The 1987 Buick Grand National stands as one of the most iconic American performance cars of the 1980s. Combining stealthy looks, turbocharged power, and a reputation for outpacing many V8 muscle cars of its time, it became a legend almost instantly. This final-year model marked the peak of Buick’s turbo V6 engineering before the brand shifted focus away from high-performance vehicles. Even decades later, the 1987 Buick Grand National continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts for its unique mix of performance and attitude.
The Birth of a Turbocharged Legend
The story of the 1987 Buick Grand National began in the early 1980s, when Buick aimed to revitalize its image with a lineup that combined luxury and technology. The Grand National name first appeared in 1982 as a special edition of the Buick Regal, celebrating Buick’s success in NASCAR’s Grand National series. But it wasn’t until 1984 that the model began to gain serious performance credentials with the introduction of the turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine.
By 1987, the Grand National had evolved into a pure performance machine. It had shed most of its luxury pretensions and became a car built for speed. With its menacing all-black exterior, aggressive stance, and muscular proportions, the 1987 Buick Grand National earned the nickname “Darth Vader’s car.”
Engine and Performance
Under the hood of the 1987 Buick Grand National sat a 3.8-liter turbocharged and intercooled V6 engine (code LC2). This powerplant delivered 245 horsepower and 355 lb-ft of torque, impressive numbers for the era. But these figures tell only part of the story—the car’s torque-rich turbo engine provided explosive midrange acceleration, allowing it to outperform many V8-powered rivals.
The engine featured a Garrett T3 turbocharger with a wastegate and an intercooler to keep intake temperatures down, ensuring consistent performance. The combination of turbocharging and fuel injection gave the Grand National an immediate throttle response that made it feel powerful across the entire RPM range.
When paired with the TH200-4R four-speed automatic transmission, the Grand National could rocket from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.9 to 5.3 seconds. The quarter-mile was conquered in the mid-13-second range, often surprising owners of Corvettes, Mustangs, and Camaros. At the time, it was one of the quickest production cars in America.
Chassis, Suspension, and Handling
While the 1987 Buick Grand National was built on the aging G-body platform, Buick engineers refined its suspension setup for improved handling. It came equipped with a front independent coil spring suspension and a rear four-link setup with coil springs. This configuration offered a balance between comfort and control.
The Grand National was never a corner-carving sports car; it was more of a straight-line muscle machine. However, the suspension tuning, combined with its wide tires and a relatively light curb weight of around 3,500 pounds, provided stability and decent grip for spirited driving.
Buick fitted power-assisted front disc and rear drum brakes, which were adequate for the time, though modern enthusiasts often upgrade these components for better stopping performance. Power steering and a limited-slip rear differential (Posi-traction) came standard, helping the car put its turbocharged power to the pavement efficiently.
Transmission and Drivetrain
One of the defining features of the 1987 Buick Grand National was its four-speed automatic transmission—the TH200-4R. This transmission was strong, smooth, and well-matched to the torque curve of the turbo V6. It featured a lockup torque converter that improved highway efficiency while maintaining quick shifts during acceleration.
The rear axle used a 3.42:1 final drive ratio, which provided brisk off-the-line performance while keeping the engine relaxed at cruising speeds. Power was sent exclusively to the rear wheels, staying true to the traditional muscle car layout.
Exterior Design and Styling
The exterior of the 1987 Buick Grand National was unmistakable. Dressed entirely in black, with minimal chrome accents, the car projected a menacing and purposeful appearance. Buick deleted most of the bright trim, creating a monochrome look that was radical for its time.
The front end featured a blacked-out grille with subtle Buick badging, while the hood bulge hinted at the turbocharged power beneath. The body lines were sharp yet restrained, emphasizing the car’s muscular profile without unnecessary ornamentation. The 15-inch black wheels with polished center caps completed the stealthy aesthetic.
Every detail of the Grand National’s exterior was designed to convey performance. Even today, its aggressive design stands out as a symbol of 1980s American automotive culture.
Interior Features and Comfort
Inside, the 1987 Buick Grand National blended performance-oriented design with a touch of Buick comfort. The interior was finished predominantly in gray and black, maintaining the dark theme. The seats were upholstered in a combination of cloth and vinyl, offering good support for both daily driving and high-speed runs.
Instrumentation was clear and functional, featuring a tachometer, boost gauge, and analog readouts. The center console housed the shifter and provided easy access to essential controls. Power windows, power door locks, air conditioning, and an AM/FM stereo with cassette player came standard, making the car comfortable for everyday use.
Although it was built for performance, the Grand National still offered a quiet and composed ride on the highway, a testament to Buick’s engineering balance between comfort and power.
Performance Figures and Real-World Impact
In real-world testing, the 1987 Buick Grand National shocked competitors and enthusiasts alike. Car and Driver magazine famously recorded a 0-60 mph time under five seconds—an achievement that put it in league with much more expensive sports cars of the era.
Top speed was rated around 124 mph, and quarter-mile times were consistently in the mid-13-second range. These figures made it faster than the 1987 Chevrolet Corvette and nearly every other American performance car available at the time.
The Grand National’s dominance on the drag strip earned it a cult following. Owners quickly discovered that simple modifications—such as increasing boost pressure or upgrading the fuel system—could yield dramatic gains in horsepower. As a result, many Grand Nationals became heavily modified street and track machines, some capable of running deep into the 10-second range.
The GNX: The Ultimate Evolution
Although the 1987 Buick Grand National was impressive, Buick wanted to close the chapter on a high note. To commemorate the end of production, Buick collaborated with ASC/McLaren to produce the limited-edition GNX (Grand National Experimental).
Only 547 units of the GNX were built, featuring a larger turbocharger, improved intercooler, and upgraded suspension components. Output jumped to 276 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque, though most experts believe the real numbers were higher. The GNX could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, cementing its status as one of the quickest cars of the 1980s.
The GNX received unique black mesh wheels, flared fenders, and special badging, distinguishing it from the standard Grand National. Today, it stands as one of the most collectible American cars ever produced.
Legacy and Collector Value
The 1987 Buick Grand National marked the end of an era—not just for Buick but for American performance cars as a whole. It was the last hurrah for the rear-wheel-drive G-body platform and a testament to what could be achieved with turbocharged technology.
Today, the car enjoys legendary status among collectors. Original examples command high prices at auctions, with low-mileage models fetching six figures. Its combination of rarity, performance, and unmistakable presence has made it a sought-after icon of 1980s automotive culture.
Conclusion
The 1987 Buick Grand National remains a symbol of power, innovation, and attitude. At a time when most American cars were struggling to regain performance credibility, Buick delivered a dark horse that dominated the streets and drag strips. With its turbocharged heart, menacing design, and unmistakable presence, the Grand National proved that performance didn’t always come from a big V8—it could come from a turbocharged V6 wrapped in black steel.
