Highly Documented Investment Grade 841 Mile GNX Survivor 3.8L Turbo V6 Auto

Over the past four decades, General Motors has proven itself a modern day warrior. The company literally OWNED the '50s and '60s, and no matter how much corporate bean counters tried to quell its spirit of performance, true gearheads ALWAYS kept the flame lit. And I'm not talking about Corvettes or the incredible Cadillac V-Series. I'm talking about cars that are fast, fun and highly attainable. In the early 21st century, the guys at Pontiac worked with GM's Holden division to send world-class muscle to American shores. During the stuffy '70s the venerable Trans Am soldiered on with big displacement motors and flashy good looks. In the mid '90s, Chevrolet's visionary Impala SS brought a new sense of cool to the full-size segment. And in the '80s, it was this car: Buick's bad-to-the-bone GNX that proudly separated the winners from the losers. All black, all business and so ruthless even your shut-in grandmother knows it means trouble, this exclusive coupe backs 360 lb./ft. of turbocharged torque with sinister aesthetics and an ASC McLaren-tuned suspension!

HISTORY/CONDITION

Capitalizing on the success of winning NASCAR's 1981 and '82 Manufacturer's Cups, Buick kicked off the Grand National legacy by introducing a specially tweaked version of their 1982 Regal. However, it wasn't long until GM's conservative luxury crew assumed the full identity of renegade performance division by slathering black paint onto highly modified G-Bodies that featured unique and menacing aesthetics. And, in 1987, the brand shunned all brightwork, sourced some serious performance bolt-ons, printed a batch of “GNX” emblems and announced the “Grand National to end all Grand Nationals”.

Sporting only 841 original miles, this GNX was purchased as a surprise birthday gift for the husband of its first owner. According to notes included with the car, that owner paid a little over double MSRP and, according to pictures included with the car, that husband was a very happy man. So happy, in fact, that he rarely drove his new toy, and absolutely refused to wash or wax the car in order to keep its paint in optimal condition. Throughout the next 17 years the Arizona-based Buick would add just 510 clicks to its as-delivered total of 24 miles before shipping off to Vegas where it met its second owner. Seven years later, circa 2011, owner number three would haul the car to Minnesota with just 625 miles on its odometer. But, not without some difficulty. See, the car's second owner reluctantly agreed to sell his beloved Buick, and eventually tried to back out of the deal. However, not all was lost as the car's third owner, a major Shelby collector, was sure to provide a good home. After four years, a few more Shelbys and about 180 miles, the collector, probably tiring of good-natured harassment, sold the car back to its second owner. And today, this magazine-featured Buick is likely one of the lowest mileage, heavily documented GNXs in existence!

ENGINE

Speaking of survivors, and GM's core strengths, if anyone ever creates an ultimate engine survivors list Buick's stalwart, 231 cubic inch V6 will surely be at the top. Introduced as the Fireball, and eventually renamed the 3800, its early '60s design was sold to Kaiser, bought back by General Motors and, with the help of turbos, superchargers and continuous improvements, would remain one of the company's core powerplants until the turn of the century! In addition to compounding tweaks accrued during the life of the Grand National series, the original sixer behind this coupe's Vader-like grille benefits from significant mechanical improvements. For starters, GM sourced a better version of the car's Garrett turbo that featured a ceramic impeller and larger intercooler. A CERMATEL-coated connection pipe marries that re-engineered blower with its Jet Black foundation. And a specific EEPROM makes sure everything plays well together. Those carefully calculated upgrades were good for a newly impressive 276 horsepower and substantial 360 lb./ft. of V8-slaying torque. And that power created numbers that not only bested GM's own Camaro and Corvette, but also catapulted Buick to the forefront of '80s performance! Presently, the car's low-mileage mill is 100% stock inside and out, featuring lucid ancillaries that are barely broken in. Everything, from its “BUICK” branded hood mat to its correct 25526109 casting number, is in showroom-fresh condition. And one glance at our pictures reinforces the fact that this coupe certainly hasn't seen anything more than carefully planned miles on sunny summer days.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

The car's hot engine spins torque through an original, “BRF” tagged 4-speed that's a member of the ultra-reliable Turbo-Hydramatic family; an honorable and faithful group that's survived behind GM's toughest performance blocks for decades. That seasoned transmission twists a set of original gears, which offer a great combination of starting line grip and high-speed cruising. And, under that first-class drivetrain, an ASC McLaren-tuned suspension provides world-class handling ability. Unrestrained, Buick GNXs were probably legitimate 150 MPH sports coupes. But the factory knew the limitations of the Regal's aerodynamics, suspension and brakes, and wisely chose to reign in the fun long before peak velocity. Speaking of brakes and the like, power-assisted discs and drums provide solid stops. Quick-ratio power steering makes cornering easy and turning a cinch. At the corners, original wheels spin original 245/50VR16 Goodyear Eagle VR50s in front of original 255/50VR16 Goodyear Eagle VR50s. And, aesthetically, the bottom of this Buick is exactly what you'd expect from an immaculately maintained, low-mileage survivor.

INTERIOR

Inside this awesome street bruiser, you'll find an original, tri-tone interior that's virtually spotless. Typical Buick fashion dictates more comfort than sport, but then, that's what GM's entry luxury brand has always been about. And naturally, that means this Grand National is loaded with all the features you'd expect, including power windows, power locks, climate control, cruise control and a tilt steering column. In front of that wheel, pliable factory buckets appear to have been looked at more than they've been sat in. Opposite those seats, factory-spec Stewart Warner gauges inhabit a blocky dash that's free of warps and cracks. Below that dash, a factory console frames an elegant factory shifter. In front of the driver, a satin-spoke steering wheel looks '80s glam. And behind the passengers, a lined trunk seems big enough to abet weekend travel.

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PROVENANCE

Part of this incredibly documented Buick's sale is an original Factory Invoice that breaks down the following optional equipment.

* J47: 1987 REGAL 2-DOOR COUPE ($11,562)
* ORDER NUMBER: GNX041
* 19: Black paint ($00)
* 583: Gray cloth interior ($00)
* AU3: Electric door locks ($145)
* A01: Tinted glass ($120)
* A31: Power windows ($210)
* A90: Electric trunk release ($50)
* B34: Carper saver ($25)
* B35: Carpet saver ($20)
* B48: Trunk trim ($47)
* B91: Black door edge guards ($15)
* CD4: Pulsating windshield wipers ($55)
* C49: Electric rear window defogger ($145)
* C95: Front seat reading lamp ($24)
* D64: Lighted mirror ($58)
* D68: Remote outside mirrors ($30)
* G80: Limited-slip differential ($100)
* K34: Cruise Control ($175)
* N33: Tilt steering column ($125)
* TT5: Halogen headlamps ($25)
* T2L: GNX Special Handling ($250)
* T63: 'Headlamps on' indicator ($16)
* UA1: Heavy duty battery ($26)
* UA6: Theft deterrent system ($159)
* US7: Automatic power antenna ($70)
* UW4: Concert sound system ($95)
* UX1: Cassette player with graphic equalizer ($504)
* VK3: Front license plate mounting hardware ($00)
* WE2: Grand National ($3,574)
* WG1: 6-way power seat ($240)
TOTAL MODEL AND OPTIONS: $17,865
DESTINATION: $430
TOTAL VEHICLE PRICE: 18,295

Naturally, the sale of this GNX also includes an original ASC McLaren Window Sticker.

1987 GNX 2-DOOR COUPE

SOLD THROUGH: Bayview Buick of Port Richey, Florida

BUICK STANDARD EQUIPMENT:

* Automatic transmission
* Power steering
* Power front disc brakes
* Bumper rub strips
* Carpeting
* Electric door locks
* Soft Ray tinted glass
* Power windows
* Electric trunk release
* Front carpet savers
* Rear carpet savers
* Trunk trim covering
* Black door edge guards
* 2-speed windshield wipers
* Electric rear window defogger
* Front seat reading lamps
* Lighted passenger's vanity mirror
* Remote, body-matched mirrors
* Limited-slip differential
* Interior hood release
* Lamp Group
* Freedom II battery
* Dual horns
* High-mount stop lamp
* Cruise control
* 3.8 liter (231 cubic inch) SFI turbocharged V6 that's equipped with an intercooler
* Tilt steering column
* Tungsten halogen headlamps
* GNX Special Handling Package
* 'Headlamps on' indicator
* Heavy duty battery
* Theft deterrent system
* Automatic power antenna
* Concert Sound speaker system
* Delco-GM AM/FM cassette deck
* -- Graphic equalizer
* -- Seek & Scan
* -- Auto reverse
* -- Search & Repeat
* -- Clock
* Front license plate mount
* Regal Grand National
* -- Turbo V6
* -- 4-speed automatic transmission
* -- Performance suspension
* -- Sport mirrors
* -- Air conditioning
* -- Specific interior & exterior appearance
* 6-way power driver's seat
* Black exterior paint
* Gray, cloth bucket seats

ASC MCLAREN STANDARD EQUIPMENT:

GNX Package
* -- Eagle Gatorback tires
* -- 16-inch aluminum wheels
* -- GNX modified engine
* -- GNX modified transmission
* -- Performance rear suspension
* -- Engine air vents
* -- Body modifications
* -- Instrumentation Package
* -- GNX emblems

MANUFACTURER'S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $17,865

DESTINATION: $430

GNX OPTION: $10,995

TOTAL VEHCILE PRICE: $29,290

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OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

* Original marketing literature
* An original apparel flier
* The car's original Owner's Manual
* The car's original GNX Owner's Manual Supplement
* Original factory accessory and maintenance literature
* A copy of the car's Certificate of Origin
* The aformentioned original Factory Invoice
* The aformentioned original ASC McLaren Window Sticker
* The car's original Window Sticker addendum
* The car's original Dealer Invoice
* The car's original Odometer Mileage Statement
* The car's original warranty book and protection plan paperwork
* An original welcoming letter from the Buick Motor Division's General Sales and Service Manager
* Original ASC welcoming paperwork
* A copy of the car's original title
* A photo of the original owner taking delivery of the car on his birthday
* A full ownership history
* A copy of the car's feature in Muscle Car Review
* Miscellaneous GNX press releases, service bulletins and literature
* Two GNX hardcover books (one in its original packaging)
* The “Happy Birthday” banner from the car's delivery to its first owner
* An extra set of floor mats
* A few spare parts
* Two sets of keys
* Personalized Arizona license plates
* A GNX fender cover
* A GNX jacket
* A GNX baseball cap

Number 41 of 547 produced, this 841-mile GNX is an incredible collectible. Nobody scoffs at Buick's legendary Grand National. And you can pretty much bank on the fact that this exquisitely documented gem will grow in value as its buyer base continues to mature. So, what are you waiting for? Grab this magazine-featured Buick and enjoy one of the most exclusive muscle cars on the planet WHILE it appreciates!

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SUMMARY

* Exquisitely documented survivor that's logged only 841 miles
* Featured in Muscle Car Review / Sale includes a copy of the car's feature
* Original 3.8 liter turbocharged V6 / 276 horsepower
* Original Turbo-Hydramatic 200 R4 4-speed automatic transmission
* Original Black paint / Original tri-tone interior
* Original 16-inch wheels / Original Goodyear tires
* Sale includes: A copy of the car's Certificate of Origin / An original Factory Invoice / An original Window Sticker
* Sale includes: The car's original Dealer Invoice / The car's original Odometer Mileage Statement / A full ownership history
* ASC McLaren-tuned suspension
* Factory power steering / Factory power front disc and rear drum brakes