Buick Regal

The Buick Regal was a mid-sized automobile produced by Buick in the United States between the 1973 and 2004 model years. During this period, Buick also used the Century name on mid-size models and the two frequently shared bodies and powertrains.

Downsizing, racing & repositioning

A downsized Regal appeared for 1978, and with it a surprising new powerplant, a turbocharged version of Buick's venerable 231 in³ (3.8L) V6. This car and engine would run for 9 years, and eventually give the Regal something it had never had before--a reputation for performance. Nevertheless, the smaller personal luxury market was the car's real target, and it competed well there not only against its GM stablemates but against downsized versions of the Chrysler Cordoba and Ford Thunderbird.

Related Topics:
Chrysler Cordoba - Ford Thunderbird

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Regal developments came thick and fast in the 80s. A facelift in 1981 produced a much more aerodynamic profile and made it possible for the car to compete on the NASCAR racing circuit, where it enjoyed several decent seasons. V-8's for street use were still around, but had shrunk to 265 in³ (4.3L), and V6's were rapidly gaining ground. In 1982, a new Century appeared on a front wheel drive chassis, but the former rear wheel drive Century sedan and wagon were not discontinued. These models were were simply rebadged as Regals, and for the first time the name appeared on a full model lineup.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Grand National and GNX

T-Type Regal coupes, aimed at the performance market, appeared at this time, but the real news came in 1982, when the Regal Grand National appeared. Named for the NASCAR Grand National racing series, this car incorporated a much improved 200 hp (150 kW) version of the turbo V6 and cost just US$18,000. This powerplant would continue to be refined and strengthened in 1986 to 235 hp (175 kW) and finally 245 hp (182 kW) in 1987.

Related Topics:
1982 - NASCAR - US$

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

1987 also offered a lightweight WE4 (Turbo T) option which is extremely rare today. Only 1,547 of this variant were produced. The only differences between a WE4 and the base Grand National were interior trim package, rims, exterior badging, and aluminum bumper mounts. The rear spoiler was only available as a dealer installed option.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

By 1985, the Grand National was acquiring a reputation as modern muscle car, but the days of the G-body were numbered. For the final year, 1987, Buick introduced the GNX at a US$11,000 premium. Produced by McLaren/ASC, Buick boasted 275 hp and a very substantial 360 lbf.ft (488 Nm) of torque. Changes made included a special Garrett ceramic-impeller turbocharger connected by a ceramic-coated pipe to a better intercooler. A special computer chip, low-restriction exhaust, and reprogrammed Turbo Hydramatic 200-4R transmission with a custom torque converter and transmission fluid cooler completed the drivetrain 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.

Related Topics:
G-body - 1987 - McLaren - ASC - Garrett - Turbocharger - Intercooler

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Performance of the GNX outpaced the factory's power claims: 0-60 mph (97 km/h) took just 5.3 s with a 13.3 s/104 mph (167 km/h) quarter-mile. According to contemporary sources, these numbers made the GNX the fastest production sedan ever built. This claim is somewhat controversial—the car had two doors but its interior volume and structure made it a sedan rather than a coupe, and just 547 examples were built. GNX #001 is currently owned by Buick Motor Division and sometimes makes appearances at car shows around the US. Although many quicker cars have been built, including a number of quicker modern sedans, its performance was truly impressive for the time. A contemporary Lotus Esprit or Porsche 911 matched the GNX to 60, but the Buick reached the quarter mile nearly a second quicker than either. The muscle cars of the 1960s had the power to beat the GNX, but the tires of the time could not transform this into speed.

Related Topics:
Sedan - Coupe - Lotus Esprit - Porsche 911 - Muscle car - 1960s - Tire

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Famously painted in all black, the Grand Nationals and GNX's were ferocious drag strip competitors and are highly collectible today. The sinister, stealthy appearance coupled with the fact that it was initially released during the height of Star Wars fever earned it the title Darth Vader Car. The Grand National returned briefly to the headlines in 2003, when actor Sean Penn's was stolen with several guns inside.

Related Topics:
Star Wars - Sean Penn

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~