GNX #254  9,270 miles

1987, Buick introduced the GNX at $29,000. Produced by McLaren/ASC, Buick underrated the GNX at 276 hp (206 kW) and a very substantial 360 lb·ft (488 N·m) of torque. This was created so as to be “Grand National to end all Grand Nationals,” as the next model year converted the chassis to front-wheel drive, which Buick engineers admitted would not be able to put down that much power. Changes made included a special Garrett turbocharger with a ceramic-impeller blowing through a more efficient intercooler and a specially coated up pipe. A GNX specific EEPROM, low-restriction exhaust with dual mufflers, reprogrammed Turbo Hydramatic 200-4R transmission with a custom torque converter and transmission cooler, and unique differential cover/panhard bar included more of the performance modifications. Exterior styling changes include vents located on each front fender, 16 inch black mesh style wheels with VR-speed rated tires, and deletion of the hood and fender emblems. The interior changes of the GNX included a serial number on the dash plaque and a revised instrument cluster providing analog Stewart-Warner gauges, including an analog turbo boost gauge. The GNX was claimed as the fastest production sedan ever built at that time. The GNX had a ladder bar that ran from the mid-section of the car to the rear axle, so as to increase traction.

 The Buick GNX was GM’s fastest production sedan ever and remains among Detroit’s quickest and most collectible vehicles of all time. It was created to commemorate the final production run of the Buick Grand National. It’s a little bolder in appearance and it has considerable mechanical improvements. 1987 was the only production year and 547 were made, all optioned identically with a serialized plaque on the dash.

In a collaboration between Buick and ASC/McLaren, Grand Nationals were assembled at the Buick assembly line and brought to ASC for the conversion. The 547 were allocated to dealerships based on their previous sales. The word was out that the GNX was even faster than the Grand National so dealerships enjoyed marking them up well above their sticker price of $29,290.
Some famous customers were Burt Reynolds, Reggie Jackson, and Charles Schwab.

Since everyone knew the GNX was a collector car, a sizeable share were purchased on speculation. Many are still in garages across the country with almost no miles on them. Others were treated like any daily driver, built into track cars, or even wrecked.
No idea how many are left, but you probably won’t encounter one outside a car show.