People Are Willing to Pay Big Bucks for a Buick GNX
Bold and sinister, the 1987 Buick GNX was the muscle car that became a legend. But are these old-school performance vehicles worth a down payment for a house?
GNX is still sought after today by car collectors around the world.
Less than 600 of these retro cars were made and enthusiasts are ready to shell out some serious cash to have one of their own. Could you see yourself purchasing one of these limited edition performance vehicles for upwards of $200,000?
Buick gets its edge back
It was rare to see a new buyer in a Buick showroom during the ‘80s. Young consumers didn’t associate the brand with performance and style. Instead, it was a car their grandparents had, comfortable and old-fashioned.
Based on the Buick Regal, in 1982 the “appearance package” Buick Grand National hit the scene. The auto featured a V6 engine, and within a year was upgraded with a turbocharged powertrain, resulting in the Regal Turbo-T. The 1984 model was hot, clad in black, and offered even more impressive performance. It only went up from there.
But from the Grand National models manufactured from 1984-1987, only one seemed to make a lasting impression. The powerful, limited edition 1987-only Buick GNX. The updated model had a stronger suspension and a transmission upgrade.
, “From 1984-‘86, Buick produced 9,614 Grand Nationals, and by 1987—the final year of production—demand was so high that Buick built 20,194 examples to satisfy its customers.” Buick’s chief engineer, Dave Sharpe, convinced senior management to manufacture a “super Grand National” that we now know as the GNX.
Other than the front fender ports, the exterior of the Buick GNX pretty much looks like a Buick Grand National. The inside also feels similar, except when it comes down to mechanics. The high-performance variant introduced technology that was a big deal for the late 80s.
, “Bolted up to the 3.8-liter V6 is a larger turbocharger with a modified intercooler. Ported and polished cylinder heads take advantage of the additional forced induction.” A higher-flow exhaust and a new computer chip resulted in 300 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. ASC/McLaren modified that special powertrain.
The GNX transmission produced crisper shifts allowing it to jump from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. It received a unique rear suspension that used a Panhard bar/ladder bar setup on the car’s Positraction-equipped live rear axle,” reports Hemmings. Buick’s goal was to maximize grip and under hard acceleration, minimize wheel hop.
At the time, magazine tests found that this car was actually faster than the Lamborghini Countach when driving in a straight line. Say what?! Good thing the seats are firm and the gray fabric has some grip.
The ASC/McLaren Buick started at a suggested price of $29,290, Hemmings reports. Quite a jump from the Grand National’s sticker price at the time of $18,295.
Cars from the ‘80s and ‘90s continue to rise in value. In 2017, the last GNX ever made sold in a Mecum auction for a whopping $220,000.And on May 14, 2021, a BaT bidder snagged a 1987 Buick GNX for $205,000.
This 1987 Buick GNX had only 262 miles and factory plastic wrap on the seats, according to
. The price point is understandable; can you believe the previous record-holder’s odometer had a mere 8 miles on it?
Typically, the GNX’s sell for less than half of the price of these outliers. But if a bidder has the passion and the cash, money is no object when it comes to a rare classic car.
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