Buick Grand National Data
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T-Type Regal coupes, aimed at
the performance market,
appeared at this time. In 1982,
the Regal Grand National
debuted. Named for the
NASCAR Grand National racing
series, it had a 4.1 L V6 engine
with 125 hp or an optional
180 hp turbocharged V6. There
was no Grand National in 1983,
but it returned in 1984 in all
black paint. The turbocharged
3.8 L became standard and
would continue to be refined Buick GNX #059
with sequential fuel injection and
intercooling. In 1987 it reached 245 hp and 355 lb/ft of torque.
Continued below
the performance market,
appeared at this time. In 1982,
the Regal Grand National
debuted. Named for the
NASCAR Grand National racing
series, it had a 4.1 L V6 engine
with 125 hp or an optional
180 hp turbocharged V6. There
was no Grand National in 1983,
but it returned in 1984 in all
black paint. The turbocharged
3.8 L became standard and
would continue to be refined Buick GNX #059
with sequential fuel injection and
intercooling. In 1987 it reached 245 hp and 355 lb/ft of torque.
Continued below
1987 also offered a lightweight WE4 (Turbo T) option.
Only 1,547 of this variant were produced. They were
painted black and treated to the same blackout package
as the Grand National, including bumpers, grille, headlight
and taillight trim. The differences between a WE4 and the
base Grand National were the interior trim package,
wheels, exterior badging, aluminum bumper supports, and
aluminum rear brake drums as opposed to the Grand
National's cast iron. The rear spoiler was only available as
a dealer installed option. 1987 was the only year that the
LC2 Turbo option was available on any Regal, making it
possible to even see a Limited with a vinyl landau roof and
a power bulge turbo hood.For the final year, 1987, Buick
introduced the GNX at $29,000. Produced by
The Buick Grand National and GNX
McLaren/ASC, Buick underrated the GNX at 276 hp and a
very substantial 360 lb/ft of torque. This was created so
as to be "Grand National to end all Grand Nationals," as
the next model year converted the chassis to front-wheel
drive, which Buick engineers admitted would not be able
to put down that much power[citation needed]. Changes
made included a special Garrett ceramic-impellered
turbocharger connected to a more efficient intercooler
and a specially coated up pipe. A specific computer chip,
low-restriction exhaust with dual mufflers, reprogrammed
Turbo Hydramatic 200-4R transmission with a custom
torque converter and transmission cooler, and unique
differential cover/panhard bar included more of the
performance modifications. Exterior styling changes
include vents located on each front fender, 16 inch black
mesh style wheels with VR-speed rated tires, and deletion
of the hood and fender emblems. The interior changes of
the GNX included a serial number on the dash plaque and
a revised instrument cluster providing analog Stewart-
Warner gauges, including an analog turbo boost gauge.
The GNX was claimed to the fastest production sedan
ever built, at the time.[citation needed] This claim is
somewhat controversial—the car had two doors but its
interior volume and structure made it a sedan rather than
a coupe, and just 547 examples were built. GNX #001 is
currently owned by Buick and sometimes makes
appearances at car shows around the US. The GNX had a
ladder bar that ran from the mid-section of the car to the
rear axle, so as to increase traction. This is also the
reason why a GNX will actually lift the rear end up when
the car is about to launch heavily.
very substantial 360 lb/ft of torque. This was created so
as to be "Grand National to end all Grand Nationals," as
the next model year converted the chassis to front-wheel
drive, which Buick engineers admitted would not be able
to put down that much power[citation needed]. Changes
made included a special Garrett ceramic-impellered
turbocharger connected to a more efficient intercooler
and a specially coated up pipe. A specific computer chip,
low-restriction exhaust with dual mufflers, reprogrammed
Turbo Hydramatic 200-4R transmission with a custom
torque converter and transmission cooler, and unique
differential cover/panhard bar included more of the
performance modifications. Exterior styling changes
include vents located on each front fender, 16 inch black
mesh style wheels with VR-speed rated tires, and deletion
of the hood and fender emblems. The interior changes of
the GNX included a serial number on the dash plaque and
a revised instrument cluster providing analog Stewart-
Warner gauges, including an analog turbo boost gauge.
The GNX was claimed to the fastest production sedan
ever built, at the time.[citation needed] This claim is
somewhat controversial—the car had two doors but its
interior volume and structure made it a sedan rather than
a coupe, and just 547 examples were built. GNX #001 is
currently owned by Buick and sometimes makes
appearances at car shows around the US. The GNX had a
ladder bar that ran from the mid-section of the car to the
rear axle, so as to increase traction. This is also the
reason why a GNX will actually lift the rear end up when
the car is about to launch heavily.
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Be sure to check out our
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cars on eBay
There are many reliable and
reputable auto shippers
across the country and
Canada at surprisingly low
rates. To learn how easy it
is to have one of these
Classic Buicks shipped to
you please see our
Auto Shipping page
Ready for a road trip?
Many of our visitors have
purchased vehicles that
were half way across the
country! Why not fly in to
pick up your new beauty
and drive her home?
Please visit our
Road trip Calculator
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