The 1987 Buick GNX

The 1987 Buick GNX: Buick's Stealthy Turbocharged Swan Song In the mid-1980s, American performance cars were still recovering from the dark days of emissions regulations and the muscle car malaise. While V8-powered pony cars like the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang soldiered on with modest power, Buick took a different path—one that relied on forced induction rather than cubic inches. The result was the legendary Grand National lineup, culminating in the rare and ferocious 1987 GNX (Grand National Experimental). Often called "Darth Vader's car" for its all-black menace and sinister presence, the GNX wasn't just Buick's fastest offering; it was one of the quickest production cars in America that year. ### A Brief History of the Grand National Legacy Buick's turbocharged Regal story began in the early 1980s with the T-Type and Grand National variants. By 1984, the Grand National featured a turbocharged 3.8-liter (231 cubic inch) V6, and performance escalated rapidly. The addition of an intercooler in 1986 transformed the car, bumping output to 235 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. For 1987—the final year of the rear-wheel-drive Regal platform—Buick went all out with the standard Grand National (245 hp, 355 lb-ft) before creating a limited halo model. Enter the GNX. Buick partnered with ASC/McLaren (the same outfit involved in high-performance projects like the Pontiac Fiero) to produce a "Grand National Experimental." Only 547 examples were built, each starting as a Grand National before receiving extensive upgrades at the McLaren facility. Priced at around $29,900 (a significant premium over the base GN), the GNX was initially planned for just 500 units but demand pushed it to 547. Each car received a unique serial number plaque on the dashboard. ### What Made the GNX Special? Externally, the GNX looked like a sleeper: matte-black paint, minimal brightwork, functional fender vents (louvers) for better underhood cooling, composite fender flares to accommodate wider tires, and distinctive 16-inch black mesh-style aluminum wheels with GNX center caps. Goodyear Eagle Gatorback tires (245/50VR-16 front, 255/50VR-16 rear) provided the grip. Badging was subtle but present on the grille, decklid, and wheels. Inside, it featured upgraded Stewart-Warner analog gauges (including a boost gauge), a revised instrument cluster, and supportive bucket seats. The ride was firmer thanks to a reworked rear suspension with a longitudinal torque bar, Panhard rod, stiffer springs, shocks, and stabilizer bars. An aluminum rear axle cover helped with heat dissipation, and the transmission included an extra oil cooler. The real magic happened under the hood. The 3.8L turbocharged V6 received: - A upgraded Garrett turbocharger with a lightweight ceramic turbine wheel for quicker spool and higher boost (up to 16 psi in lower gears). - A more efficient intercooler setup. - Ported heads for better flow, a reprogrammed engine control module (ECM), freer-flowing dual exhaust, and less-restrictive tuning. Buick conservatively rated it at **276 horsepower at 4,400 rpm** and **360 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm**. Independent tests and dyno runs often revealed real-world figures closer to **300 hp** and **380–420 lb-ft** of torque. Paired with a strengthened Turbo-Hydramatic 200-4R four-speed automatic transmission (with upgraded internals), it delivered brutal low-end shove. ### Performance That Shocked the World In an era when many "performance" cars struggled to break 15 seconds in the quarter-mile, the GNX was a rocket. *Car and Driver* tested a GNX that sprinted from 0–60 mph in **4.7 seconds** and ran the quarter-mile in **13.5 seconds at 102 mph**. Other period tests showed even stronger numbers, with some reports of low-13-second passes at over 104 mph. It was quicker than most Corvettes and could embarrass far more expensive European machinery in a straight line. One famous (if debated) comparison claimed a modified GNX setup outran a Ferrari F40 in the quarter-mile. The torque was the star—massive mid-range pull that made the car feel unstoppable once boost built. With primitive tire technology by today's standards, launching without wheelspin or axle hop was a challenge, but the revised suspension helped tame it better than the standard Grand National. Top speed was electronically limited around 124 mph, but the car felt like it had more to give. Fuel economy? Not its strong suit—expect low teens in mixed driving. ### Rarity and Collectibility Today With only 547 produced, the GNX has become a blue-chip collector car. Low-mileage or pristine examples routinely sell for six figures. Average auction values hover around $175,000–$185,000, with concours-level cars exceeding $250,000–$275,000 (a near-new example once fetched $275,000 at Barrett-Jackson). Values have climbed steadily due to its historical significance as the last great rear-drive Buick performance car before the brand shifted toward front-wheel-drive platforms. The GNX also earned pop culture nods, including appearances tied to celebrities like Kendrick Lamar (who has a connection to the model year and has featured similar cars). Original buyers even received a special embroidered GNX jacket—now a rare collectible in its own right. ### Why the GNX Still Matters The 1987 Buick GNX represented Buick saying goodbye to an era with style. It proved that a "luxury" division could build a serious performance machine without a big-block V8, relying instead on clever engineering, turbocharging, and torque. In many ways, it was ahead of its time—modern turbocharged performance cars owe a nod to the lessons learned from these turbo Buicks. Today, the GNX stands as a symbol of underdog excellence: a heavy, somewhat outdated platform turned into a straight-line monster that could humble supercars. If you ever spot one at a cars-and-coffee event—low, black, and brooding—give it the respect it deserves. It's not just a Buick; it's a legend. Whether you're a fan of turbo V6s, 1980s sleepers, or simply great American engineering stories, the GNX remains one of the most exciting chapters in GM's performance history. With its limited production, raw power, and stealthy looks, it continues to capture imaginations decades later.