1987 Buick Grand National GNX (more photos 👇)
Darrell Waltrip’s back-to-back NASCAR Grand National championships helped drive Buick management to resurrect the marque’s performance credentials after years of prioritizing cushy comfort.
The Grand National nameplate debuted in 1982 as largely cosmetic upgrades applied to the Regal coupe, but by 1984 had evolved into a sinister all-black package with turbocharged V6 power. With front-wheel-drive Regals arriving for 1988, Buick commissioned ASC McLaren to create a proper sendoff.
ASC McLaren, working with McLaren Performance Technologies, transformed 547 fully optioned Grand Nationals into GNX specification. The 231 cubic inch overhead-valve V6 received a Garrett T3 turbocharger with a ceramic turbine wheel, enlarged intercooler, revised engine management calibration, and free-flowing exhaust.
Factory ratings listed 276 horsepower at 4,400 rpm and 360 pound-feet of torque at 3,000 rpm, though independent testing revealed actual output exceeded 300 horsepower. The prepared Turbo-HydraMatic 200-4R four-speed automatic transmitted power through upgraded internal components and recalibrated valving.
Functional front fender vents echoed 1950s Buick portholes, while black mesh alloy wheels wore staggered Goodyear Eagle Gatorbacks (245/50VR-16 front, 255/50VR-16 rear). The reworked rear suspension incorporated a torque arm and Panhard bar to control axle movement and wheelhop.
Stewart-Warner analog gauges replaced the standard instrumentation, including a 160-mph speedometer and turbo boost gauge. Original plans called for 200 units, but demand prompted Buick to nearly triple production.
Source
