I say it started life as a regular Regal....(just like the seller is advertising it) Article on BarnFinds.com: Apr 20, 2023 Monster Grand National: 1986 Buick Regal 4×4 Why, why, why? It’s that age-old question, just because you can do something, doesn’t mean that you should.And here’s a case in point, a 1986 Buick Regal 4X4. While it’s easy to appreciate the planning and mechanical skills necessary to construct such a concoction, it’s the motivation to do so that is often fleeting. And that being the case, let’s examine this Buick extravert and see what we can figure out about that motivational factor. Syracuse, New York is where this 4X4 resides. It’s available, here on Facebook Marketplace for $6,500. When one thinks of an ’80s Buick Regal, the fabulous, sinister-looking, and fast Grand National is what comes to mind. Based on the T-Type, it’s that powerful turbocharged version that continues to ring the register on classic car auction sites. It was a bit of an anomaly, coming from staid Buick at a time when performance had floundered away, thanks in part, to so many gubmint finger-waggin’ rules. Besides the T-Type/Grand National, there was a Regal Limited and just a regular old Regal – all were two-door coupes. Our subject car wears the Grand National black-out treatment but hopefully, that’s not how this Regal started life – that would be a travesty! This was likely a lesser model that’s been finished out to look like the GN – we’d need the VIN to know with certainty. Besides the T-Type/GN turbocharged Buick 3.8 liter V6, Regal offered a carburated version of that same engine along with a boat anchor powerplant in the form of an Oldsmobile 5.0 liter (307 CI ) V8 engine. As to which this Regal originally employed is unknown, and probably irrelevant as it’s now sporting a Chevrolet 350 CI small-block V8. What modifications this bowtie has experienced is unsaid and therefore, unknown. It appears to be wearing an aluminum intake manifold, topped with an open-element air cleaner, and is possibly exhaling through headers. The seller advises, “Just put (a) brand new carb on and all electronics runs good on road now“. An automatic transmission is in place but which one (lots of available GM varieties), is not disclosed. Whichever it is, it’s connected to a transfer case for four-wheel operation. Unfortunately, no drivetrain specifics are referenced anywhere in the listing but it all looks to have been well executed. Back to the exterior, it’s in pretty good shape. Other than its obvious off-road bearing, the body, along with its original bumpers and trim, looks like a regular old black Regal – except, of course, for that cowl-induction hood scoop which seems to be de rigueur these days for so many home-built hotrods. The finish is strong and there’s no sign of off-road, mayhem-induced damage. Unfortunately, there are no interior views offered. The seller tells us, “I’ve gotten a tremendous amount of replies and didn’t know there were so many joe dirt relatives on market place“. I’m not sure if that’s really the case, or just an attempt to bolster perceived demand, and therefore the $6,500 asking price – I suppose it could be either or a mix of both. There’s not much else I can offer other than to say GLWTS.
