Buick Grand National Experimental Review // The Demon Of The ‘80s 

The only american car people don't flame you for having a V6 and not a V8

As a Buick GN owner, this video started and I said IMMEDIATELY “Jesus, I wonder if they know how much the jacket it worth” and, well, answered 😂🤣. Nicely done.

Even 36 years later a fine looking automobile with amazing from-the-factory stance.

My uncle bought one brand new in 1987. Came over and picked me and my dad up that day and took us for a drive. 10 years old and I fell in love with them. My uncle still has it and it's spotless. He now has 2 regular grand Nationals and drive them while the gnx sits on a loft in a heated and cooled pole barn. I have 2 cousins that have grand Nationals cause of my uncle. These cars played a big part in our childhoods.

With me turning 16 years old in 1985 the Grand National and the GNX were phenomenal cars. We had just been through the extreme loss of power of cars because of new emissions standards which KILLED horsepower so the performance of these cars were a remarkable accomplishment. My cousin had a 1986 Grand National and we were going to a RATT concert. We had 5 people in the car and the air conditioning on and we met a 1986 Mustang GT at a red light and we left him in the dust. Those cars were amazing for their time and you really had to grow up during that era to really appreciate them!

it’s so damn cool that technology has come to a point where a couple super talented regular guys can put together one hell of a weekly car show without millions of dollars in production costs and a major network or streaming service backing it thanks for all you guys do and keep ‘em comin

I purchased a 1987 Regal T-Type brand new. It's basically a lighter Gran National. Same engine and suspension. Stock it ran the 1/4 mile in 14.699 seconds at 2700 feet (Los Angeles County Raceway- LACR). With the addition of a modified computer chip, and a 160 degree thermostat it covered the 1/4 mile in 14.19. It was a blast. The GNX was awsome. Thanks for the memories.

2 Notes: The seatbelts of this era predate pre-tensioning and inertial locking. I remember using them as a kid. They have 2 modes: Tug on them once to lock it into a given length (probably pretty dangerous, which is why they stopped doing it), tug on them again to get the spring retracting. The spring was kind of strong, so sometimes it would cut into my neck as a short kid, and I'd take a break by locking them a little loose. I remember the first car I sat in after this era in 1990. I kept trying to lock the seatbelt by pulling on it, but I couldn't. At least we were relieved that the springs were much weaker. The new type would lock when inertia swung a weight far forwards or back, as if in a collision or heavy braking. That steering column (and blinker stalk) is called the "Saginaw column" due to it's city of origin as well as manufacturer. GM produced them from 1963 until the early 2000s. My 1998 Trans Am has one. The "breaking plastic" feel of the blinker stalk is actually a metal spring inside the center of the column. It is super durable; I only had to service it once after more than 200,000 miles--and it was the metal lever arm that broke and not the blinker mechanism. What I like about them, is that it is very easy to release every time you get out of the car and set it back when you sit down, since there are only 7 height settings, and the wheel springs to the highest one when you pull the stalk behind the blinkers. Bonus: That the GNX would outrun a Countach 0-60 back in 1987 was HUGE. Look at the Countach. It's all engine. The entire chassis is built around a gigantic, mid-mounted V-12. You can't even see out the back of it, you have to sit on the door sill to reverse the thing. Consider that the Malaise Era was still coming to an end, and muscle cars still made under 200 HP. And this Turbo Buick was faster than a purpose-built supercar--while rocking La-Z-Boy recliners and a back seat, not to mention the huge trunk. And all for $79,447 in 2023 dollars. It was the Model S plaid of its day.

The memories! I graduated high school in 1987, and my neighbor across the street had an '85 Grand National. Also, he loved doing burnouts. So many burnouts. Even as a teenager I thought it was too many burnouts. Well, too many for a residential street. 😜

7:44 Those were the advertised numbers mandated by GM to not outshine the Corvette. The GNX actually makes 300hp & 400 torque.

I worked for a Buick dealer in '87 and got to drive one before the customer picked it up. I was a car nut since I was about 8 or 9 years old and this was an awesome experience! Their were so many modifications to these by Mclaren they came with 2 owners manuals. They had an extra body brace behind the back seat which was a W shaped sheet metal brace to stiffen the chassis, larger turbo and intercooler, wider wheels and tires and most dealers sold them with extra markup over sticker price. The horsepower and torque were underrated!

One of my best memories of this car was seeing one sitting at a 2 lane red light back in the day. I was in the parking lot of a 7-11 watching it when a fox body Mustang 5.0 from the era comes comes rolling to the light in the open lane. The light is about to change to green, and the Ford driver absolutely nails the timing, but so does the Buick driver. Before the cars reach the other side of the intersection the GNX is already ahead. 😲😲

This channel just keeps delivering and delivery, honestly mind boggled by the quality of the production, thank you guys for being literally the best car channel out here

As a non-American now living in the US, I never really knew these cars or lusted after them. But now, looking back, these are some seriously cool rides. As Thomas mentioned in previous videos, it's hard to quantify or judge "cool," but this car just oozes cool all over. The turbo flutter is amazing and I'd compare it to the whine of a modern Hellcat in how pleasant that is.

It was back in 1997 that I run into a Gran National club in Sacramento drag way. I had a Toyota Supra Mkiv with a single turbo and this guys was so cool helping out dialed in my new transplant turbo. The fastest GN that night run 7.89 sec in quarter mile. I learned so much from them.

My buddies cousin had a GNX back when it was new, it was his daily driver. It was cool but at the time we never realized what the car would become. I got my GN 20 years later, made it a daily for nice weather days but don't drive it much anymore. Driving it makes me feel like I'm on a parade float, so many people are looking at it.

I was a car nut in high school in the mid 80's. There was a guy who owned a cottage in the area who had a Grand National GNX. My buddies and I went to check it out. I feel like "normal" people who weren't into cars didn't realize what a monster this thing was.

GNX, Turbo TA and the Syclone were amazing vehicles.

I was a junior in high school when GNX came out. It truly was a sensation. Still a good looking car

My parents had 1986 Grand National. Although not a GNX, it was their absolute favorite car to just drive, and I can see why. Only available in black, only came with one power plant, and just a monster for the time period. My only regret is that it was me (and my twin whom we were born in ‘87) that forced them to sell the GN for something else. 😢I’ve always loved these cars because of the history it had with my family and always longed to have one for myself in the present day. Cheers my friends!

As a child I wanted one of these! Searched for them at every cruise and car show. Owning an 86 Grand National is probably the closest I'll get to a GNX & I'm pretty happy with that.

As a Chicagoan who grew up in the 70’s and 80’s and a car nut - these were all the rage and were serious contenders! That’s a gorgeous example of a GNX!!

I still own my 1987 Grand National. Bought it in 2001. I slightly modded it with tasteful mods like a larger turbo, injectors, larger intercooler and fuel pump. The car ran a string of mid 11 second 1/4 mile times with alky injection. It looks stock on the outside, but humbles most modern muscle cars on the street. It's a fun toy that garners attention everywhere i drive it, even when I pull into a gas station. And BTW, police seem to like it a lot also as they always seem to pull out and follow me. It's a keeper..

You guys are making an amazing Top Gear-esque car show. Really really well done, and you totally nailed the length and format.

276 doesn’t sound like much but y’all gotta remember this was an era where lots of OEMs were drastically underrating their power figures. dynos revealed this thing made closer to 350RWHP/420RWTQ, and that was unheard of at the time.

$30k seemed like a lot for a souped-up Regal/Monte Carlo/Cutlass in 1987, but there was nothing else like this car coming out of Detroit at the time. Kudos to the entire Throttle House team for yet another great video. Thomas and James are always fun to watch!

I had two friends in HS that were brothers. One had a GN the other a Syclone. Their dad sent them to Lingenfelter for tuning and mods. We loved launching those in the church parking lot. Love these vehicles.

As someone who grew up in the time period, I knew how the GNX was lusted after by many, turbo charged intercooled uncommon buzzwords for the time. I also worked in a shop that modified Grand nationals and can verify that they could be made 😀 10 or 11 second quarter mile capable easily. As a long-term subscriber, 1st time commenting on your channel I truly enjoy your style, the banter and the honesty without being scornful or disrespectful to the subjects being reviewed. I eagerly the next notification.

The first fast car I ever rode in was a Buick Grand National with a bigger turbo. Pushed me in my seat, the T-tops were whistling, we were approaching 100 mph on a country road, and I was hooked.

I graduated from high school in the mid-80s. I had a friend at the time whose dad was a Buick dealer and he drove a Grand National. It was really unique at the time and could even break the tires loose downshifting on the highway. As for burnouts, the cars could just eat rear tires. I have a soft spot in my heart for these cars. Too bad GM shutdown the Buick performance division. For a "pristine" example, it's too bad the headliner is coming down.

Man! With Legit Street Cars having a grand national series and now this!!! Life is good on RU-vid!

Back in 2016 I took a young lady out in my 1987 GN (it was my parents growing up, 8k miles) in West Palm Beach. I left it with a valet and they left it with the Porsche’s, Lamborghini’s and Ferrari’s. When we came back there were more people hovering around it then those other cars and one gentleman got out of his Ferrari or Lambo and was explaining what it was to his date. It was wild. I have a garage with it and my 993 and Lotus and it is always the car they want to see. It is an icon.

The key to 4.5 sec times with these cars is to front load the turbo by hitting the brake and throttle until it hits the torque converter's limit to build up boost. Then release the brakes and let it go. Car and Driver did that with the 20th Anniversary Trans Am, which had this same engine, and consistently did 4.5 sec. It's also rumored to have made more than 300 hp, not 275.

You had a good point about this being like the Dodge Demon, because the GNX was rare, and based on a commonplace Buick Regal, and it carried serious weight as a giant-killer in the day. It is important to preface this car with the nightmare that most "performance" cars were in the mid-late 70's, where you had The Ford Mustang Cobra II, with it's 302ci(4.9L) V8 making a whopping 139HP! 1986/87 was a watershed time where the reinvigorated Mustang, Corvette, and even Buick restored the dignity of American performance cars. And the GNX was the leader of the pack.

The fact that James knows about the Woodward Dream Cruise! Made my day!

I graduated in 1986. This car and the Grand National are legends. This is the car everyone wanted in high school. It was the car that would smoke the Mustang’s, Camaro’s, Trans Am’s and Corvettes. But, not many even got a GN. They were higher price than all the cars mentioned. They we big money for their time. But, also a big performer for their day. I wouldn’t have one today because cars have come so far and there is so many that will beat it today. But, for it’s day it was very special and anyone in their teens at that time know how and why this car was so special.

This car was legendary when I was a teenager. It was a tap on the shoulder to all the Corvette and Mustang guys... A very impressive piece for its time.

My first car I purchased was a 81 Buick Regal back in 1986. The Grand National was on my radar; but, waaaay out of my price range as a college student. The Taurus SHO was another car that was high on my list back then.

Great seeing a legend on the show. Would love seeing a few more classics throughout the year.

Well put. The GNX really was the Dodge Demon of the 80's

I am just thrilled that you guys have been doing reviews of domestic cars and SUV's in the last year or so. They often get overlooked by a lot of channels... I never owned a GN or Regal for that matter, but I was trying to create a sleeper out of a 1978 Mercury Zephyr 2-DR sedan that was pretty much a Mustang GT Cobra front to back under the unassuming copper metallic brown grandpa body...

With everything going on right now, we'll have regrets for things we did not participate in...Investment should always be on any creative man's heart for success in life.

As someone who's mother and Grandfather both had Buicks when I was a kid (mom had an 85 Century Limited and Grandad had an 87 Regal Presidential), I can say that the headliner issue is 1000 percent accurate 😂

There's a guy in my hometown who still has one of these in mint condition that he takes insane care of. In all the years I lived near him, I've never seen it leave the garage. Pretty he bought it new.

You gotta give the seatbelts a quick tugg to tension them. Old school

Yep bought my national back in 87 in my old navy day's and still own that car till this day and loving it every day !

the 80s soundtrack playing throughout the video makes this even more awesome to watch. great content, guys!

My high school dream car. We had several turbo Buicks running around back then.

This is, and always has been my ultimate dream car.. I don’t even need a gnx special version. Just a grand national.. one of the coolest cars of all time

GNX had a stock GN motor with a ceramic impeller turbo with a larger intercooler neck and tuning. Completely redesigned rear suspension.

I used to Loathe these because it smoked my IROC-Z on the regular. Lol. Then... now looking back I drool in appreciation of this American story of early horsepower and racing that evolved into today's street and track scene. 😎🇺🇲🙏

I graduated from high school in 1987 and I remember this car vividly. NOTHING & I mean nothing came close to this in terms of performance. Thanks for taking me down memory lane.

My uncle owned one of these back in the late 80s when i was growing up. I have some fond memories of being picked up and driven around to the local "cumberland farms" for some candy, baseball games, and family parties. This car and my other uncle who drove a fox body at the time i have some awesome memories of being driven around in them as a kid. The last min or so in this video perfectly explains everything on about why we choose and enjoy certain cars for whatever particular reason. They are indeed *time capsules* to our lives as we grow to fall in love with them and nostalgia sets in...(each one) truly priceless.

All 80s GM turn signals felt like you were snapping a chicken bone. Cool Buick! Remember cars, Buick?

As a proud owner of a 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Classic I always enjoy when a G body gets any sort of love.

Great video as usual, guys. Brings back memories of my dad’s ‘85 GN. Got to drive it a couple times with him when I was 15. Wish he kept it!

I think that for most of the younger crowd that love this beast (like myself) is because it’s in many racing video games. In 2005, a fully modded GNX was always my go-to on Forza Motorsport.

This car was an absolute beast and a god back in the day, and who better to do this car review than the two guys that do car reviews like no other? Thomas and James.......that's who!! 🔥

Amazing car. I owned a 1987 regular grand national and that was epic. I have only seen 1 real GNX in person my whole life.

Perspective is everything ! Having lived and loved the 80's , it was such a disastrous time for anything performance oriented . The GN's and (if you were lucky) GNX's were a breath of unexpected fresh air . 1987 was their peak year . We gearheads were starving for something exciting . The GN's delivered that . 40 years later they're still cool and very much sought after .

Yes, worth it. This car came out in my senior year. There’s one out there today is pumping 1000 hp with twin turbos.

It would be amazing if GM came out with a new Grand National using the CT4-V Blackwing motor.

This car, IROCs, Fox Body Mustangs, and the Mark VII LSC were among my favorite cars from the 1980s.

The GM G-body cars of this era were good. Good looks, solid engines (well, the 3.8), nice interiors, comfortable, roomy, okay gas mileage. And so relaxing to drive and ride in.

The Regal, Grand National, Monte Carlo, and the Cutlass Supreme all had similar styling. But if all four were sitting parked in a drive through burger spot, the crowd would definitely hover over the Grand National...what a great piece of Americana

You guys never stopped smiling throughout the drive ... that's a success right there.

Nice segment. You talked so much about the rear end, I'm surprised you didn't show the special differential setup only found on a GNX. You should see if you can get your hands on a 1970 Buick GSX (preferably a Stage 1). It did the same thing at the height of the first muscle car era.

We had a Grand National when I was younger. My dad sold his Corvette and bought it. I was like why?? Then we went for a rip and it clicked...well more like a rubber band, it snapped... and I was sold on this badass beast. Will always have a place in my heart! Great one guys!

The EARLY DEMON . You nailed it. In 1990 - throw $2k in parts at this car or any GN and you're knocking on 10 second quarter mile times. Low 11's was easy. It wasn't the stock performance that sold this car , it was the simple mods that made this a Street God 😎

My dad used to own #352. I have some fond memories as a kid riding in that beast. Miss that car.

This is one of the cars I dreamed of when it came out. I wanted one of these way more than a Corvette or Mustang. Thanks for the trip down memory lane!

Enjoying the variety in your channel! Although I personally don't have a direct interest in the Grand National, as a car guy I have been aware of them, and enjoy learning more so I can better appreciate them when I see them at car shows or on the track. So in addition to the entertainment factor; I felt I had to watch this episode because of this car's place in the car enthusiast world, vs some newer cars you occasionally review that I'm somewhat ambivalent about, and would consider skipping/delaying a viewing. All this to say, keep doing what you're doing, and don't shy away from less mainstream cars. Also, whom better to deliver the facts than the greatest car reviewing team on RU-vid! Thanks y'all!

Drove a Grand National in 89 - I was in high school. I raced someone and destroyed them. These cars are quick even by today's standards. In cold temps they can do 60 in 5 or less. They are so iconic! Get one now while they're still affordable...!

I remember these, the Syclone, the Typhoon and the 20th anniversary Trans Am, all had similar turbocharged V6 motors

When I was a teen my family was friendly with the owner of a Buick store and they let me test drive a GNX. The car supposedly went 0-to 60 in 4,5 seconds, in reality it went 0-15 in 3 seconds and 15-60 in 1.5! It was wild. After it got going it had the punch of a 911 Turbo I later owned.

I was not expecting this upload today! I never thought I’d see my favorite RU-vid reviewers review a GNX! I thoroughly enjoyed seeing your perspectives from an outsiders point of view that weren’t around these cars all the time back in the 80s/90s. A modern set of tires and a set of Bilstein shocks would make that GNX really enjoyable in the twisty mountain roads at a moderately quick pace. The cinematography and overall feel of the video were very high quality and as a complete Grand National nut that has owned mine since I was 16 you did the car justice. They should probably fix that headliner at that asking price though ;) Thanks!

Love the GNX. I also love its spiritual successor, Cadillac ATS-V/CT4-V Blackwing. Even the more recent Supercharged and turbocharged Regal GS's were cool. Buick should make cars again.

As an American, the Grand National and GNX are legends. They were bright, shining stars in the middle of the malaise era that consumed and destroyed so many of the country's most iconic cars. That, and the fact that it's a Buick that actually managed to be cool adds on top of the coolness and makes it even better.

Catching that sundown orange on the brake discs... That shot is perfect. 17:05

The GNX has always been my 80's dream car. I'm glad to see it on your channel.

I experienced my first Burnout in a GN. College 1989, my buddy Sean had his father's GN on campus and went for a ride. Was in love with American muscle cars of the 60's 70s before, but this was a cool car.

Oh god! Im so glad you guys are doing real muscle! I’d love to see a Pontiac Trans Am next! this is hands down my favorite review for the last 3 years! Good job guys!

I was an old Buick guy back in the day! I owned 3 1987 Turbo Buicks, one modified and 2 stock. They are fun modified! 600HP is easy if you know what your doing.

Ever since the Grand Tour came to an end in its original format, I've looked to you guys for fun automotive content like this. The fact that you've just done a review of one of my all time top 3 favorite cars is the icing on the cake. Sincerely, thank you.

You guys are killing it. I've scraped your channel so hard your 4 year old videos are starting to show up in my feed. I've watch lots of your videos several times and I look forward to the new stuff. I love the balance of info and joking around (James, "You look like my grandmother's boyfriend" was hilarious). Keep up the good work.

Loved this video! You should do more classic cars like this. I'm not a fan of them myself but you guys always manage to make it interesting and have me wanting to watch. It's truly an education and it's fun to learn about other cars besides the usual stuff we see. It's what makes you guys stand out from everyone else on RU-vid and I admire and love that about this channel.

Thanks for reviewing this cool nostalgic car! I definitely remember it from my childhood.

I have an 85 Monte Carlo and my son has an 86 Buick Regal. And yes heads turn and you actually see people gasp when you drive by. They are things of beauty. America's Golden Days- sadly memories are all we have.

This is one of the greatest muscle cars of all time, it was a treat to watch, thank you guys

To really appreciate the Buick name, you really should try out a vintage Riviera. Comfort, classic lines, and thanks to the quite large V8 under the hood, provides quite impressive performance.

Keep doing stuff like this. Obviously, judging by the view count I’m not the only one that loves this stuff.

Love the video! A few months ago one of my 20-something sales agents asked me what kind of performance cars were driving around when I was his age in the 1980's. I gave him a very simple reply: The Buick Regal Grand National's ruled the streets! I saw many a drag race (street racing and at the track) back then involving Buick Regal Grand Nationals and those cars simply didn't lose. They looked sinister and cool! They were easy to modify and made even faster accelerating! The GNX didn't have t-tops so they were easy to distinguish from a distance although they were a bit rare to see. When Pontiac stuck that turbo V-6 in a Firebird in 1989 it made that car a solid 160mph capable machine! Yes, the GNX is a muscle car Legend.

I love how James comes in as the intro buzz kill 😂 don’t want to ruin your schtick hahaha

Used to see a lot of these when I was growing up. Didn't think much of them back then obviously. But now it's like "Damn. Those look pretty badass" Love the sound of it.

Spring of 1995 as a young Marine stationed in Camp Lejeune NC I went to the local Jeep dealership in hopes to purchase a Wrangler. Walking around the lot I see a 1987 Grand National with T-Tops pull in and when the driver gets out he is greeted by a salesman that tells him his jeep will be ready shortly. I ask him your trading in your GN for a Wrangler and he says yes. He has had the car since it was purchased by his dad off the showroom floor and he has the complete maitnace records for the GN. I grab the salesman that was helping me and say I want to take this on a test drive and after that I purchased it later that day. This was my first car purchased and it will forever hold a special place in my heart.

I remember as a kid and going with my dad to look at them at the Buick dealer. I wanted one so bad that and the Monte Carlo SS. Sigh. Amazing video, as always, guys.

I wanted this car so bad in High School. Wasn't terribly unhappy catching a ride in my friends 1969 SS 396 Chevelle though until I bought a new 1988 Toyota 4x4. Those GNX were pretty big money back then for a high school kid. Now you two need to drive a nice same era Mustang SVO. Same theme of a turbo car that was quicker than the V8.

I am so shocked, yet extremely happy you guys were able to review this car. This is one of my dream cars. And it is like you said it is a demon car of its time. Its all-black paint, even at a standstill, it looks menacingly. Ready to devour any car that dares to race it.

Jay Leno had this exact car on several years ago! This is a true CLASSIC!! Thanks guys, for all you do

The Grand National was.the car I wanted most in high school! Damn I'm old, but still its the original sleeper! And blew the doors off any V8 at the time.