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While big-block American LOT #1357 - 1987 BUICK GNX – NO RESERVE
performance cars were virtually
regulated into extinction by the SPOOLED UP
early 1970s, GM’s Buick division
staunchly held the line through the
shift from the A-body Skylark GS
(Gran Sport) to the Colonnade-style THE 1987 GNX WAS THE PEAK OF BUICK TURBO V6 PERFORMANCE, AND THIS
Century GS455 of 1973-74, the LOW-MILEAGE EXAMPLE WILL BE OFFERED WITH NO RESERVE IN SCOTTSDALE
last of Buick’s large-displacement
performance cars. While the fabled for 1981 and 1982; to celebrate, a produced were purchased new by
GS was indeed still available for small number of Grand National ardent collectors, and this GNX is
1975, albeit with small block or Edition Regals were offered in 1982. no exception, offered at Scottsdale
carbureted V6 power plants and The Grand National name returned with under 70 miles from new at
delivering more bark than bite, to the Regal line for 1984 and with the time of writing.
Buick’s engineering wizards were steady grooming, power reached 245
already hard at work developing horsepower, with the Grand National Benefiting from excellent
the future of high-performance reigning as America’s quickest preservation, this 1987 Buick GNX
cars - with a radical infusion of performance car for 1986-87. was formerly owned by Nicola
turbocharged V6 power. A special Bulgari, the jewelry magnate and
455-powered Century with T-Tops All good things come to an end renowned Buick collector, who
and “Free Spirit” graphics sufficed eventually and while G-body purchased the car in June 2007.
for duty as the Official Pace Car production was initially slated As a major supporter of Tacoma,
for the 1975 Indianapolis 500, but to cease in mid-1987, Buick Washington’s Le May Automobile
much more was yet to come. management approved two Museum, Bulgari naturally had this
prototypes of “the Regal to end GNX on display there during part
In 1976, Buick was once again all Regals” by July 1986. Dubbed of his ownership of the car. The
selected to provide the Official “GNX,” these new super-Buicks consignor, a drag racer and fellow
Pace Car for the Indianapolis were completed by ASC/McLaren, Buick collector, acquired the GNX
500, and this back-to-back builders of 24-valve Buick turbo in mid-August 2009, keeping it in
appearance marked the first time a V6 engines for IndyCar racing. climate-controlled condition as
manufacturer paced the legendary Special features included a high- part of his Arizona-based collection
race for two consecutive years since performance Garrett turbocharger, ever since. Titled in Arizona with
1913-14. The 1976 Buick Century improved intercooler, revised engine actual miles consistent with the
pace car made history as the first and transmission calibrations, and odometer reading below 70 miles
with V6 power and it was an low-restriction exhaust. Output and supported by service records
unqualified technical tour de force jumped substantially to a factory- and correspondence this GNX is
with a turbocharged 231cubic-inch claimed and possibly underrated incredibly well-preserved and original
engine rated at 307 horsepower. 276 horsepower with 360 ft/lbs throughout. Accompanied by the
Most importantly, this high-profile of torque, delivering stunning still-affixed Window Sticker, this 1987
effort served notice that Buick 0-60 mph acceleration, usually Buick GNX is a virtual time warp
would be a force to be reckoned in the 4.5-second range. Larger to the days it was new, at the height
with in the brave new performance- tires, special alloy wheels, a rear- of North America’s 1980s return to
car world for years to come.
axle torque arm, Panhard bar and factory-built performance cars. As it
Following Indy, turbo V6 stiffer underpinnings handled the crosses the block with No Reserve at
development continued and reached heightened power of the GNX. Scottsdale, however, it will be driving
production reality by 1978 with Front-fender vents, special analog toward a bright new future.
the new G-body Regal. Its chiseled instruments and a gloss black paint – David C. Neyens
bodylines were perfect for stock-car finish completed the package, For up-to-date information on this vehicle,
competition and helped Buick win which brought the MSRP to nearly visit Barrett-Jackson.com
the NASCAR Manufacturer’s title $30,000. Many of the 547 cars
116 BAR R ET T -JA C KS O N E X PE R I E N C E WI NTE R 2022
116 BARRETT-JACKSON EXPERIENCE WINTER 2022
