The Buick Grand National and GNX: A History Told by Its Creators

From Cosmetic Package to Definitive Muscle Car in Six Model Years

The Buick Regal Grand National was one of the hottest performance cars of the dark days of the 1980s, and its performance is still very respectable today. To showcase its success in NASCAR racing from 1982 to 1987, Buick introduced the Buick Regal Grand National, the Regal T-Type, and the limited-production GNX.

The Buick Regal Grand National

The Buick Regal Grand National was introduced in 1982 as a cosmetic package for the Regal coupe. It featured a blacked-out grille, 15-inch aluminum wheels, and a rear spoiler. Under the hood was a turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine that produced 200 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque.

The Grand National was an instant hit with buyers and quickly became one of Buick's best-selling models. In 1984, Buick introduced the Regal T-Type, which was a more performance-oriented version of the Grand National. The T-Type featured a more powerful 3.8-liter V6 engine that produced 235 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. It also had a stiffer suspension, larger brakes, and a limited-slip differential.

The Buick GNX

In 1987, Buick introduced the limited-production GNX. The GNX was the most powerful and fastest Regal ever produced. It featured a turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine that produced 300 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. It also had a stronger transmission, a stiffer suspension, and larger brakes than the T-Type. Only 547 GNXs were produced, making it one of the rarest and most collectible Buicks ever made.

Conclusion

The Buick Grand National and GNX are two of the most iconic muscle cars of the 1980s. They were both fast, powerful, and stylish, and they helped to revive Buick's performance image. Today, the Grand National and GNX are still highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts.