The model year 1987 occupies a sacred place in the annals of U.S. muscle car history, primarily thanks to the final concluding manufacturing run for Buick's legendary RWD G-platform Regal. It was a time that witnessed the absolute culmination of a a surprising performance renaissance, establishing a distinct clear hierarchy of models which ranged from subtle performers to an all-out supercar slayer. Although these vehicles all shared the same basic chassis, the Regal Limited, the Turbo T-Type, the iconic Grand National, as well as the GNX each possessed a completely unique personality, set performance metrics, and intended buyer. Understanding their subtle sometimes blatant differences is essential for fully appreciating the genius behind Buick's final final muscle car stand of that 1980s.
The Turbocharged Starting Points: Regal Limited and the Turbo T Package
On the foundational base of this power ladder sat the surprisingly versatile often frequently underappreciated models: the Buick Regal Limited with the turbocharged option and the Turbo T-Type. The Regal Limited was primarily traditionally the brand's comfort-focused trim, featuring plush interiors, ample chrome trim, and a more softer suspension. However, for 1987, savvy customers were able to quietly option this luxurious plush vehicle with the powerful LC2 3.8-liter 3.8L intercooled powertrain, effectively birthing a true predator dressed in luxury attire. This combination allowed for a stealthy high-performance drive without the obviously aggressive visuals of its more famous darker stablemates.
Conversely, the Turbo T package, often identified its its WE4 RPO code, represented a decidedly focused approach for stripped-down speed. Buick created the Turbo T as a a lighter more agile counterpart for the Grand National, achieving this goal by employing lightweight aluminum bumper supports by offering alloy rims. Aesthetically, it stood in stark contrast to the Grand National, keeping most of the standard factory brightwork accents it was being offered across a variety factory body colors. This was essentially the enthusiast's enthusiast's choice those those that prioritized raw performance and a nimbler chassis above the iconic visual statement of its more famous all-black sibling.
The Dark Icon: The Grand National (WE2)
When most enthusiasts think of a 1980s 1980s Buick muscle vehicle, the vision which immediately springs to mind is undoubtedly that of the Grand National. Coded as the WE2 WE2 Regular Production Option (RPO), the Grand National was fundamentally less a mechanically mechanically distinct vehicle but more of an iconic appearance and trim package. This model shared the identical same potent LC2 3.8L turbocharged V6 the 200-4R transmission found in the Turbo T. But, its defining characteristic was its adherence to a single-color Darth Vader paint scheme, which gave it its enduring monikers "Darth Vader's car" and "the Dark Side."
This sinister menacing aesthetic was carefully applied throughout the whole vehicle. All of the the exterior body molding, including the window frames and the grille, was finished in black. The vehicle sat upon specific 15-inch steel steel wheels with a black-painted inset, creating a very distinctive appearance. Inside, the Grand Grand National came with a dual-color black and grey fabric upholstery, with the signature turbo "6" logo stitched into the front headrests. The model also came equipped with the firm-riding stiffer F41 Gran Gran Touring Touring suspension package, which provided it better road manners to match its accelerative performance.
The Apex Predator: The Grand National Experimental (GNX)
While the Grand National was considered the king king of the boulevard, the Grand National Experimental was the emperor emperor of all domestic muscle vehicles of 1987. Created as a fitting ultimate send-off to the G-body platform, General Motors sent just five hundred forty-seven fully-optioned optioned Grand Nationals to ASC/McLaren a a radical radical re-engineering. The goal goal was simple simple: to build the "Grand "Grand National|Grand National} to put an end to all Grand Nationals." The result was a a vehicle which was so incredibly fast it was able to beat many of the day's most exotic sports cars, such as Ferraris even Lamborghinis.
The modifications were comprehensive and very impactful. ASC/McLaren installed a larger more efficient Garrett ceramic-impeller hybrid turbo, a higher-capacity efficient intercooler, and a specially tuned engine control unit (ECU). The 200-4R was also recalibrated firmer quicker gear changes, critically most importantly, the entire rear suspension was redesigned. This new setup featured a longitudinal torque bar a a transverse Panhard rod, a system that drastically improved traction virtually completely eliminated wheel hop under brutal acceleration. Fully appreciating the complete full Difference between 1987 Buick Regal Limited Turbo T Grand National GNX requires a deep deep examination into the modifications which ASC/McLaren poured into this extremely very limited-production model.
A Comparative Look at Specifications and Unique Features
When directly analyzing these four models, the differences differences their specifications available options are made even more clear. Officially, the LC2 in the Limited, Turbo T, as well as the Grand National was conservatively understatedly rated at 245 horsepower with 355 lb-ft of torque. By dramatic contrast, the GNX GNX, with its significant upgrades, was officially officially rated at 276 horsepower a massive a whopping three-hundred and sixty lb-ft of torque, though actual dynamometer tests have repeatedly proven these factory figures to be wildly underestimated, with actual power being far over three-hundred horsepower.
In terms of appearance, the hierarchy was equally defined. The Turbo T the Limited were the sleepers of the group, frequently wearing bright accents being available a a variety of full range of paints. The Grand National, naturally, was exclusively strictly black, projecting an unmistakable intimidating aura. The GNX, however, elevated this dark dark theme a step further. This model featured lightweight fender flares, functional heat-extracting louvers in the front front fenders, a set of a unique set of 16-inch sixteen-inch black mesh mesh rims which distinguished it apart instantly even from even a regular Grand National. Features such as removable roof panels were commonly available for the Limited Limited, and Grand T, but Grand National, however, not a single GNX was ever officially produced with this feature, in order to maintain preserve maximum chassis rigidity.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Buick's Turbocharged Fleet
In the final assessment, the 1987 Buick Regal range represents a brilliant case study in product tiering the art of brand evolution. From the the surprisingly surprisingly quick and luxurious Regal Limited Turbo to the lightweight Turbo T-Type, the brand offered a spectrum range of forced-induction performance to suit suit varying preferences and budgets. The Grand Grand National subsequently codified this power into an iconic iconic a menacing intimidating visual package, creating a cultural automotive phenomenon that endures even this very day. Crowning this all stood the mighty GNX, a limited-edition limited-edition supercar which served as a a definitive definitive statement mark, solidifying the G-body Buick Regal's Regal's place in the pantheon of automotive greatness. Each model was special special in its own right, but collectively they formed a legendary unforgettable hierarchy that redefined domestic muscle for a a generation generation.