Buick Grand National
From 1984 - 1987
These were truly the years of the Grand National. During this time were the first of the turbocharged, fuel injected, all black Regal that set the pace for several years. Buick produced 2,000 Grand Nationals that year while still producing the T-Type (3,401 units). The horsepower was increased to 200 hp, mainly from the addition of fuel injection.
In 1985 Grand Nationals and T-Types remained much the same. The only changes were the front grille, the new style air deflector and the new style oil pan. The engine and horsepower remained the same and 2,102 GN's were produced as well as 2,100 T-Types.
1986 produced two different Grand Nationals! However they were not turbocharged. The Buick LeSabre Grand National (limited to 112 units). This is quite a rare beast!
By 1986 The Buick Regal Grand Nationals were gaining in popularity. The GN's and T-Types were storming the Drag strips. Horsepower was increased to 235hp and 330 ft. lbs. torque thanks largely to a new addition. an Intercooler. Buick manufactured 5,512 GN's and 2,384 T-Types.
Grand Nationals and T-Types were becoming VERY popular. Buick sold more Turbo Regals in 1987 than any other year except 1978. Buick also offered the Turbo V6 engine in other Regals too. The Base Regal and the Regal limited. The T-Type was no longer available, but, The was a new package, the "Turbo-T" was given the the option name,"WE4". These cars were lighter than the Grand Nationals.
Very few changes to the Grand National that year. The front grille was all black and received a "Buick" emblem. The horsepower increase to 245 hp and the torque went to 355 ft. lbs. With that kind of horsepower its easy to understand why they were blowing the doors off most anything on the road (this is still true today)! Unfortunately, 1987 was the last year of the Grand Nationals, Turbo-T's. This was the last for the rear-wheel drive cars for Buick.
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