Last Grand National Ever Built to Sell at Barrett-Jackson
Final Grand National includes hand-drawn signs, autographs from Buick assembly plant employees, and a pristine chassis with only 33 miles.
The iconic Buick Grand National is a cult classic with diehard fans that still keep these cars in pristine condition to this day. The icon of the Chevy G body lineup was ahead of its time. While a turbocharged engine is nothing to turn your head for in the modern era, in the 80s, it was a bold play for an American automaker. This is especially true when it’s replacing an All-American V8. However, the Grand National’s turbocharged V6 buried any other G body cars with a V8 powerplant with figures up to 276 horsepower. Despite the lovers and cult followers of the car, it wasn’t exactly selling like hotcakes. In its final model year, 1987, only 27,590 were sold. That’s a far cry from the Camaro’s 1987 sales figure of over 137,000.
So, with the end of its production came the final Grand National ever built, naturally. Now, the final Grand National is looking for a new home. Bidders will have the chance to buy this car at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2022 auction in a few weeks. Mark your calendars for January 22nd-30th! This gorgeous time capsule comes with a fantastic story and only 33 miles. If you’ve got the means, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to own this piece of GM history!
Buick Employees Sign Final Grand National
Jalopnik did a deep dive on the history of this car that really gives it an amazing story. According to Streeter’s article, a Buick dealer owner named Bob Colvin had sold between 30 and 40 Grand Nationals and wanted one to keep and save. He initially saved a GNX model. However, he ultimately decided he wanted to have the final Grand National. After a call to the then CEO of GM Roger Smith, Colvin landed himself the very last Grand National.
Built on December 11th, 1987, the final Grand National was signed by Buick employees all over the engine and undercarriage as it made its way down the assembly line. Additionally, employees graced it with hand-made signs reading “Built by the Best” and “It’s Over.” Amazingly, Colvin preserved these signs, which are included in the sale. This car carries the emotion of the employees who built it because the final Grand National was also the final car built at this plant. December 11th, 1987, was also the final day of employment for some. Amazingly, the assembly and emotional finalization of the Grand National was all caught on video.
Perfectly Preserved Piece of History
Colvin kept the car quite literally in a bedroom for all of this time. As a result, it is as perfect as it could possibly be. It even still wears the original plastic on the interior pieces.
It’s hard to put an exact number on this remarkable classic. However, we wouldn’t at all be surprised to see it surpass the $250,000 mark. We’ll definitely be watching to see how it does come the end of January!
Photos: Barrett Jackson
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