When the car was launched in 1987, the Buick GNX had a huge price tag of $29,000 and change. It’s definitely not the single reason why only 547 of these cars were sold, but it did limit the buyers since that was a lot of money back then. One of the quickest cars of the 80’s, it was launched at a time which was particularly bad for the American automobile industry and this is some of what makes this vehicle so awesome. In the times of stiff competition from foreign vehicle makers with their fuel efficient engines and increasing oil prices, it was a questionable decision to launch the 1987 Buick Regal GNX. It may be debated that this was a vehicle for select buyers and not made for the general public and therefore should not be compared with other cars. Although the critics have had their say, it couldn’t be denied that this was a machine produced for the performance maven, instead of the regular Joe Buyer of fuel efficient regular automobiles.
The 1987 Buick Regal GNX edition designed by McLaren Performance Technologies/ASC was created to be the quickest Buick Grand National ever made. At 276 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque this automobile was leagues ahead of its 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 yearning for the 80’s generation. Even today, in the age of curvy designs and rounded edges, this car with its straight lines and boxed contour is a clear stand out.
The 1987 Buick GNX was designed with specs 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 motor rev up to attain full torque and then release the brakes to see the car hitting 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 maximum speed was capped at 124 miles per hour in keeping with the regulations in force in 1987. 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 altered to get a leaner fuel setting at full acceleration in comparison with the stock version. Turbo boost was raised to sixteen psi in 1st and second gears, 14 in the 3rd and 10 in the fourth gear. A Garrett AiResearch turbo 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 efficient. A transmission fluid cooler was also provided as well in the Buick Regal GNX, adding to the stock engine oil cooler in the normal versions of the Buick Grand Nationals.
The rear suspension on the Buick GNX, was enhanced to provide a sturdier frame required by its power and speed. The sturdier suspension meant that it could withstand the jolts and shocks resulting from top speed. The rear suspension was equipped with strengthened lower control arms connected with a Panhard rod and a beefy longitudinal torque bar.
The GNX was equipped with larger Goodyear tires that sat inside the expanded fenders. The front rims were supplied with P245/50VR-16 tires while the rear rims had P255/50VR-15 specs. The gauge cluster included black dials with white figures from Stewart Warner. A row of vents were installed on each front fender to dissipate the enormous amount of extra heat generated by the powerful motor.
All of these high performance specifications resulted in astounding claims from the manufacturers (back in 1987).
0-60 mile per hour was said to be accomplished in 5.4 seconds. The 1/4 mile mark was reached in a rocket like 13.4 seconds at 104 mph. The speed beast was created to put the then competitor Vettes to shame. Task accomplished!
Judging by all the specs on the Buick Regal Grand National GNX, it is not too hard to see why it has been stated as the best car ever created. It stands out as a high performance machine with a no holds barred image and in your face design. Holding a low mile 1987 Buick Grand National GNX has proven to be a fantastic investment too. These automobiles trade hands for anywhere between low six figure prices all the way up to $165k. But if you manage to own one why on earth would you want to get rid of it?