Period Pinstripe: 1987 Buick Regal Grand National Slick Top – Sold?

Feb 2021 | Craigslist ClassiFINDS, Free For All Friday

February 25, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

A Buick Grand National was the car I really wanted to buy myself as a graduation present to myself for getting through engineering school.  Unfortunately, the stars were not aligned as 1987 was the final year for Buick’s G-Body Grand National and at that point, I still had another year of school to go.  Alas, I settled for a new ’87 Plymouth Colt for $6,700 as $17,000 for a new Grand National was well beyond my means.  Had the stars been aligned, I would have ordered a model very similar to this 1987 example originally posted on Craigslist in February 2021 in Cheektowaga, New York (Buffalo) with only 15,300 original miles the current caretaker has listed for $39,500 firm. Interestingly, $17,000 in 1987 dollars is equivalent to roughly $40,000 today, so it’s a great example of a car eschewing its depreciation curve.  A check of the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the second owner has their Grand National priced between this guide’s current #3 “Good” estimate of $28,900 and its #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $42,000. so we agree with his comment he won’t entertain low ball offers as he won’t have to.

While this two-owner, adult-driven GN is reported to only need an A/C recharge (rarely is that the only thing needed and you’ll have to convert it 134a) and the wiper squirts repaired, we’re debating whether we would remove the subtle, period-correct lower beltline pinstripe.  While the Buick purists at most car shows would likely scoff at it, the RADwood crowd would definitely give the thumbs up for keeping it in place.  What would you do? Comment below and let us know!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1987 Buick Grand National 15,300 original miles new tires, new stainless Magnaflow exhaust all fluids have been changed I am the second owner car has been garage kept its whole life it also has been adult driven a/c needs to be recharged and wiper squirts don’t work other than that the car is in excellent shape. Price is $39,500 FIRM no low ball offers and don’t need help selling it. I don’t need to sell it I want to sell it. If you call and I don’t answer please leave a message and I will return your call as soon as possible Thanks for looking”

Stay or go: What would you do with the custom period side stripe on this Grand National?  Comment below and let us know!

1 Comment
  1. Period Pinstripe: 1987 Buick Regal Grand National Slick Top – Sold?

    I would leave the pin striping……….once removed you would probably still see the shadow of it.
    Probably burned into the black paint and a re-spray would more than likely be needed.

    Reply

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