Buick Regal Buyer's Guide

Mike Sullivan here. The 1987 Buick GNX is the fastest American production car of its era. That's not hyperbole — the GNX ran the quarter mile in the low 13-second range, making it quicker than a contemporary Corvette, faster than a Ferrari 328, and quicker than nearly anything else for sale in an American showroom. GM's own engineers reportedly drove the final prototypes against a Ferrari Testarossa and the GNX won.

But here's what the GNX legend obscures: the broader Regal family from 1973 to 1987 is an undervalued platform with excellent bones, strong parts support, and collector interest that extends well beyond the turbocharged variants. The G-body Regal that spawned the Grand National is one of GM's most capable platforms, and even the standard V6 and V8 Regals represent good value in the current market.

The G-Body Platform

The Buick Regal from 1978 to 1987 rode on GM's A/G-body platform — the same architecture that underpinned the Chevrolet Malibu, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, and Pontiac Grand Prix. This was GM's mid-size rear-wheel-drive platform, optimized for boulevard cruising in its standard form but capable of considerably more with the right engine.

The G-body is a well-understood, extensively documented platform with an enormous aftermarket. Every suspension component, every rubber mount, and every brake component has been catalogued and reproduced. The platform is also light enough that adding power is rewarding — the 1978–1987 Regal weighs just over 3,000 lbs, which means even the standard 3.8L V6 delivers adequate performance, and the turbocharged versions feel genuinely quick.

The Grand National Story (1982–1987)

In 1982, Buick introduced the Grand National package on the Regal, initially as a visual option. By 1984, the performance substance caught up with the styling: the turbocharged 3.8L V6 arrived in earnest, producing 200 horsepower and torque that overwhelmed the rear tires at full throttle. The package grew year by year — 1985 brought 200 hp, 1986 brought 235 hp, and the 1987 Grand National produced 245 hp officially (with actual output significantly higher).

The 1986–1987 Grand National is the target. All black, with functional hood scoops and a menacing simplicity, these are cars that looked dangerous before they moved. The 0-60 mph time of approximately 4.9 seconds for the 1987 GN was remarkable for a production car of any price category. The turbocharged 3.8L's particular strength was immediate boost response — unlike some turbocharged cars that required high revs to develop power, the Buick's intercooled turbo came on strong at moderate rpm, giving it exceptional street-driving competence.

The GNX: 547 Cars That Changed Everything

In 1987, Buick partnered with ASC/McLaren to build the ultimate expression of the Grand National concept. The GNX used a revised turbocharger, more aggressive intercooling, a lower rear axle ratio, and subtle but significant engine management improvements to produce what GM officially rated at 276 horsepower — and what most observers believed was closer to 300+ horsepower. Only 547 GNXs were produced, each numbered, and all arrived in black.

GNX values have risen dramatically. Cars that sold for $30,000 in 2010 are now trading at $90,000–$180,000+ for the best examples. Verification is critical — a GNX is identified by its unique ASC/McLaren-installed components and the GNX serial number plate. Do not purchase a GNX without independent verification from a Buick specialist.

Standard Regals as Value Plays

The non-turbocharged Regal with the 3.8L V6 or the 5.0L V8 represents excellent value for buyers who want the G-body experience without the Grand National premium. These cars handle well, ride comfortably, and the V8-equipped examples have genuine torque. A clean 1984 Regal Limited with the 5.0L V8 can still be found for $6,000–$12,000 — good value for a well-sorted American rear-wheel-drive coupe.

What to Look For

Pre-Purchase Checklist

1. Grand National Documentation
   Verify boost gauge, shift light, and underhood components are original GN equipment — not add-ons.
2. GNX Serial Number (if claimed)
   Confirm the ASC/McLaren GNX serial plate and have a Buick specialist verify all GNX-specific components.
3. Turbocharger Condition
   Check turbo shaft for play — hold the shaft and wiggle laterally, any movement indicates bearing wear.
4. Intercooler Condition
   Inspect intercooler core for damage and verify it's free of oil contamination.
5. Lower Quarter Rust
   Probe lower rear quarters and rockers — G-body rust in these locations.
6. Dashboard Condition
   Inspect plastic dashboard for cracking — a common issue on 35+ year old GM interiors.
7. Transmission Operation
   Test TH200-4R or TH350 through all ranges — smooth shifts with no slip.
8. Head Gasket
   Check oil for coolant contamination and exhaust for white smoke — 3.8L head gasket is a known wear item.

Common Issues

Pricing Guide

Fun Facts