what's the difference between the grand national and the gnx?

Question

Accepted Answer

Great question! The **GNX** (the 'X' stands for "Grand National Experimental") is essentially a supercar-grade evolution of the Grand National, built in partnership with **ASC/McLaren Performance Technologies** as a special send-off for 1987.

Here are the key differences:

**Performance & Engineering:**
The '87 Grand National already has a stout 3.8L turbo V6 with **245 hp and 355 lb-ft** of torque—plenty quick! But the GNX takes things much further. ASC/McLaren swapped in a larger Garrett T-3 turbo with a ceramic impeller for quicker spooling, a more efficient intercooler, less restrictive exhaust, and a custom-programmed computer. Buick officially claimed **276 hp and 360 lb-ft**, but in reality these cars made **over 300 hp and a massive 420 lb-ft** of torque. That's enough to hit 0-60 in about **4.6 seconds** versus the GN's 6.1 seconds—fast enough to embarrass Ferraris and Corvettes of the era.

The GNX also got a completely reworked rear suspension with a ladder bar and Panhard rod to put all that power to the pavement without wheel hop—something the standard GN struggled with under hard acceleration.

**Visual Differences:**
At a glance, both are all-black coupes, but the GNX has subtle telltales:
- **Functional heat-extracting vents** on the front fenders (the GN doesn't have these)
- **Fender flares** to accommodate wider 16-inch black mesh wheels (GN has 15-inch aluminum wheels)
- **No hood or fender emblems** on the GNX
- **Stewart-Warner analog gauges** instead of the GN's digital dash
- A **numbered plaque** on the dash (1-547)

**Rarity & Value:**
This is where it gets interesting from a collector perspective:
- **Grand National** (1982-1987): ~20,000+ produced in 1987 alone, with an average sale price around **$50,000** on Classic.com
- **GNX**: Only **547 units** ever made in 1987, with an average sale price around **$180,000** (top sales reaching $300K+)

So the GNX is essentially a low-production, factory-tuned supercar-killer that commands a massive premium today. The good news? The Grand National you're looking at is still a fantastic car with the same sinister blacked-out look and plenty of turbo punch!

**Learn more about the markets:**
- [Buick Grand National Market](https://classic.com/m/buick/regal/2nd-gen/grand-national/)
- [Buick GNX Market](https://classic.com/m/buick/regal/2nd-gen/gnx/)

Would you like me to see if there are any GNX vehicles currently available for sale, or do you have more questions about the Grand National you're looking at?

Lot 9075: 1987 Buick Regal Grand National

Classic cars

Cars for sale

Resources

Lot 9075: 1987 Buick Regal Grand National

Become a CLASSIC Insider