil prices, it was a bold decision to release the 1987 Buick GNX. It could be debated that this was a vehicle for a limited market and not produced for the masses and therefore could not be compared with regular vehicles. Although the naysayers have had their opinions, it couldn't be denied that this was a machine produced for the performance enthusiast, rather than the run of the mill Joe Buyer of gas efficient standard vehicles.

The Buick Grand National GNX edition designed by McLaren Performance Technologies/ASC was made to be the quickest Buick Grand National in history. At 276 hp and 360 foot pounds of torque this automobile was leagues ahead of any competitors in terms of utter performance. The classy looks aided by the sex appeal associated with the brand and the quickness factor made the 1987 Buick Grand National GNX an object of yearning for that generation. Even today, in the age of curved designs and rounded edges, this vehicle with its straight lines and boxed shape is a unique stand out.

The 1987 Buick Regal Grand National GNX was produced with specs to make sure that it lacked next to nothing in terms of acceleration and speed. You could search for a clear lonely stretch of wide open road, and let the motor rev up to attain full torque and then release the brakes to see yourself reaching a mind blowing 105 miles per hour and covering a quarter mile in 14 seconds flat. And in running terms that would have been a casual jog compared to an all out sprint. The maximum speed was limited to 124 mph in keeping with the mandated regulations in force in 1987. It would have been anyone’s bet that the Buick GNX would have clocked a lot higher than that.

Back to the specifications, the turbocharged engine had a displacement capacity of 3.8 liters. The engine computer had been tweaked to get a less rich fuel setting at full acceleration as compared with the factory version. Turbo boost was upped to 16 psi in first and 2nd gears, fourteen in the 3rd and 10 in the 4th gear. A Garrett AiResearch turbo was provided with a increased size housing and a lighter ceramic turbine combined with dynamic oil seals. The intercooler fins had been remade with more density so as to be more efficient. A transmission fluid cooler was also installed as well in the Buick GNX, adding to the stock engine oil cooler in the original versions of the Grand Nationals.

The rear suspension on the Buick Regal GNX, was strengthened to provide a stronger frame required by its power and speed. The upgraded suspension meant that it could withstand the jolts and shocks resulting from top speed. The rear suspension was outfitted with strengthened lower control arms in addition to a Panhard rod and a strong longitudinal torque bar.

The GNX was supplied with bigger Goodyear tires that rested inside the enlarged fenders. The front rims were equipped with P245/50VR-16 tires while the rear wheels had P255/50VR-15 specs. The instrument cluster included black dials with white figures from Stewart Warner. A row of vents were provided on each front fender to dissipate the huge amount of extra heat produced by the powerful motor.

All of the above high performance specs resulted in mind-blowing claims from the manufacturers (back in 1987).

0 to 60 mph was said to be achieved in 5.4 seconds. The quarter mile marker was achieved in a rocket like 13.4 seconds at 104 mph. The speed beast was designed to put the then competitor Corvettes to shame. Task completed!

Judging by the details on the 1987 Buick Regal GNX it isn't too difficult to see why it has been claimed as the best vehicle ever made. It stands out as a high performance machine with a no holds barred image and in your face design. Having a low mileage Buick GNX has proven to be a fantastic investment too. These vehicles trade hands for anywhere between low six figure prices all the way up to $165k. But if you manage to own one why on earth would you want to sell it?