BUICK GNX, 1987

$302,500 USD | Sold

While big-block American performance cars were virtually extinct by the mid-1970s, Buick's engineering wizards responded with turbocharged V6 power. First available with the downsized G-body Regal in 1978, the 231ci turbocharged Buick V6 was relentlessly developed and reestablished Buick as one of America's top performance marques by the mid-1980s.

The 245hp Regal Grand National was America's quickest performance car for 1986-87 and while G-body production was slated to end after 1987, Buick unleashed a limited run of 547 all-out Grand Nationals, designated 'GNX.' Completed by ASC/McLaren, builders of 24-valve Buick turbo V6 engines for Indianapolis, the GNX used a high-performance Garrett turbocharger, improved intercooler, revised engine and transmission calibrations, and lower-restriction exhaust system. Output jumped to 276hp with 360 ft/lbs of torque, delivering 0-60 mph acceleration in under 5 seconds. Larger tires, special alloy wheels, a rear-axle torque arm, Panhard bar and stiffer chassis were other GNX-specific upgrades.

Front-fender vents and special analog instruments completed the package, which also included a full array of factory comfort and convenience options. Offered with under 70 miles from new at the time of writing and benefiting from excellent preservation, this 1987 Buick Regal GNX was formerly owned by Nicola Bulgari, the jewelry magnate and renowned Buick collector, who purchased the car in June 2007. As a major supporter of the Le May Automobile Museum In Tacoma, WA, Bulgari naturally had this GNX on display there during part of his ownership of the car.

The consignor, a drag racer and fellow Buick collector, acquired the GNX in mid-August 2009, keeping it in climate-controlled conditions as part of his Arizona-based collection. Extremely limited mileage - under 70 miles at time of writing - is confirmed by the 2013 issued Arizona (actual-mile) title document, service records and correspondence on file. Incredibly well-preserved and original throughout, down to the still-affixed Window Sticker, this 1987 Buick Regal GNX is a virtual time warp to when it was brand-new in 1987, at the height of North America's 1980s return to factory-built high-performance machines.

The car was inadvertently titled in Florida in 1997 as 2,401 miles when actual miles were 24 and titled in Pennsylvania in 2006 with 2,100 miles instead of 31. CARFAX shows mileage discrepancy on 07/02/2006. SOME STATES ISSUE 'MILEAGE EXEMPT' TITLES AFTER 10 YEARS - THIS CONSIGNOR REPRESENTS AND THE CURRENT TITLE REFLECTS 'ACTUAL MILEAGE'

https://www.barrett-jackson.com/scottsdale-2022/docket/vehicle/1987-buick-gnx-251622