What happened when American car manufacturer Buick flexed its muscles decades after the muscle car heyday? The menacingly powerful Buick Regal Grand National, that’s what.
Every gearhead is a sucker for a magnificent V8 engine. There is just something about that amount of strength beneath the hood of a car. But there is something to be said about a V6 engine, which is what you’ll find the 1985 Buick Regal Grand National possesses.
The secret behind the Regal Grand National’s V6 being able to stand up to a V8 engine is written in one word: “turbo”. Since the Grand National is Buick’s staple muscle car, it only makes sense for it to harness some real gusto. The 1985 Buick Regal Grand National has an appetite for tearing up the streets.
The Buick Regal Grand National from 1985 is truly something special. This model year for the Regal Grand National sets itself apart from prior and later years in a few unique ways. But, you’ll have to stick with us to find out how.
The heritage that Buick bestowed upon the 1985 Regal Grand National comes straight from the glory days of muscle car mania. Looking like something straight out of a Batman comic book, the 1985 Buick Regal Grand National is a car you won’t want to miss out on - because it will soon be worth a fortune.
What Is The Difference Between A Buick Regal And A Grand National?
The Buick Regal entered the market in 1973, and has enjoyed a collective 40 years of production runs. This makes the Buick Regal a true fan favorite! In 1982, Buick introduced the Grand National title for the Buick Regal, named after the NASCAR Winston Cup Grand National Series. With Buick's successful capture of the Manufacturers Cup for both 1981 and 1982, they saw an opportunity to cash in. But what IS a Buick Regal Grand National, anyway?
The 1982 Buick Regal used the Grand National as a package option with a naturally aspirated 252 V6 engine that produced 125 horsepower. With a skipped year of 1983 not having any Grand Nationals, gearheads eagerly awaited their return again in 1984. For the 1985 model year, there were a total of 2,102 units of the Regal Grand Nationals built.
Why You Should Invest In A 1985 Buick Regal Grand National
With only about 5,204 Grand Nationals produced in 1985, this is a car that will only become rarer over time. And every car enthusiast wants a vehicle that is a diamond in both rarity and excitement.
The simplicity of any sort of work you may need to perform on a Grand National makes it a great selling point. Being able to easily source parts and work on a classic car yourself can make ownership much more fun. This can also help resale values if you're ever considering parting with your 1985 Buick Regal Grand National in the future. Not everyone wants a car that needs its engine removed for an oil change (ahem, Ferrari 355...). An ‘85 in need of work can go for less than $20,000, and how simple it can be to work on makes it a great investment.
How Much Is A 1985 Buick Regal Grand National Worth?
Owning a genuine muscle car with an '80s twist doesn't sound like a bad idea. But how much will a 1985 Buick Regal Grand National set you back?
The great news is that 1985 Buick Regal Grand Nationals hold their value extremely well. Currently, the 1985 Grand Nationals are at a solid $55,000 on average, a great increase with its original sticker price of about $12,000. And while the Buick Regal Grand National has appreciated in value, it's still a relatively affordable way to have a slice of muscle car pie.
The 1985 Buick Regal Grand National Brought 1960s Muscle Car Spirit To The 1980s
If you're seeking to take a stab at muscle car ownership with an '80s treasure, the Buick Regal Grand National circa 1985 is for you.
The 1985 Buick Regal Grand Nationals 3.8 liter turbocharged V6 engine produces 200 horsepower. That may not be quite as much as the muscle cars of the 1960s, but what it brought to the public back in the 80s was the spirit of a muscle car.
The secret lies in the turbo, of course. 300 pound feet of torque proved that it could even outdo a Ferrari - at a price that was far more accessible. The 1985 Buick Regal Grand National could get from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a rapid 5.5 seconds, where a 1985 Ferrari 308 GTB Quattrovalvole would need 5.8 seconds to achieve the same speed. Yes, a Buick can outperform a Ferrari in this 1980s universe.
Investing in a muscle car is something any car aficionado should want to do - and a 1985 Buick Regal Grand National is a great way to do just that, with a unique twist.
Sources: Hemmings, Hagerty