About the Buick Grand National Parts and Accessories

The Grand National was first introduced as a mid-year model 1982-1/2. They made only 215. They were powered by a 4.1 litre V-6 engine, all were painted two-tone grey and a large "BUICK" decal appeared on both rear quarter panels. In 1983 no Grand Nationals were produced. In 1984 the Grand National was revived and made through late 1987... all were solid black.

The 1984 and 1985 Grand Nationals came equipped with the new 3.8 litre SFI turbo engine, which made 200 HP and 300 ft/lbs of torque. They would run the quarter mile in the mid-15's.

The 1986-1987 Grand Nationals had an upgraded version of the 1984-1985 turbo engine. They came with an intercooler, upgraded plenum, intake manifold and a few other improvements to produce 245 HP and 355 ft/lbs of torque. The horsepower numbers were slightly underrated; on a cool day, they may be as high as 270 HP. Because of increased demands for the 1987 model Turbo Regal, specifically the Grand National, Buick built an additional 10,000 Grand Nationals past the normal end of the model year. Production continued through December of 1987.

A little known related fact was in 1986 Buick released another Grand National based on the new LeSabre front-wheel drive platform and only 112 were made. (We were surprised to find that various Buick books do not agree on the production figure for the Grand National LeSabres. We have seen both 112 and 117 in print.) They were only offered in black, the power plant was the 3.8 engine (but it was not turbocharged) and these are now the rarest Grand Nationals. Lacking a turbocharger, the package was basically a cosmetic package on a black LeSabre coupe with an unique Grand National emblem of its own.

All Grand Nationals do NOT have posi-traction rear ends. The 1986-1987 GN steel mag wheel looked identical to an earlier Riviera wheel except for the offset. In 1987 the Turbo Buick Grand National was "fastest U.S. production car built" among the U.S. production cars, including the 1987 Corvette. That's why you would see the phrase 'We brake for Corvettes!" used with some aftermarket promotional items. Buick also used the phrase "B-B-B-Bad-to-the-Bone!" in their promotions and advertising, including a catchy television commercial.

PRODUCTION FIGURES -

1982-1/2 - 215 Grand Nationals
1983 - 0 Grand Nationals
1984 - 2,000 Grand Nationals
1986 - 5,512 Grand Nationals and 112 non-turbo LeSabre Grand Nationals
1987 - 20,194 Grand Nationals

For more detailed information and photos, check out our popular 400-page book, "Kirban's Guide to 1986 and 1987 Buick Turbo Regals," Part #6757.

So, whatever model sits in your garage, browse our large selection of parts to help make your 1986 or 1987 Grand National something special.