A prime example of a well-preserved classic car recently emerged from auctions: a 1987 Buick GNX boasting a remarkably low odometer reading.
This particular treasure, having only accumulated 282 miles throughout its existence, had been meticulously stored away since it left the showroom floor. This strategic decision by the original owner ultimately paid off handsomely, as the GNX commanded a staggering price at auction. But this isn’t a singular story.
The collector car market has witnessed a noteworthy influx of low-mileage GNX models in recent years. From 2022 to 2024, over 40 such examples have crossed the auction block, with the average selling price exceeding a significant $170,000.
These trends highlight the growing appreciation for the Buick GNX and its status as a valuable collector’s item. Unlike a forgotten relic languishing in a barn, this particular GNX enjoyed the relative comfort of a garage.
However, time wasn’t entirely kind, leaving a layer of dust both inside and out. Though a far cry from the state of a typical barn find, the car was nowhere near the showroom floor finish its owner envisioned.
To meticulously return the GNX to its past brilliance, a thorough cleaning process was essential, particularly since the desired outcome was a flawless, just-off-the-lot appearance. While the cleaning sequence might not provide the same level of dramatic satisfaction found in many car detailing videos, the result is undeniably stunning.
A collector’s dream, the Buick GNX wasn’t your average unassuming sedan. This muscle car emerged in 1987, the final year of the second-generation Buick Regal’s production run, and marked the pinnacle of the Grand National lineage.
Teaming up with McLaren Performance Technologies/ASC, Buick crafted a limited-edition powerhouse. Though officially rated at 276 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque from its turbocharged 3.8-liter V6, rumors swirled that Buick downplayed the engine’s true potential, suggesting it could unleash closer to 300 horses and 420 lb-ft of torque.