"Then came 1987... together, Buick and ASC McLaren created the 276-horsepower GNX. The Grand National Experimental. The Grand National to end all Grand Nationals, its final form." After the recent Superbowl halftime show where hip-hop musician Kendrick Lamar used a Buick GNX replica — it wasn't a real GNX, although Lamar does own one — as a centerpiece for his performance in front of 127 million viewers, interest in these classic Buicks has risen yet again. YouTube channel Throttle House recently published a retrospective review of the GNX that serves as a brief introduction to its history and features.
Throttle House's 1987 GNX Video Review
Thomas and James, the hosts of Throttle House, borrowed this pristine '87 GNX from Fusion Luxury Motors in California. It's in near-showroom condition with only 1,300 miles on the odometer, and was listed for sale by the dealer for a whopping $250,000. But as one of only 547 GNXs ever built, its rarity and desirability has steadily increased prices over the last few decades.
While the Throttle House hosts are clearly more used to reviewing modern sports cars with ultra-precise handling and high-tech features, they express an admiration for the 1980s charm and aggressive looks of the GNX. It's also fun to watch them giggle while listening to the turbo noises it makes.
Modern perspectives aside, the 1987 GNX offered world-beating performance at a surprisingly affordable price. The turbocharged 3.8L V6 was rated at 276 horsepower, though third-party testing showed it was actually underrated and produced quite a bit more, allowing it to beat contemporary Ferraris and Porsches on the drag strip.
Although the interior looks to be in great shape for the most part, the Throttle House guys note a few areas where it's showing its age. The headliner is sagging, a common issue due to the deterioration of the original adhesive over time. Also, the original seatbelt retractors seem to be worn out and in need of replacement.
It's cool to watch Thomas and James experience the GNX for the first time, and although they're not fond of every aspect of this car, they recognize its importance and understand why enthusiasts love it so much. Watch the full episode above to see for yourself.
Looking for Buick Regal and Grand National Parts?
If you own a 1978-87 Buick Regal, Grand National, or GNX — even one as pristine as the car in this Throttle House video — it's likely that your car is in need of at least a few restoration parts. Classic Industries is the leading source for original-style reproduction parts for these classic G-Body Buicks, and we'd be happy to help you find what you need. Click the button below to get a free full-color Buick Regal restoration parts catalog:
