The Buick GNX has long been a sought-after collector car commanding prices in the $250,000 range, but one was just auctioned for a record price that blew all previous sales away.
The 1987 model was a collaboration between Buick and ASC/McLaren that featured a unique version of the 3.8-liter turbocharged V6 from the Buick Grand National that was engineered and tuned to boost its power to from 245 hp and 355 lb-ft to an official 276 hp and 360 lb-ft, though the numbers were surely underrated.
It could be a Corvette in a drag race and was one of the quickest cars in the world. Its base price was $29,290, or about 50% more than a Grand National. Buick planned to sell just 500, but the final tally was 547.
The latest GNX to go up for auction was car #450. It was last sold in 2024 for $200,000 and was listed on Bring a Trailer with just 30 miles on its odometer. When the bidding ended on Sept. 24, it sold for $427,000.
That smashed the previous high of $308,000 paid for a 568-mile car at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction in 2022, which looked like it might be a high water mark for the model as subsequent sales were for much lower amounts. The new sale suggests it has plenty of life left in it.
The GNX was thrust into the popular spotlight in 2024 when Kendrick Lamar named his new album after it, then performed at the 2025 Super Bowl with a custom Grand National on the stage, which may have contributed to raising its profile among collectors.
The sale may have come at an auspicious time for Buick, which is about to introduce a new performance car, according to Automotive News. The as-yet-unnamed model is set to be built on the same platform as the next-generation Cadillac CT5 and Chevrolet Camaro, which are slated to be launched for the 2028 model year.
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It’s not yet clear what the name will be and Buick could go with Regal, Grand National or any number of heritage names instead of GNX. However, it is expected to be four-door this time around, so GNX might not be the most appropriate choice.
But while the GNX is the legend, there is a regular Grand National that is worth more than any of them, including the $427,000 car. The very last Grand National built was sold at the 2022 Barrett-Jackson auction for $550,000. It was signed by Lloyd Reuss, the Buick executive and future GM President who spearheaded the Grand National program, along with members of the factory team and Reuss’ son Mark, who is the current GM President.
3 Comments
The amount of Buick GNX build in 1987 is not 527….the correct numbers of GNX on record was 547 units built by Buick in 1987.
By fmturbo…..Production FactsOriginal Plan: Buick originally intended to build only 500 units.Final Count: Due to high demand and production adjustments, they built 47 extra units, ending with serial number 547.