By the late 1970s, American performance cars were in retreat, stifled by tightening emissions and safety regulations. Buick, once known for the thunderous 1970 GSX, had drifted into the realm of quiet luxury until Darrell Waltrip’s back-to-back NASCAR victories in a Buick Regal reignited interest in the brand’s performance potential.

Introduced in 1982 as a mild appearance package, by 1984 the Grand National evolved into a serious performer with a turbocharged V-6, aluminum wheels, and all-black exterior. With rear-wheel drive set to disappear from Buick’s lineup after 1987, chief engineer Dave Sharpe sought to close the Grand National chapter with authority. The result was the GNX, or Grand National Experiment, a no-holds-barred offering developed in partnership with ASC McLaren. The GNX featured a specially tuned Garrett turbocharger, ceramic impeller, upgraded intercooler, revised engine management, and freer-flowing exhaust, yielding over 275 horsepower and 360 pounds-feet of torque, while a reinforced transmission, wider tires mounted to mesh wheels, and a retuned suspension gave it tenacious grip and formidable street presence. Originally slated for just 200 units, overwhelming demand saw GNX production rise to 547.

Offered here is GNX serial number 035, an exceptionally rare and historically significant example of the legendary 547 cars produced. Delivered new through Zubor Motors of Lincoln Park, Michigan, this GNX was first sold to Lindsey Hopkins III, son of legendary IndyCar team owner Lindsey Hopkins Jr. According to the GNX Registry, this car is one of just three known examples equipped with a power moonroof installed by ASC McLaren, with the other two delivered to ASC founder Heinz Prechter and hotel magnate Richard Marriott.

Outfitted with premium Regal features such as cruise control, a six-way power seat, and a Delco Concert Sound stereo, this GNX is accompanied by its original window sticker and sales agreement, which note the ASC McLaren-installed moonroof. It also includes the correctly numbered Garrett turbocharger, owner’s manuals, warranty booklet signed by NASCAR legend Bobby Allison, GNX Registry correspondence, ownership history, and extensive service records dating from new. At cataloguing time, GNX 035 displayed just over 48,101 miles.

With its motorsport pedigree, ultra-rare ASC McLaren-installed moonroof, and rising appreciation from a new generation of enthusiasts, this well-preserved and documented Buick GNX is certainly among the most sought-after performance icons of the 1980s.