Buick Grand National
Buick
Photo: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0
Buick Grand National: The Turbocharged Muscle Legend
The Grand National was a menacing, all-black turbocharged Buick that became one of the fastest American cars of the 1980s.
Built in the mid-1980s, the Buick Regal Grand National stunned the muscle-car world by using a turbocharged V6 rather than a big V8. Cloaked in sinister all-black paint, it delivered surprising speed, with the ultimate 1987 GNX version becoming one of the quickest production cars of its day.
The turbocharged and intercooled 3.8-liter V6 gave the Grand National strong acceleration that embarrassed many V8 rivals, earning it a fearsome reputation and the nickname Darth Vader's car. The GNX, built in tiny numbers, is especially coveted.
The Grand National is a cult icon, proving that forced-induction V6 power could deliver muscle-car performance, and remains highly collectible today.
Frequently asked questions about Buick Grand National
What is the Buick Grand National?
It was a turbocharged V6 muscle car based on the Regal, famous for its all-black look and speed.
What engine does the Grand National use?
A turbocharged and intercooled 3.8-liter V6, unusual for a muscle car.
What is the GNX?
The 1987 GNX was the ultimate version, one of the quickest production cars of its day.
Why is it called Darth Vader's car?
Its sinister all-black appearance and fearsome speed earned it the nickname.
Is the Grand National collectible?
Yes, especially the rare GNX, which is highly coveted today.
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