The Grand National to end all Grand Nationals signaled the end of GM G-Body (Cutlass, Regal, Monte Carlo) production and has a starring role in BLACK AIR, The Buick Grand National Documentary.
Owned by Buick-Chevrolet-GMC Truck dealer Bob Colvin in Springhill, LA, the actual last production Regal Grand National (Vin #...465288) was built on December 11,1987, a few months into Buick’s 1988 model year. When Buick announced the special ultra-high-performance Grand National GNX, they also let the word out that the 245-horsepower ‘87 Grand National, known for its blistering performance and, like Ford’s Model T, available ”in any color, as long as it’s black,” would be the last of the line.
The menacing monochromatic turbocharged & intercooled GN had run its course and rear-wheel-drive was about to become an endangered species! Interest in the GN soared and Buick responded with a commitment not to limit production and build as many Grand Nationals as they could. Whereas GN production in 1982, 1984, 1985 and 1986 averaged approximately 2,500 units per year, the1987 GN finished its run at 20,193, approximately eight times the average! Additionally, Buick built 1,547 T-Type Regals with GN powertrains and 547 limited edition ultra-high-performance GNXs.
“Even though I had campaigned vigorously for the last GN, I was fully prepared to settle for the last “retail sale” GN, not the actual last built. Buick and General Motors had retained GNX #001 and #500 and I was told that Buick was going to keep the last production GN. Much to my surprise that did not happen and our request was honored,” said, Colvin, a second-generation Buick dealer and performance car enthusiast.
When the last Grand National came off the line it showcased a plethora of mechanical parts signed by final-line workers, including a special time and date stamped window sticker. An additional GM emblem was installed on its header panel to distinguish it as the last built. Bob Colvin, wife Charlotte and son Matt followed the car down the Final Assembly line, documenting every stage of the build process.
“We chose Bob Colvin’s GN for our movie poster and a staring role in BLACK AIR because of its historical significance to Buick GN owners, as well as muscle car enthusiasts regardless of brand loyalty,” said filmmaker Andrew Filippone Jr.
Colvin’s ’87 Grand National, arguably the most documented of any GN or GNX, is displayed in its own temperature-controlled room at Springhill Motor Company, surrounded by memorabilia from its build at the long gone Pontiac plant. It has accumulated just 14 miles since rolling off the assembly line on December 11, 1987. Twenty-five years to the day - December 11, 2012 - Filippone, below, who respectfully tags the Grand National and GNX, “strange & curious misfits”, will release BLACK AIR.
For more information about BLACK AIR: The Buick Grand National Documentary, please visit http://gnmovie.com/
Andrew Filippone Jr.’s film portfolio can be seen at http://www.steveisnothappy.com
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