When it was announced that the Buick Regal, and Regal Grand National, were being discontinued in 1987, many folks were heartbroken. What started as an appearance package in 1982 became a singular package by 1984 – some called it the last American muscle car. However, times changed, and a 3500-pound slab of metal just wasn’t as practical as newer designs in the gas-conscious ’80s. Still, the big rear-wheel-drive beast was beloved by many, and the company’s engineers weren’t about to let the Regal go out without a bang. The GNX was that bang.
Only 500 of these GNX Buicks were produced, and they were incredible. The turbocharged, intercooled, 3.8-liter V6 that powered this big, blocky muscle monster already produced 245 horsepower, but Buick wanted the last of this model to have a grand finale, so they allowed McLaren to tune and modify that engine. Changes to the turbo, intercooler, suspension, and exterior were also implemented. The retooled engine was rated at 300 horsepower, output 380 lb-ft of torque, and could get to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. One thing that didn’t change from the Grand National to the GNX, however, was the color selection: the choices were black or another vehicle.
The ’87 GNX is legendary among folks in the know, both for its gorgeous looks and its fascinating engine design. It’s rare, heavy, powerful, and the last — and only — run of its name.
[Featured image by Buick GNX via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC BY-SA 2.0]
