When talking about American muscle cars of the 1980s, one name continues to dominate the conversation—the 1987 Buick Grand National. This menacing black coupe was the final and most powerful evolution of Buick’s turbocharged Regal line. It was a car that shocked the automotive world, outperforming Corvettes, Mustangs, and even European sports cars of its era. The 1987 Buick Grand National wasn’t just fast for a Buick—it was fast, period. To understand why this car earned its legendary reputation, we need to look under the hood, inside the engineering, and at the cultural moment that made it one of the greatest sleepers ever built.
The Origins of a Legend
In the early 1980s, Buick was far from the performance brand it once was. Known more for comfort than speed, Buick decided to shake things up. The brand’s engineers took the Regal—a mid-size, rear-wheel-drive coupe—and began experimenting with turbocharging technology. Turbocharging was still relatively uncommon in American cars at the time, but Buick saw it as a way to blend efficiency with performance.
The first Grand National appeared in 1982 as a limited edition celebrating Buick’s success in NASCAR. However, it wasn’t until the mid-1980s that the model evolved into a true street monster. By 1986, the Grand National’s turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 had been refined to produce serious power. Then came 1987—the final year of production—and Buick pulled out all the stops. The result was a car so quick that it embarrassed vehicles costing twice as much.
The Heart of the Beast: Turbocharged 3.8-Liter V6
At the core of the 1987 Buick Grand National’s performance was its turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine. On paper, the numbers—245 horsepower and 355 lb-ft of torque—might not sound extraordinary today, but in 1987, those figures were jaw-dropping. This was an era when most V8-powered muscle cars barely managed to crack 200 horsepower. The Buick’s secret weapon was its turbocharger and its ability to produce massive torque at low RPMs.
The turbocharger was a Garrett T3 unit that forced more air into the engine’s combustion chambers, dramatically increasing power output. Buick paired this with a high-pressure fuel injection system and an air-to-air intercooler—technology more often seen in high-end European sports cars at the time. This combination allowed the 1987 Buick Grand National to deliver instant throttle response and explosive acceleration.
Transmission and Drivetrain: Built for Brutal Launches
Power is only part of the equation. The 1987 Buick Grand National also had a drivetrain perfectly tuned to handle its torque-heavy engine. The car came standard with a 200-4R four-speed automatic transmission. While some enthusiasts initially scoffed at the lack of a manual option, this transmission proved to be ideal for the car’s powerband. The automatic’s torque converter was optimized for the turbo’s boost characteristics, allowing the car to launch hard and maintain smooth, consistent acceleration.
The Grand National’s rear-wheel-drive setup featured a limited-slip differential, ensuring that both rear tires dug into the pavement during hard acceleration. This setup was key to the car’s legendary quarter-mile times. In factory trim, the 1987 Buick Grand National could rip through the quarter-mile in around 13.9 seconds at over 100 mph—a figure that made it one of the quickest production cars in America.
Aerodynamics and Design: Menacing Looks with Purpose
The 1987 Buick Grand National wasn’t just about what was under the hood; its design contributed to its performance as well. Every Grand National came in one color—black. This choice wasn’t just for aesthetics; it gave the car a stealthy, almost sinister appearance that matched its street reputation. The blacked-out trim, dark grille, and subtle “Grand National” badges made it instantly recognizable.
The car’s body lines were relatively clean and boxy, typical of 1980s design, but they also aided stability at high speeds. Buick engineers worked to improve airflow to the turbocharger and intercooler, ensuring consistent performance even during sustained acceleration. While the Grand National wasn’t built to be a corner-carving sports car, its suspension and chassis provided a solid balance between ride comfort and straight-line stability.
The GNX: The Ultimate Evolution
While the 1987 Buick Grand National was impressive, Buick saved its best for last—the GNX. Limited to just 547 units, the GNX took the Grand National formula and turned it up to eleven. Developed in partnership with McLaren Performance Technologies/ASC, the GNX featured an upgraded turbocharger with a ceramic impeller, a more efficient intercooler, and a reprogrammed engine control system.
The result was a staggering 276 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque, though most experts believe Buick underrated these numbers. Independent tests showed the GNX could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds—quicker than a Ferrari 328 or a Porsche 911 of the same era. The GNX also included a unique suspension setup with a torque arm rear suspension and larger tires for better traction. It was, without question, the fastest American production car of 1987.
A Sleeper for the Ages
One of the reasons the 1987 Buick Grand National became so beloved was its sleeper personality. It looked like a regular Regal to the untrained eye—until it lined up next to you at a stoplight. Then, the deep growl of the turbocharged V6 told a different story. This unassuming appearance made it a favorite among street racers, who relished the chance to surprise more exotic and expensive cars.
Unlike many muscle cars of its time, the Grand National’s performance was also accessible. With a few simple modifications—such as a larger turbo, freer-flowing exhaust, or upgraded fuel system—owners could easily push the car into supercar territory. Even today, the 1987 Buick Grand National is a favorite platform for tuners and collectors alike.
The Legacy of the 1987 Buick Grand National
When production ended in December 1987, the Grand National went out at the top of its game. Buick had built a total of 20,193 units that year, and the car instantly became a collectible. It marked the end of an era—not just for Buick, but for American muscle cars in general. The industry was moving toward front-wheel drive, smaller engines, and stricter emissions controls. The Grand National represented one of the last great rear-wheel-drive, high-performance coupes of the time.
Today, the 1987 Buick Grand National is more than just a nostalgic piece of the 1980s. It’s a symbol of innovation and defiance. Buick engineers proved that a V6-powered car could not only compete with but dominate its V8 rivals. The Grand National’s blend of technology, power, and attitude helped reshape the perception of American performance vehicles.
Why It Still Matters
Nearly four decades later, the 1987 Buick Grand National remains an icon. It’s a favorite at car shows, auctions, and drag strips across the country. Its combination of turbocharged power and menacing looks still captures the imagination of enthusiasts. More importantly, it paved the way for modern performance cars that use turbocharging and electronic control systems to achieve incredible results.
The 1987 Buick Grand National wasn’t just fast—it was revolutionary. It represented a perfect storm of technology, timing, and attitude. In a decade often remembered for excess and style over substance, the Grand National stood out as a machine built purely for performance. It was a car that didn’t need flashy colors or loud exhausts to prove its worth. All it needed was a stretch of open road and a willing driver.