The 1980s witnessed a revolution in American muscle, and leading the charge were the Buick Regal T-Type and Grand National. These turbocharged machines quickly became recognized as future classics, offering exhilarating performance that rivaled, and often surpassed, their V8 counterparts. By 1987, Buick’s turbocharged 231 cubic inch V6 engine was producing an impressive 245 horsepower, significantly outperforming the 190 horsepower wheezing from a stock 305 cubic inch V8 in an automatic Chevrolet Camaro of the same era. However, the true zenith of this turbocharged lineage arrived in 1987 with the Buick GNX, or Grand National Experimental – a limited-edition masterpiece that represented the ultimate evolution and a fitting farewell to the iconic turbo Buicks.
To create the GNX, Buick took 547 Grand Nationals, complete with their distinctive interiors, and sent them to American Specialty Cars (ASC), specifically to McLaren Performance Technologies, for the transformation into the GNX. This wasn’t just a cosmetic upgrade; the GNX received a comprehensive performance overhaul. Key enhancements included a Garrett T3 turbocharger featuring a ceramic impeller and a unique GNX heat shield, a larger, more efficient intercooler, and a recalibrated engine management system to optimize performance. The chassis was also meticulously upgraded with a performance suspension system incorporating a torque bar and a GNX-exclusive rear differential cover, ensuring power was effectively translated to the road.
Under the hood, the 3.8-liter V6 engine in the GNX was conservatively rated at 276 horsepower at 4,400 RPM and a substantial 360 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 RPM. This power was channeled through a meticulously prepared Turbo-HydraMatic 2004R transmission, built to handle the increased output and deliver seamless shifts. These upgrades translated to staggering performance figures for the time. The Buick GNX could launch from 0 to 60 mph in under five seconds, a feat comparable to contemporary sports cars, and demolish the quarter-mile in the low 13-second range.
The GNX’s menacing presence was further enhanced by its sinister exterior styling. Vented fenders not only added to the aggressive aesthetics but also hinted at the performance within. The absence of hood and fender emblems contributed to a clean, understated look, while the unique 16-inch aluminum mesh wheels, finished with black-out faces and GNX center caps, immediately set it apart. These wheels were wrapped in high-performance Goodyear Eagle Gatorback tires, ensuring optimal grip and handling.
The example highlighted as serial number 155 of the “Fourtunate Few” – a nod to the limited production run of 547 cars – boasts an incredibly low 12 miles on the odometer, showcasing its pristine, unrestored condition. This particular GNX is further equipped with GNX-badged front carpet savers, a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat for enhanced comfort, and the original ASC McLaren GNX window sticker. This window sticker serves as a vital piece of documentation, detailing all the exclusive features that solidified the GNX’s status as the Grand National Experimental and cemented its legacy as a true automotive icon. The Buick Gnx 1987 stands as a testament to American engineering prowess and a highly sought-after collectible for automotive enthusiasts worldwide.
