The 1987 Buick Grand National is a high-performance marvel from the golden era of turbocharged American muscle, embodying Buick's commitment to power and style. This particular Grand National, showing just over 16,000 original miles on its odometer, is a remarkable find, with its gleaming original black paint and rare modifications that pay homage to its iconic design while enhancing its performance.
Under the Hood and Performance
At the heart of this Buick sits its original 3.8-liter Turbocharged V6 engine, a powerplant revered for its performance and widely recognized as the engine that cemented the Grand National’s legacy. Paired with a 200R4 automatic overdrive transmission, this vehicle features a shift kit, ensuring responsive and precise shifting for an engaging drive. Factory headers, a crossover pipe, an aftermarket downpipe, and Flowmaster mufflers add an edge to the exhaust setup, making this Grand National as exhilarating to hear as it is to drive. Additional performance upgrades include an aftermarket intercooler, Hotchkis upper and lower rear control arms with a sway bar, and an Applied Technologies cold air intake, enhancing both handling and power delivery. This Grand National was built for both show and go, blending period-authentic aesthetics with modern engineering for a thrilling ride.
Exterior and Wheels
True to Grand National tradition, this car boasts its original black (paint code "19") finish, which retains a deep gloss, reflecting Buick's premium craftsmanship. It's fitted with 16-inch GNX-style wheels wrapped in 245/45 front and 255/50 rear tires, giving it a bold, aggressive stance that underscores its muscle car heritage. Minor road chips noted on the exterior are subtle reminders of its classic origins, but overall, the exterior paint and body are highly preserved, staying true to the signature look that made the Grand National an icon.
Interior Comfort and Features
Inside, the original Grand National code "82I" interior presents beautifully, with its distinctive black and gray color scheme still showing the classic appeal that fans of the model cherish. The car comes equipped with factory AC, upgraded to modern R134A refrigerant, ensuring the cabin remains cool and comfortable. Other luxury touches include bucket seats, a center console, power windows, power locks, cruise control, and a tilt steering column, all designed to make each drive as enjoyable as possible. Notable additions include a Delco AM/FM cassette radio with concert sound, delivering an authentic audio experience that complements the Grand National’s retro vibe.
Additional Touches
The Grand National includes numerous subtle upgrades such as a Hayden digital temperature gauge, ANS knock alert, and exhaust temperature gauge mounted on the pillar pod. Tinted windows and the meticulously clean undercarriage further reflect the careful preservation of this vehicle, with many original papers and receipts documenting its history.
In short, this 1987 Buick Grand National captures the essence of late 1980s performance with a touch of Buick luxury. With its low mileage, powerful upgrades, and legendary styling, this car is a testament to an era when turbocharged power and unique style combined to create a true American classic.
PC Classic Cars is proud to showcase timeless icons like this Buick Grand National, combining a passion for automotive history with a commitment to quality. Each car tells a story, and PC Classic Cars ensures that story is shared with the care it deserves.