Buick Regal GNX

1987 Buick Regal GNX

When the vehicle was launched in 1987, the Buick GNX had a huge price tag of $29,000 and change. It's definitely not the main reason why just 547 of these cars were sold, but it did limit the buyers since that was a lot of cash back in 1987. One of the fastest 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 vehicle so awesome. In an era of stiff competition from Japanese vehicle makers with their fuel efficient motors and rising oil prices, it was a questionable decision to release the Buick Grand National GNX in 1987. It may be debated that this was a vehicle for a niche segment and not built for the general public and therefore should not be compared with regular vehicles. Although the critics have had their say, it couldn't be denied that this was a machine specifically made for the performance enthusiast, rather than the average John Buyer of gas efficient regular cars.

The 1987 Buick Regal Grand National GNX edition designed by McLaren Performance Technologies/ASC was made to be the speediest Buick Grand National in history. At 276 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque this automobile was leagues ahead of any competitors in terms of sheer performance. The stylish looks aided by the sex appeal associated with the brand and the speed factor made the 1987 Buick Grand National GNX an object of aspiration for the 80's generation. Even today, in the modern age of curved designs and rounded edges, this automobile with its straight lines and boxed shape is a clear stand out.

The Buick Grand National GNX was created with specifications to make sure that it lacked next to nothing in terms of acceleration and speed. You could search for a clear empty stretch of wide open road, and let the engine rev up to achieve full torque and then release the brakes to see yourself reaching an awesome 105 mph and covering a quarter mile in 14 seconds flat. And in running terms that would have been a casual jog as opposed to an all out sprint. The top speed was limited to 124 mph in keeping with the mandated regulations in force back then. It would have been most people's bet that the Buick Regal GNX would have clocked a lot higher than that.

Back to the specs, the turbocharged engine had a displacement capacity of 3.8 liters. The engine computer had been manipulated to get a leaner fuel setting at full acceleration as compared with the factory version. Turbo boost was upped to 16 psi in first and second gears, 14 in the 3rd and 10 in the 4th gear. A Garrett AiResearch turbocharger was installed with a larger housing and a lighter ceramic turbine combined with dynamic oil seals. The intercooler fins had been redesigned with a higher density so as to be more effective. A transmission fluid cooler was also provided as well in the GNX, adding to the stock engine oil cooler in the regular versions of the Buick Grand Nationals.

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

The Buick GNX was equipped with larger Goodyear tires that fit inside the enlarged fenders. The front wheels were supplied with P245/50VR-16 tires while the rear rims had P255/50VR-15 specs. The instrument cluster housed black dials with white figures made by Stewart Warner. A row of vents were installed on each front fender to let out the large amount of extra heat produced by the powerful motor.
All of the above high performance specs generated mind-blowing claims from the manufacturers (at the time).

Zero to sixty mile per hour was claimed to be accomplished in 5.4 seconds. The quarter mile line was reached in a rocket like 13.4 seconds at 104 mph. The speed beast was produced to put the then competitor Vettes to shame. Task achieved!

Judging by all the specs on the 1987 Buick GNX, it isn't too hard to see why it has been rated as the best automobile ever produced. It stands out as a high performance auto with a no holds barred image and in your face design. Having a low mileage Buick Regal Grand National GNX has proven to be a great investment too. These vehicles trade hands for anywhere between low six figure prices all the way up to $165k. But if you do happen to own one why on earth would you want to get rid of it?