1986 Buick Grand National
People were beginning to take notice of the Grand National. The 1986 Buick Grand National was the third production year for the car and Buick made some significant upgrades to the 3.8 liter V6 Turbo engine. The Buick Turbo Engine Group developed an intercooler and a sequential port fuel injection system that noticeably increased both the horsepower and the torque of the Grand National. The 1984 and 1985 Grand National both produced 200 horsepower and 300 lbs-ft of torque. The upgraded engine produced 235 horsepower and 330 lbs-ft of torque. These increases had a significant impact on performance. Quarter mile times were under fourteen seconds and zero to sixty times of less than five seconds were recorded. The Grand National was faster than the 1986 Corvette, 1986 Camaro, 1986 Firebird and the 1986 Mustang GT. The car was almost two seconds faster than its corporate cousin, Monte Carlo SS, in the quarter mile. It was the fastest production car made in America in 1986. Customers began to take notice and sales more than doubled to 5,512. More Grand Nationals were built in 1986 than were built in 1984 and 1985 combined.
While most of the Grand National Buicks were wrapped up in plastic, hardly ever driven and tucked safely away in a garage, every now and again we find an example that was used exactly how these cars were meant to be. This is one of those cars, yes it has higher miles on the odometer, but it is an all stock 1 owner example now gracing our Hallowed Halls. Wearing a 20+ year old single repaint, crack free filler panels, is a great runner, looking showroom new under the hood and a nearly pristine undercarriage. Have a closer look and fall in love with the dark knight.
Exterior
Draped in a miles deep application of 20 year old plus full tuxedo black, (just black according to Buick), repaint attire, this straight steel paneled and all blackened chrome trim example brings the word menacing to mind. We note the chrome badging has been left off the car, but fret not as our consignor is including them with your purchase. Nary a stone chip or scratch can be found on this miles deep black sea of darkness and cchip guard paint has been applied to the lower part of the body by the factory to prevent errant stones from marring this black beauty. A small spoiler hangs atop the trunk lid and blends into the sea of black. No T-tops or sunroof to break up the flawless paint on the roof and the font cowlings, air dam, and small turbo bulge on the hood just give a hint to the car's wonderful power. 15-inch chrome and black factory Grand National wheels adorn all 4 corners and are wearing the correct size 215/65R15 BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires. Factory light window tinting shows well on all glass except for the windshield and is in great condition. Evil draped in the guise of luxury!
Interior
Overall very clean stitched tuck and roll cloth is seen on the power drivers bucket and manual passenger seat. Gray and black Pallex cloth covers these seats with gray in the center and black on the bolsters and we note a small seam separation in the slightly discolored driver's lower cushion. This pattern holds true for the back bench as well. Framing this interior are two long swinging doors that allow access to the front and back of the passenger compartment. These are paneled with gray tuck and roll fabric, a mid section of molded plastic to house the door handle and arm rest as well as a toggle mirror, power locks and power windows. The bottom of the door is bounded by black carpet which is carried throughout all the floors in this car which has very clean black carpet as well. A quintessential mid 80's square and rectangle dash is housing essential gauges and is very clean. The center console houses the factory floor shifter and a like new gray steering wheel sits at the end of the column and begs for you to become one with the car.
Drivetrain
A correct 3.8 liter intercooled turbocharged V6 is under the hood and is coming to us in stock form. This mill has electronic fuel injection, and a numbers matching 200R4 4-speed automatic transmission bolted to the back. Noted also is a 10-bolt 8.5" 3.42 posi rear in the back to put power to the ground. Under the hood is showing a light patina and some minor dust all the while being fitted with power brakes, power steering, air conditioning, and a bevy of intercooler piping to feed this wolf in sheep's clothing
Undercarriage
One would not venture a guess that this car has traversed over 100,000 miles in its day by looking at the cleanliness of the underside. It's very clear that this car has been babied. garaged, and carefully driven. The stock style dual exhaust system hangs below to send spent gasses to the rear of the car and the framing and flooring comes to us is the factory black undercoating with only light surface rust on the usual suspects. Independent coil spring suspension with power disc brakes is on the front and a 4 link with coil springs and power drums are on the rear and we note a new fuel tank has been installed as well as new brake lines.
Drive-Ability
As you would expect, this car started immediately, and idled smoothly. Put it into drive and you can accelerate very smoothly up to power and speed. The car rode nicely and handled well, the A/C blew cold, and everything worked on the power conveniences front. The seats were ultra-comfortable and clean and my partner in crime and muscle car aficionado split driving duties with this car so we could both get a piece of the turbocharged action. The power is amazing and this black beauty will give some new era muscle cars a run for the money!
Most examples of these cars have been shredded by a previous owner, or just plain used up. Quite the contrary on this 1 owner car, well maintained, a beautiful driver and appearing nearly showroom new. Add this menacing evil ride to your stable and travel back to 1986!
1G4GK4773GP451133
1-USA
G-General Motors
4-Buick
G-G Body
K-Regal T-Type
47-2 Door Hardtop
7-LC2 3.8L V6 Turbo 245hp
3-Check Digit
G-1986
P-Pontiac, MI Assy Plant
451133-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
