Grand National-Inspired: 1987 Buick Regal WE4
General Motors’ mid-size cars were due for an overhaul in 1988 and would shift from rear to front-wheel drive. That meant the 1987 Buick Regal and its variants would be the last of the RWD line, including the all-muscle Grand National. Apparently, Buick tried to squeeze everything they could out of that performance car by introducing a companion, the lesser-known WE4 or Turbo T. The physical differences between the GN and WE4 were few, but the latter used lighter parts and was reported to be the faster car. This well-used example looks good from 20 feet but has some imperfections up close. Located in Rowlett, Texas, this Buick is available here on eBay where the bidding holds at $19,200.
In the Fall of 1986, Buick notified its dealers that the WE4/Turbo T was headed their way. Using some lighter components, the WE4s looked like GNs at first glance, but either the dealers or buyers or both never understood what they were because only 1,547 WE4s were sold in 1987 compared to 20,194 GNs, which was having a banner final year. Mechanically similar to a GN, the WE4 came with a dealer-installed rear spoiler, aluminum “T” wheels instead of GN steel wheels, and an all-gray interior. To reduce weight, other weight-reducing items included bumper braces made of aluminum instead of metal.
The seller’s car is not a garage queen, having logged some 142,000 miles although the Experion AutoCheck provided by the seller seems to disagree. However, the V6 engine and automatic transmission have both been rebuilt and have no more than 2,000 miles on them. The car has also been treated to a mostly new interior, which explains how tidy and inviting the passenger compartment looks. Even the power window motors and door locks are new. The Buick has T-Tops and an aftermarket stereo system, which is said to play well.
A walk-around will reveal more flaws although they don’t stand out in the photos provided. The seller rates the body and paint as a “6” on a scale of “10”. There are chips, scratches, and dings in several places. The driver’s side door has some rust on the lower portions and there is a small dent on the right front fender that should be easy to repair. But the filler panels around the bumpers have been replaced.
When the engine was refurbished, some upgrades were made in the process, such as larger than stock fuel injectors. The fuel system was reworked, including a new gas tank, fuel pump, and fuel sending unit. The list of other under-the-hood items that were updated is provided by the seller. If you’ve been looking for an ’87 Grand National but find them out of your price range, maybe a less-than-perfect WE4/Turbo T might be a good substitute.
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Comments
Having owned a 61k mile example, I can attest to how great these WE4s are. That said, it got so tiring to explain it was a WE4 and not a Grand National at car shows. Hence, the WE4 went to a new home and a Grand National moved into the garage.
Those who know turbo Regals also know the last thing you want on yours is the t-top. These chassis’ are like a soggy noodle when you put the twisty torque to them.
That’s my car! Cool! Thanks for the Write up. Some notes: Auto check Does verify the mileage and it is consistent with the 142k. Ide say its a 10 footer, not a 20. ;) Enjoy! Thanks Again!
Despite the sellers claim that this is a Grand National WE4, it isn’t. A Grand National is a WE2. It absolutely has all the GN engine/performance modifications, but it appears to be a T-Type with the W02 blackout package. If the trunk SPID label was shown, it could be verified. If it is it is a pretty rare car, as the blackout package was dropped relatively early in the production year. It was rumored Buick dropped the option due to the GN owners complaining it looked too much like the GN’s. They are a fraction faster than a GN due to the weight reduction of the aluminum wheels and the aluminum bumper supports. The only other differences between the two are emblems and the seat/headrest upholstery. All that being said, this is a nice car. Not a fan of T-Tops, but at least this car has the additional aftermarket bracing behind the rear seat that helps greatly to restore some of the structural rigidity lost with the cut roof pillars. There is other bracing used on similar G-bodies that can also address the structure concerns. It will be interesting to see the final price, I like it! Note to seller: post a photo of the trunk SPID sticker, it is nearly as important as a PHS or MARTI report!
Perhaps read, and research first. This is my car. It is a WE4 – Turbo T. So you’re wrong there. Yes the trunk label says “WE4” and “W02”. So your wrong there too. In 1986 they were called T-types and had the like badging. In 1987, all non Grand National turbo Regals were Turbo T. Not t type. Ebay has no option for sub models for Non-grand nationals unless you list it as a regular regal. Its clearly defined as a WE4 thereafter. HAHA. Also, EvilBay only allows 24 pictures. My number is clearly listed twice for anyone serious to contact with any questions, more pics, and videos. Heres the google photo link to everything for anyone interested. Thanks!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/LsiZgzKjCufXvHuZ9
What I said was it is not a “Grand National WE4” WE4, yes, but it is not a Grand National. I also said it appears to be a W02, and you just now confirmed. Not sure how that qualifies as “so you’re wrong there too” My bad on the T-type and Turbo T, maybe it’s brain fog at 70 years of age. I also I thought I was quite generous describing what I saw and that I liked the car! I’ve had several 87 GN’s for what it’s worth. Good luck with the sale!
All good info and true. We had one that was my wife’s daily summer driver. Imagine getting your doors blown off at a stoplight in your Corvette by a Buick with two car seats in the back. It happened!
Great car, wish we still had it. Sold it in ‘90 to buy our first house. Currently have a dark gray ‘87 Turbo T
GN owners problem if they only bought the cars for investments. The T Types were better looking and a better deal for those of us who actually drive their cars.
Grant, I agree. I loved the look of the T Types better, chrome bumpers and lots of color options.
Make mine sleeper gold.
Gold w column shift ✨️
The Mileage mark on AutoCheck was due to someone checking the exceeds mechanical limits box at some point…..was a pretty common occurrence while the switch to 6 digit odometers became the norm