The 1987 Buick Grand National is an iconic American performance car known for its distinctive all-black appearance and powerful turbocharged engine. It represents the pinnacle of Buick’s performance in the 1980s and is highly regarded by car enthusiasts and collectors. It stood out in an era when American muscle cars were seeing a resurgence in popularity. The Grand National’s turbocharged V6 engine offered performance that rivaled or exceeded many V8-powered competitors, earning it a reputation as a “V8 killer.”
Specifications
Engine/Transmission:
- Type: 3.8-liter turbocharged V6
- Power Output: 245 horsepower
- Torque: 355 lb-ft
- Type: 4-speed automatic (THM 200-4R)
Performance and Handling:
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 6.1 seconds
- Quarter mile: Approximately 14 seconds
- Turbocharged V6 engine providing strong acceleration and high performance.
- Performance-tuned suspension for improved handling and stability.
- Limited-slip differential for better traction.
- Power steering and power brakes for enhanced control.
Dimensions:
- Wheelbase: 108 inches
- Length: 200.6 inches
- Width: 70.5 inches
- Height: 54.2 inches
- Curb Weight: 3,545 pounds
Chassis and Body:
- Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (FR layout)
- Body Style: 2-door coupe
Design and Exterior:
- All-black exterior with blacked-out trim and grille, giving it a menacing and distinctive look.
- Unique “Grand National” badging and logos.
- 15-inch black-painted aluminum wheels with Goodyear Eagle GT tires.
- Subtle hood bulge with “3.8 SFI Turbo” emblem.
- Aerodynamic design with a sleek, aggressive profile.
Interior:
- Bucket seats with two-tone gray and black upholstery.
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter.
- Analog gauges with a tachometer and turbo boost gauge.
- AM/FM radio with cassette player.
- Air conditioning and power windows for added comfort.
Safety and Technology:
- Four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes.
- Anti-theft system.
- Halogen headlights for improved visibility.
- Safety features typical of the era, including seat belts and a reinforced body structure.
GNX Variant
In addition to the standard Grand National, 1987 also saw the introduction of the GNX (Grand National Experimental) model. The GNX was a limited-production, high-performance variant developed in partnership with McLaren Performance Technologies/ASC.
Key features of the GNX include:
- Engine: Enhanced version of the turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 producing 276 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque.
- Performance: 0-60 mph in approximately 4.7 seconds and a quarter-mile time of around 13.5 seconds.
- Design: Unique GNX badging, fender flares, and special instrumentation.
- Only 547 GNXs were produced, making them highly collectible and even more desirable than the standard Grand National.