Of all the GM sports cars produced in the ‘80s, the 1987 Buick GNX is one the most best-known and beloved among performance enthusiasts. As well it should be considering its intimidating aesthetic and torque-tastc turbocharged powerplant. Now, this ultra-low mileage example is up for sale with full documentation and just 460 miles on the clock.
Truth be told, this thing looks like it just rolled off the factory floor, and includes the original 16-inch black wheels with a polished lip. The black paint on the body panels was supplemented with touch-up factory paint where needed, and presents with a glossy finish. The rest of the GNX style is present and accounted for, and includes flared fenders, vents, and a rear spoiler.
The intimidating style is matched by the original turbocharged 3.8L V6 engine, which is boosted by the factory Garrett T3 turbocharger to produce 276 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque. Naturally, those output figures were reportedly underrated, with the true figures estimated at roughly 300 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque.
The ‘six connects to the original Turbo-Hydramatic 200 R4 four-speed automatic transmission, as well as the correct 10-bolt rear axle and 3.42 gears. Power steering and disc front brakes help to keep the Buick GNX under control, as does the ASC McLaren-tuned suspension.
The cabin is finished in a tri-tone color scheme with black and grays throughout. Factory climate control is also in place, while a triple-spoke steering wheel sits front and center.
This particular 1987 Buick GNX is number 481 of just 547 produced, and is offered with the original window sticker, the original warranty booklet, and the original owner’s information pamphlet. Now, it’s on sale from RK Motors Charlotte for $139,900.
That ain’t cheap, but it’s definitely not out of line with what we’ve seen elsewhere. For example, back in January we covered an original 202-mile 1987 Buick GNX offered through Bring-A-Trailer that had a high bid of $150,000 – and ended up not meeting reserve.
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Source: RK Motors Charlotte
Comments
This is the car and the legend, it’s just a shame that the engine was used in just a handful of cars.
The 3.8L TurboBuick V6 engine was used in 25,000+ 1986-1987 Grand Nationals and 1550 1989 Pontiac 20th Anniversary Trans Ams. The main difference is that the GNX used a ceramic turbo impeller that could spin up a little faster. The ceramic however was prone to cracking and fracturing – replacements not available. So best not to actually drive a GNX aggressively. Leave it parked. The turbo size and cams were the same across all these 87-89 TurboBuicks, so peak power is about the same no matter what the advertising says. The chip in the GNX provided a little more timing. But aftermarket chips are even better and easy to swap. The Trans Ams are better overall performance cars than all the GNs. With big 4 wheel disc brakes and a vastly superior suspension, they are like a GN that can actually STOP and STEER.
“Leave it parked!” That’s like saving your girlfriend for the next guy!
That was great and is unique to have. It’s for someone with $$ to burn who collects unique cars.
Otherwise there are better current cars for the $$ or less.
If the cost of that car was invested for 33 years, the owner would have about what they are asking.
Looks wise it is as cool as a new Charger. Wonder how far behind performance-wise it is? Be nice to see an updated version.
Never gonna happen. Sadly.
Rk motors are a great group of people.my boss just bought the Chevy wagon from them and the car was just as they said it was.
I drove one for about 15 minuets back in 1987. Having had lots of wheel time in Grand Nationals, the GnX was like a different car.
Yeah that chip they added made all the difference.
Even better chips were available in the aftermarket.
More than a chip.
Remember, we are just discussing the engine. Please elaborate on “more than a chip”. To my knowledge GNX has the same cam, block, injectors, plenum, intake, rocker ams, valves and heads as used in a regular GN. Turbo size the same for GNX, GN and TTA. Larger GNX intercooler also used in the Turbo Trans Am. Aside from a crack prone ceramic compressor wheel in the GNX that spins it up slightly faster, but doesn’t produce any different peak power, what am I missing?
A close inspection of the left bank of idiot lights on the instrument panel will reveal one slot named “Water Injection”. Sadly, that feature never made it to regular production, although a few were built that way. Hence, the mid-1980’s Buick bumper sticker, “We Brake for Corvettes”.
I remember back in the 80s when Buick was going to put water injection. Using windshield washer fluid with alcohol. The feds said they could not have the tank under the hood, they considered it a fuel. However if you put a tank with the same fluid in it to wash the windshield that’s OK.
Methanol injection works better.
Power Injection, not “water” injection
What a beast! Immaculate condition. I had a 87 Monte Carlo, with a 5.0. That was no match for a GNX. I don’t remember the cabin being so centrally located on the car. I thought the rear deck was a little shorter. I was wrong. Whose got an extra $115,000 laying around that I could borrow?
That was the car to have in the mid eighties, if you didn’t mind paying over the 30k sticker price . Most dealers had high mark ups on them . There was nothing quicker until the 1990 Corvette ZR1 with the mercury marine built aluminum v8 pumping out 380 horses. But nowadays they’re not really that fast considering how many high powered cars today would easily blow them away. I had one for over 10 years and kind of missed it until I bought my 2019 ATS V. Way faster, much better handling and an interior that’s so much better.
Sorry. I guess you missed the 1989 Pontiac 20th Anniversary Trans Am Pace car. It was quicker, plus had a suspension that was originally developed for Australian road racing. Brakes were 4 wheel disc. It’s like having a Grand National that could actually stop and steer! But I can turn my own wrenches, so I don’t have to live with what manufacturers make. I can make it faster and better with aftermarket parts. My motto is: stock is boring because there are so many restored examples out there – and TOO slow.
Another lineup of rwd cars that GM killed with fwd wannabe vehicles.
‘Saving’ a car instead of enjoying it, is like saving your girlfriend for the next guy!