COSMETIC & INSTRUMENTATION

The exterior of the GNX looks a bit more aggressive than the Grand National. The functional engine louver vents are painted flat black to contrast the glossy body.

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Fender flares that were installed to accommodate the larger tires and give a broader look.

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The three "Grand National" and two "3.8SFI Turbo" emblems are scrapped in favor of two GNX emblems- one on the trunk and one on the front grille. Inside, the "Grand National" emblem on the passenger dash panel is removed in favor of a GNX emblem, followed by the sequence number of the car (1-547).

 

The instrument panel was completely redesigned. The GNX sports six Stewart Warner analog gauges. The speedometer and tachometer are 3-1/2", while the fuel, oil, temp, and boost are 2-1/4". The speedo and boost guages are mechanical. The boost gauge reads 15psi boost and 30" of vacuum (more boost and less vacuum would have made more sense considering the range the car operates in). The IP bezel for the gauges is simply a Grand National piece that is cut and a molded sub-bezel installed. The gauges themselves are attached to a metal frame. They are relatively easy to service because they are standard sizes and installed with hardware like a regular joe might do. The idiot lights are also rearranged, with the turn signals and brights indicator between the speedo and tach. The rest are left of the speedo.

 

 

There are 5 distinguishing markings that help identify a real GNX from a clone, although no doubt each can be forged. These are presented to assist you if you're buying one.

• RPO sticker on the trunk lid. Without exception, the option code "T2L" should be listed. This sticker has the VIN which should always match the VIN on the windshield, the door jamb, the motor, and the transmission.

(intentionally altered)

• The ASC emissions certification sticker

 

• ASC McLaren sticker on the driver's door near the GVW sticker. The GVW sticker also has the VIN.

 

• The word "GNX" stamped in the black body plate in the engine compartment, near the windshield VIN plate.

 

• The intercooler sticker.

 

• The "broadcast sheet" which is often stuffed into one of the doors or behind the back seat. This is the sheet the Buick assembly line used to option the car. Since GNX is actually printed on this sheet, it seems to dispel the myth that they were pulled randomly from the assembly line.

 

There is no special VIN coding for either a Grand National or a GNX. Furthermore, the GNX conversion sequence IS NOT consistent with the VIN sequence. Email me if you need to confirm a VIN/sequence number.