Image of 1987 Buick Regal, sourced from www.americanmusclecarmuseum.com , Image Link.

1987 Buick Regal: A Blend of Luxury and Performance

The 1987 Buick Regal stands as a testament to an era when American automakers struck a balance between luxury and performance. Born from the stables of General Motors, the Regal was Buick's answer to the growing demand for personal luxury coupes. This model year was particularly significant as it marked the end of the Regal's fourth generation, a period that saw the nameplate evolve with sharper designs and more potent powertrains. Among its most notable moments was its association with NASCAR, where it enjoyed considerable success, cementing its legacy in American automotive culture.

Design and Innovation

The exterior of the 1987 Buick Regal exuded a sense of refined aggression, with its aerodynamic lines and signature sloping rear deck. The chrome accents and distinctive grille provided an air of sophistication that was unmistakably Buick. Inside, occupants were greeted with plush seating and an array of amenities that showcased GM's commitment to comfort. Materials ranged from durable fabrics to premium leather, depending on the trim level. Technologically, the Regal featured advancements such as electronic climate control and a premium sound system for its time. Color options varied widely, but shades like Dark Cherry Metallic and Light Sage Metallic were among the favorites. The most iconic body style was undoubtedly the two-door coupe, especially in Grand National and GNX trims which are revered by enthusiasts to this day.

Historical Significance

The 1987 Buick Regal carved its niche by offering a unique blend of American luxury and sports car-like performance. It stood out with features such as the turbocharged V6 engine in the Grand National models, which rivaled V8s for power while maintaining better efficiency. This model year closed a chapter in automotive design that prioritized personal expression through one's vehicle choice, influencing future designs that would continue to balance performance with luxury.

Performance and Handling

Performance-wise, the 1987 Regal could vary significantly from a sedate cruiser to a muscle-bound beast. The standard models offered adequate power for daily driving, but it was the turbocharged Grand National that truly shone with acceleration times from 0-60 mph in under 6 seconds—a remarkable feat for its time. Handling was composed for a car of its size, absorbing road imperfections while providing enough feedback to make spirited driving enjoyable. The engine's low rumble and turbo whine were music to enthusiasts' ears, while the well-tuned suspension allowed drivers to feel connected to the road without compromising on comfort.

Ownership Experience

Owners of the 1987 Buick Regal typically used their vehicles for daily commuting or weekend cruising. However, models like the Grand National often found their way into showrooms or drag strips due to their performance pedigree. Maintenance on these vehicles is relatively straightforward thanks to their conventional design and wide availability of parts. Reliability is generally good, though turbocharged models require more attention due to their complexity.

Fun Facts

The 1987 Buick Regal has its share of trivia; perhaps most notably, the GNX version is often dubbed "the Darth Vader car" due to its all-black exterior. Celebrity ownerships have included big names who appreciate its blend of stealthy looks and robust performance. While not known for setting outright speed records, it held its own in terms of sales success and street credibility.

Collector's Information

Today, values for the 1987 Buick Regal can vary widely with standard models fetching modest sums while limited editions like the GNX command six-figure prices at auction due to their rarity—only 547 GNX models were ever produced. The market has seen these vehicles appreciating over time as nostalgia fuels demand among collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Conclusion

The 1987 Buick Regal remains an iconic piece of American automotive history that bridged luxury comfort with exciting performance capabilities. Its legacy endures among collectors who value its unique position in an era defined by excess and innovation. Whether cruising down boulevards or parked at car shows, this classic continues to turn heads and spark conversations about a golden age of personal luxury coupes.

1987 Buick Regal Rear Suspension Bushing. Each-BC 202Rear Suspension Bushing. Each

1987 Buick Regal Automatic brake pedal pad fits '78-88 GM A, Spec A, G Body-CB 101-DCB 101-D replaces the automatic brake pedal pad on many 1978-1988 General Motors A, Spec A and G body models. Also fits many 1982-1991 GM J, L, N and P body models. 4-1/2" wide X 2-1/2" long. Each

1987 Buick Regal Hood and cowl seal-CS 13-GHood and cowl seal. Fits '78-'88 GM A-body, A-Special (A-SPEC) and G-body 2-door hardtop coupes with rear wheel drive (RWD). Dual-durometer extrusion with flexible metal core. Easy to install; fits over pinchweld. Replaces OEM# 20255857 and 25505704. Made in the USA. Each.

1987 Buick Regal T-top Side Seals. Each piece 25" long. Pair-ELP 5020T-top Side Seals. Each piece 25" long. Pair

1987 Buick Regal Auxiliary T-Top Sealing Strips-ELP 5020-BAuxiliary T-Top Sealing Strips. For models with factory t-top option. 51" in length per side, adhesive tape backing. Replaces OEM #20139617. Pair

1987 Buick Regal Trunk Seal (Imported). Made with steel cores-IS-MW00101Trunk Seal (Imported). Made with steel cores. 1-3/8" X 3/4" X 17'. Each

1987 Buick Regal Molded Door Seals. 2-door coupe-LM 16-JRMolded Door Seals. 2-door coupe. Replaces OEM part numbers 20201220/1. Pair. R&L.

1987 Buick Regal Lower Door Sill Seal, 78-88 GM G Body 2 Doors, Pair-LM 16-JSLower Door Sill Seal, 78-88 GM G Body 2 Doors, Pair. Replaces OEM # 20376226. These seals fit in between the panel and the lower part of the doors.

1987 Buick Regal Trunk Liner. Loose weave, jet black. 50" wide-M 30Trunk Liner. Loose weave, jet black. 50" wide. Sold by the foot

1987 Buick Regal Trunk seal-MW00101Trunk seal. Also replaces '75-'79 Buick Skylark hatchback seal. Made with steel cores. 1-3/8 in. x 3/4 in. x 17 ft. L. Each.

1987 Buick Regal Basic kit. ’71-’87 Buick Regal 2-door coupe-RKB 1900-101Basic kit. '71-'87 Buick Regal 2-door coupe. Door (LM 16-JR), roof-rail (RR 5020-M) and trunk (MW00101) seals. 5-piece set.

1987 Buick Regal Basic kit-RKB 1900-117Basic kit. '81-'87 Buick Regal, '81-'88 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 2-door coupes with T-top roof option. Door (LM 16-JR), T-top main body (TP 5020), T-top side panels (ELP 5020) and trunk (MW00101) seals. 7-piece set.

1987 Buick Regal Molded Roof Rail Seals, for 2-Door Hardtop. Pair R&L-RR 5020-MMolded Roof Rail Seals, for 2-Door Hardtop. Pair R&L

1987 Buick Regal Glove Box Bumper. Each-SB 78-AGlove Box Bumper. Each

1987 Buick Regal T-Top to Body Seals. Fits models with factory T-top option-TP 5020T-Top to Body Seals. Fits models with factory T-top option. Replaces OEM #20211820/20211821. For matching T-Top Side Rail Seals, see ELP 5020. Pair

1987 Buick Regal Window sweeper kit. ’82-’87 Buick Regal-WC 1800-20Window sweeper kit. '82-'87 Buick Regal. Left and right inner and outer sweeps with black bead, without reveal moldings. Replaces OEM#'s 20363106/7 and 20674280/1. 4-piece set.