Classic · 1 model
The Grand National and GNX of the 1980s made Buick a turbo brand. The modern lineup is mostly crossovers, but the heritage runs deep.
ClassicBuick is one of the oldest American car brands, founded in 1903 and the founder of General Motors (GM was formed in 1908 around the Buick Motor Company). Through the 20th century Buick was GM near-luxury brand, positioned between Chevrolet/Pontiac and Cadillac. The brand has produced vehicles continuously for over 120 years, making it the oldest continuously operating American automobile brand. The 1986-1987 Grand National and GNX are the brand performance crown jewels. The Buick GNX of 1987 used a turbocharged 3.8 V6 making 276 horsepower (likely more in reality) and ran 0-60 in around 4.7 seconds, making it one of the fastest American production cars of the era. Production was 547 GNX units total. Today, clean GNXs sell for over $200,000 at auction. The Roadmaster, Riviera, and Skylark of the 1960s and 1970s represent the classic Buick personal luxury era. The 1965 Riviera is one of the most beautifully designed American cars ever produced. The Wildcat, Electra, and Le Sabre extended the lineup with full-size luxury sedans. The modern Buick lineup is dominated by crossovers (Encore, Encore GX, Envision, and Enclave), with the Regal and LaCrosse sedans discontinued in 2020 and 2019 respectively. The brand has shifted entirely to SUVs and crossovers in North America. Buick has been particularly successful in China, where the brand is popular and continues to produce sedans for that market. On WhipJury, Buick submissions are heavy on Grand National and GNX cars, classic Riviera examples, restored 1960s Skylarks and Wildcats, and the occasional Regal Grand Sport from the modern era.
The Buick Regal Grand National (1984-1987) was a black-paint-only sport variant of the Regal coupe with a turbocharged 3.8 V6. Buick built increasingly aggressive variants culminating in the 1987 GNX (Grand National Experimental), produced jointly with McLaren Performance Technologies. The GNX made 276 horsepower (factory rating) but actual output was likely higher, and the car ran 0-60 in around 4.7 seconds. Faster than contemporary Ferrari, Porsche 944 Turbo, and most production cars of the era. Total GNX production was 547 cars.
The 1963-1965 first-generation Riviera is widely considered one of the most beautiful American cars ever produced. Designed by Bill Mitchell at GM, the Riviera was a personal luxury coupe at the level of European grand tourers but at American prices. Subsequent Riviera generations through 1999 carried the personal luxury identity. The 1971 Boattail Riviera with its dramatically pointed rear is a polarizing collector item.
Grand National and GNX submissions are common despite the small original production. Classic Rivieras (especially 1963-1965 first generation and 1971 Boattail) reliably do well in voting. The community treats Buick as the brand whose performance heritage is heavier than its modern lineup suggests.