Buick Grand National Gnx
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Buick Grand National
Looks are deceiving. Locked beneath the demure Buick Grand National’s signature black-swathed body lurked a turbocharged V6 ready to casually blow away any arrogant opponents that dared to press the pedal. The Buick Grand National was a true American muscle car, and is now a cult favorite among collectors and enthusiasts. Here’s a glimpse into greatness.
The Inauguration
The Chrysler Corporation, the parent company of Buick, used the Grand National to showcase their automotive prowess, and designed the Grand National with meek Buick styling but injected a bundle of torque and horsepower under the hood. Introduced in 1982 as a subset of the Buick Regal, the Grand National – named for the NASCAR Grand National Winston Cup racing series – found 215 owners its first year. After a one year hiatus, the Grand National returned in 1984 with its all-black color scheme, chrome-plated wheels, and the renowned electronically fuel-injected, 3.8-liter, 200-hp turbocharged V6. That year, 2,000 Grand Nationals hit the streets. It was the start of a legend.
The Sleeping Giant Awakes
In 1986 and ‘87, Buick determined to perfect its deceptively mild-looking sleeping giant. After adding an intercooler in 1986 and tweaking the engine in 1987, Buick had created a resilient beast capable of a dramatically-underrated 245-hp and 355 lb-feet of torque (fuel efficiency was not atrocious, estimated at 17/25). Coming off the assembly line, it easily blew away the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette and other “Pony cars.” Joseph Hazelbacker goes so far as to claim that the only production cars that could compete were the luxurious Ferrari 308 GTS and Lamborghini Jalpa P350 GTS, as the Buick Grand National hit speeds past 145 mph.
Roaring Out of Existence
1987 was, unfortunately, the final year of the Buick Grand National. Rather than quietly departing, it roared out of existence, much the same way as it had arrived. Buick introduced the Grand National GNX, valued at $29,000. Only 547 were ever made. Built with a single turbocharger, the GNX shoveled out 276 horses and 360 lb-feet of tire-shredding torque. The initial torque level was so great that Buick engineers had to modify the rear axle and transmission, lest they crumple under the strain. Labeled as the “Grand National to end all Grand Nationals” by Buick, and “Darth Vader’s vehicle” by a sassy Car & Driver, the GNX blasted previous performance out of the water. By means of several engine modifications, it was able to speed past 160 mph, although it was electronically limited to 124 mph. It rocketed from 0-to-60 mph in a blistering 4.7 seconds. Buick claimed it was the fastest production model of its time.
A Glorious Symbol
Despite its grandiose claims of glory, however, it is a quiet protégé. The Grand National, unlike the Ford Mustang, Chevy Corvette or Dodge Challenger, has never enjoyed the pop culture fanaticism these other muscle cars revel in daily. Perhaps it was the angular and aloof styling, rather than the belligerent attitude of the Camaro and Charger, that distanced the Grand National from its competitors. However, to those in the know, the Grand National represents a by-gone age of true American muscle. Raw, powerful, and with a clandestine attitude, it defines the pioneering spirit and clout of an era when gas was cheap, cars were fast, and muscle was in.
About the Author
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MT American Classics Buick Grand National GNX
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buick regal grand national bumper filler fillers t type turbo gnx $145.00 |
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buick regal grand national front bumper filler fillers t type turbo gnx ****new* $145.00 |
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Buick Grand National GNX 1978-1987 Reproduction Upper Dash Trim Panel $199.99 |
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Buick Grand National GNX Silver Bullet T-Shirt 3XL $29.99 |
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Buick Grand National GNX Silver Bullet T-Shirt 2XL $29.99 |
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Buick Grand National GNX Silver Bullet T-Shirt X- Large $24.99 |
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Buick Grand National GNX Silver Bullet T-Shirt Large $24.99 |
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Buick Grand National GNX Silver Bullet T-Shirt Medium $24.99 |
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Buick Grand National GNX Silver Bullet T-Shirt Small $24.99 |
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Buick : Grand National Turbo T Limited 1987 BUICK REGAL TURBO T LIMITED 1 OF 1035 ** T-TYPE GRAND NATIONAL GNX ** $500.00 |
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1987 Buick Grand National GNX Regal T Type Turbo Oil Return Line Gasket $6.95 |
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1987 Buick Grand National GNX Turbo Fire on Steroids Wall Graphic Decal Home $16.99 |
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GMP Buick Grand National Drag Trailer 1:18th Scale GNX Regal VERY HARD TO FIND $79.99 |
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Set of 4 Buick Grand National Regal GNX Valve Stem Caps GREY $4.49 |
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BUICK GRAND NATIONAL REGAL T-Type GNX TAIL LIGHTS TURBO V6 AUTO LOADED Watch $0.99 |
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1987 BUICK WE4 t-shirt, grand national gnx t-type turbo $14.99 |
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Buick Turbo T T-Shirt ,T-Type, Grand National GNX Regal $14.99 |
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Buick GNX T-Shirt, Grand National, T-Type,1987 Regal $14.99 |
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Buick Grand National T-Shirt, Regal, GNX, T-Type 1987 $14.99 |
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Buick WH1 T-Shirt, Grand National, T-Type, GNX, Regal $14.99 |
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BUICK GRAND NATIONAL TURBO REGAL T TYPE GNX HEAT AC BOX $80.00 |
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Buick Regal T-Type Grand National GNX Head Light Bezel $45.00 |
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Buick Regal T-Type Grand National GNX (Lower) Front and Back Windshield Trim $90.00 |
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Buick Regal T-Type Grand National GNX Corner Marker $35.00 |
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1987 BUICK GNX GRAND NATIONAL REGAL T SUNVISORS GRAY NICE $102.50 |
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1987 Buick Grand National GNX Turbo Fire Cartoon Car Wall Decal Home Decor NEW $16.99 |
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1986 1987 BUICK GRAND NATIONAL GNX CORNER SIDE MARKER LIGHTS GM# 919873 & 919874 $159.00 |
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1987 BUICK GNX GRAND NATIONAL ***ORIGINAL ARTICLE $7.95 |
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BUICK GRAND NATIONAL GNX LOUVERS / VENTS $160.00 |
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BUICK GRAND NATIONAL GNX WHEEL FLARES, GN, REGAL $255.00 |
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BUICK GRAND NATIONAL GNX LOUVERS / VENTS $160.00 |
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BUICK GRAND NATIONAL GNX WHEEL FLARES, GN, REGAL $255.00 |
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Buick Grand National Shirt M, GS, GN, GNX, Regal $12.00 |
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84-87 BUICK REGAL GRAND NATIONAL GN GNX HEADER PANEL $159.00 |
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The Power Pac Buick: Grand National Regal T-type & GNX Performance and Restorati $63.60 |
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1987 Buick Grand National GNX duct work, brackets, flanges $49.99 |
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GN/GNX/BUICK REGAL GRAND NATIONAL TURBO ALUMINUM GASKET HEADER/MANIFOLD/EXHAUST $19.00 |
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1/18 GMP 1987 Buick GNX X-RAY White Car 2001 GS Grand National Peachstate $60.00 |
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1984 1985 1986 1987 Buick GN Grand National T-Type GNX Regal Sun Visors $25.00 |
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BUICK GNX GRAND NATIONAL HAT PIN EXCELLENT MINT GM MUSCLECAR LOGO! $5.00 |
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1987 BUICK GRAND NATIONAL KENNY DUTTWEILLER T TYPE GNX NOS MUSTANG 5.0 SVO $8.95 |
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1982 83 84 1985 86 1987 Buick Regal Grand National GNX T Type Info/Specs 7 pages $5.99 |
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BUICK GRAND NATIONAL GNX Yes It’s Fast Sign $14.99 |
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BUICK GRAND NATIONAL GNX With Attitude Sign $14.99 |
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BUICK GRAND NATIONAL GNX Speed Limit Sign $14.99 |
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Buick Toys Collectibles Book w/ Grand National GNX Turbo GS GSX Diecast Cars $18.13 |
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BUICK GRAND NATIONAL GNX Owners Dangerous Sign $14.99 |
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BUICK GRAND NATIONAL GNX Melting Asphalt Sign $14.99 |
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I Love My BUICK GRAND NATIONAL GNX Sign $12.99 |
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BUICK GRAND NATIONAL GNX Don’t Touch Sign $14.99 |
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Def Leppard English Flag Coolie Cup $9.99 Keep your drink cold while rocking out with this coolie… |
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Alex Super Baking set – 18 Piece Metal and Plastic Set $12.49 Measure, mix, prep, and bake some imaginary treats| This 18-piece set features a loaf pan, bear pan, heart pan, mixing bowl, rolling pin, whisk, measuring spoons and cup, pastry wheel, 2 star cookie cutters, 2 heart cookie cutter, and an oven mitt. Bon Appetit|… |
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Set of 2 Heated Stainless Steel Travel Mugs Product Description Keep your favorite beverages hot at all times with this set of 2 stainless heated travel mugs. Plug the detachable cords into any standard 12v car adapter of your car truck or R/V. Durable stainless-steel construction and locking lids ensure a safe trip anywhere. Product Details 12V Heated Travel Mugs – Set of 2 ⢠Capacity: 16 ozs. ⢠Airtight l… |
